Fleas can make both pets and humans miserable with their prolific, itchy bites. They can also transmit disease, so they’re a pest you definitely don’t want around.

Keep Pets Indoors

Cats and dogs often pick up fleas from outside, where wildlife such as mice, rats, squirrels, raccoons, skunks, bats and birds carry them around. If you keep Fido and Fluffy indoors as much as possible, they’re less likely to pick up fleas from wild critters and bring the biting pests into your home.

Vacuum Carpet Every Day

The best way to keep a flea infestation from happening indoors is to vacuum your rugs and carpet every day. The vacuum will remove all life stages of fleas — eggs, larvae and adults.

Fleas can also take up residence in upholstered furniture. So while you have the vacuum out, don’t forget to clean couches and chairs, too. Take the cushions off and vacuum underneath them.

Steam Clean Carpet

The hot steam and soap used in a steam cleaner for carpet can kill fleas in all life cycle states. You might have a home version or you can rent one from the grocery store. Be sure to pay particular attention to areas where your pets sleep.

Wash All Bedding

Wash everything in hot water.Toss both your bedding and your pet's bedding in it the washer and then dry it on high heat.

Bathe the Pets

Keep your pets clean and free of adult lice by bathing them regularly with a mild soap or shampoo. If your vet approves or recommends it, you can use a medicated shampoo, but regular soap will kill adult fleas.

Use a flea comb

Between shampoos, you can use a specially designed flea comb to pull through your pet’s fur and remove fleas. Pay particular attention to the neck and tail areas, which is where fleas tend to congregate. Drop the fleas into hot, soapy water as you pull them out.