Excel Pest Services specialises in effective and environmentally responsible pest control. We have been in the industry for over 3 decades and help homeowners protect their property from unwanted pesky pests. Our pest control experts provide a variety of pest removal services including professional flea extermination services that are designed to remove infestations and prevent future problems.
If you are making the big move into a new home with pests, it is vital that you take proactive measures to prevent flea infestations before they start. Fleas are renowned for spreading quickly and creating problems for both pets and humans. With this in mind, we have put together this guide to help new homeowners understand how to get rid of fleas, identify possible risks and take preventative measures to ensure a home that is flea-free!
Let’s take a closer look.
Why New Homeowners Should Be Proactive About Flea Prevention
A lot of people believe that fleas are only a problem if they are noticed on their pets, however, fleas can actually be present in your new home well before you move in. For example, if the previous homeowners had pets, it's possible that flea eggs, pupae are hidden in carpets, upholstery, floorboards, and even air vents. These fleas are dormant but can hatch when they sense movement or body heat which leads to an immediate infestation. Just the simple act of moving into the home, vacuuming, or unpacking boxes can disturb flea eggs and trigger their rapid development.
It’s important to note that even if your pets do not currently have fleas, they can pick them up during travel, at parks, kennels, or in transit while moving. And once inside your home after being picked up on the outside - fleas will reproduce rapidly. One flea can lay up to 50 eggs per day which means that within a few weeks your home could be overrun with these tiny but mighty pests. We use the term mighty because fleas can cause significant damage - from discomfort, and itching to allergic reactions and even skin infections for both humans and pets. Fleas can also carry diseases and tapeworms which makes it even more important to stop them before they take hold of your new home.
This is why being proactive matters. So, where do you begin?
How to Check for Fleas in Your New Home Before Moving In
Before bringing your belongings and pets into your new home, it is vital to check for fleas in order to prevent an infestation and long term damage. Begin by inspecting carpets and rugs, as fleas often burrow deep in fibers. You can do this by walking across the carpet wearing white socks. If fleas are present, you are likely to notice small black specks jumping onto the fabric. A flashlight can also help highlight flea dirt, which will appear as tiny black specks resembling ground pepper.
The next step is to check pet-related areas, this refers to checking locations in the home where previous pets may have spent time. Flea eggs and larvae may be hidden in cracks between floorboards, under furniture, or in soft furnishings. Using a fine-toothed flea comb or sticky lint roller can help detect flea dirt (as mentioned above) in these areas.
Also make sure to take a close look at upholstered furniture. Sofas, chairs, and mattresses can all harbor fleas in their seams and crevices. If your new home came with furniture then it is important to run a flea comb over the fabric to check for live fleas or eggs. Remember that even if the furniture looks clean, fleas can still be hiding inside.
Outdoor areas should also be inspected, especially gardens, shaded spots, and under porches. This is because fleas thrive in damp, cool environments. If any fleas are detected, it's best to treat the home before moving in.
For professional inspections and extermination, check out our Flea Extermination Services.
How to Keep Fleas Out of Your Home When Moving with Pets
As stated previously, one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is bringing fleas into their new home without even realizing it. In order to prevent this, your pets must be treated before the big move.
Give them a bath with vet-approved flea shampoo at least 24 hours before you move into your new property. This will help eliminate any existing fleas or eggs on their fur. After bathing your pets you can apply a flea preventative treatment, such as a flea collar, oral medication, or topical spot-on treatment. These measures will continue to repel fleas during the transition.
Cleaning your pet’s belongings is just as important. Wash all bedding, blankets, and plush toys in hot water to kill any fleas or eggs. Hard-surfaced items like carriers, crates, and scratching posts should be vacuumed and wiped down with flea spray.
Before packing, inspect all furniture, rugs, and soft materials for signs of fleas. If possible, steam clean carpets, upholstery, and mattresses before moving them into your new home. Fleas cannot survive extreme heat, so this is an effective natural method of removing any hidden pests.
For more flea prevention tips for pets, visit A Pet Owner’s Guide to Fleas.
How to Get Rid of Fleas in Your Home if You Find Them
If fleas are present in your home then you need to act quickly. The first step is to vacuum thoroughly. This should be done daily and you should focus your efforts on carpets, rugs, pet bedding, furniture, and baseboards. Flea eggs and larvae are often hidden in these areas, so frequent vacuuming will help interrupt their life cycle. After vacuuming it's time to dispose of the vacuum bag or empty the canister outside in order to prevent fleas from reinfesting your home.
Washing all fabrics in hot water is crucial. This includes pet bedding, human bedding, blankets, curtains, and clothing that may have been exposed. Fleas cannot survive temperatures above 140°F, so drying on high heat will eliminate any remaining pests.
For chemical treatments, use flea sprays or foggers in problem areas. Flea-specific insecticides can target eggs, larvae, and adult fleas. If you prefer natural remedies, diatomaceous earth is a non-toxic powder that dehydrates and kills fleas when sprinkled onto carpets and furniture. However, severe infestations may require professional extermination to ensure all fleas are eradicated.
For more information, check Signs of a Flea Infestation.
Long-Term Flea Prevention Tips for New Homeowners
Keeping your home flea-free requires consistent prevention measures. The most important step is routine flea treatments for pets, as they serve as the first line of defense. Even if your pets are strictly indoors, fleas can still enter your home through clothing, furniture, or visitors’ pets.
Regular vacuuming and deep cleaning help prevent flea infestations from developing. Pay special attention to carpets, pet areas, and upholstered furniture. Reducing clutter and sealing cracks in walls and baseboards removes potential hiding spots for fleas.
For homeowners with outdoor spaces, yard maintenance is key. Trim grass, remove leaf piles, and prevent stray animals from entering your yard. Fleas often spread through wildlife like raccoons and rodents, so discouraging these pests helps keep fleas at bay.
A Flea-Free Fresh Start in Your New Home
Moving with pets doesn’t have to come with the stress of fleas. By inspecting your home before moving in, treating pets, and maintaining a clean environment, you can successfully prevent flea infestations and create a safe, comfortable home for your family.
For the most effective flea control, Excel Pest Services offers expert flea extermination to eliminate infestations and prevent them from returning.
Our team provides customized treatments that target fleas at every stage of their lifecycle, ensuring long-lasting results.
Contact Excel Pest Services today for professional flea removal and prevention solution
