What do I need to do to prepare for a Flea Treatment?

Flea Treatment Preparation

PRE-TREATMENT CHECKLIST:

  • Clear all floor surfaces, including items on closet floors, under beds, and furniture.
  • On the day of the treatment, vacuum your carpets, rugs, drapes, and furniture, including under cushions of upholstered furniture. Vacuum wood and tile floors with special attention to grooves and cracks. This will remove any loose flea eggs, pupae, and larvae. Pay special attention to wall/floor junctures and all areas frequented by pets.
  • Seal vacuum bag in a plastic bag and dispose of the bag outside in a covered receptacle.
  • Mop any tile, vinyl or wood flooring after vacuuming.
  • Be sure to clean thoroughly all areas frequented by cats, i.e. table tops, window sills, etc.
  • Remove pet food and bowls from the floor, remove litter boxes.
  • Clean the pet’s bedding the day of the treatment to remove fleas.
  • Remove all bedding and launder the day of the treatment in the hottest water the fabrics can tolerate.
  • Clean basement and garage floors with soap and water if pet spends time in these areas. Pay particular attention to wall/floor junctures.
  • Clean areas around dog houses and other outside areas where pets have access. (Maximum effectiveness of treatment will be achieved if the lawn is cut prior to treatment).
  • Cover aquariums and turn off air pump (freshwater fish only).
  • Close all windows and doors.
  • Turn off ceiling fans before treatment, also change your thermostat about 2 degrees just so the a/c heat will not come on during treatment. This will allow your home to stay comfortable.

DURING TREATMENT:

  • Remove all pets during treatment. Do not let pets return home until after treatment dries.
  • Pets must be professionally treated or dipped the same day as the flea treatment.
  • Leave the house for at least 3 hours or until the sprayed areas are completely dry.

POST TREATMENT:

  • Ventilate by opening doors and windows.
  • Clean all countertops, tables, pet dishes and any food processing surfaces.
  • Turn on aquarium aerators.
  • Do NOT clean the carpet or floors with detergents or cleaners for at least two weeks. Doing so can result in removal of the residual effects the chemicals are meant to have on remaining fleas or eggs that may hatch in the next few weeks.
  • In 10 to 14 days, place a white cloth on the floor where most of the flea activity was present. If many fleas are noted, please call AB-Con to re-treat these areas.

NOTE: It is common to see a few fleas for up to 2 weeks after treatment. These are adult fleas which are emerging from their cocoons. They should not reproduce and should be killed in a few days after contacting the residual insecticide.

TO AVOID FUTURE INFESTATIONS:

  • Be sure to keep your pet(s) on long-term flea control medication, best chosen by your pets’ veterinarian.
  • Thoroughly vacuum the home every day for at least two weeks. Be sure to dispose of the bag after each vacuuming in an exterior trash bin.