Fleas can lay eggs both outdoors and indoors and can survive in a larval stage for up to a year without food. Favorite inside sites include carpeting, upholstery and areas where pets sleep.

To control fleas effectively, use a two-stage approach consisting of (1) preparation for treatment and (2) application of proven flea control products.

Preparation

• Wash all pet bedding in hot water and remove all pets from your home before you begin treatment.
• Clean your home thoroughly prior to applying flea control products since cleaning after application can dramatically reduce effectiveness. Vacuum all carpeting and mop all wood or tile floors, then dispose of the vacuum bag immediately. Be especially attentive to areas where pet's sleep or rest. Be sure to clean under furniture, in cracks and crevices, along walls and in closets. 

Treatment

• Treat your pet with an approved flea killer every few days if your dog or cat spends time outdoors. Also, treat your pet immediately whenever you see it itching from flea bites.
• Treat every room in your home. Pre-adult fleas (larvae and pupae) hide in carpets and furniture until they become biting adults. To eliminate them, treat the entire house with an approved flea and tick control product according to the package instructions.
• Treat your yard with an approved flea control pesticide. Treat the whole yard first, then treat a six to ten foot band around the foundation of your home to prevent access through doors, basement windows, foundation cracks, etc. Don't forget to spray kennels and dog houses.

Cases of severe infestation may require a follow-up treatment, which should be done 14 days after the initial treatment. After the follow-up treatment, it's advisable to retreat your pets, home and yard every three to four months until you're absolutely confident that the fleas have fled. For best results, avoid using detergents to clean carpets, floors and treated furniture for as long as possible after treatment as the detergent may wash away the insecticide that breaks the flea life-cycle.