Ninja-like, disease-carrying, blood-sucking creatures. Sound like something from a horror movie? Guess again. It’s only fleas. That’s right, those pesky bugs Fido keeps bringing inside cause more than just itchy skin. And once fleas make their way indoors, it becomes your number-one priority to get rid of them. Luckily, we know how to stop an infestation in its tracks.

Keep reading if you want to know how to get rid of fleas in the house fast.

Fleas are tiny. Each is only a few millimeters long. Even if you manage to find a flea, catching one is another ballgame. Fleas can jump a staggering 12 inches into the air! Luckily, once you know their favorite hiding places, it’s easier to track and get rid of them.

Here’s where you should look:

Deep cleaning is one of the best ways to reduce unwelcome flea infestations. Regular vacuuming will help pull both adults and eggs out of the carpet. Washing bedding in hot water will kill any nesting fleas.

Keep your eyes open for signs of a flea infestation. If you have pets, you may find traces of blood near their bed or favorite hangout spots. Trails of “dirt” may be flea feces. That’s right—insect poop. Use a flea comb to remove any live bugs. But be aware. Picking off fleas is just as tricky as removing a tick from a dog.

There’s never just one flea. The moment you notice a high-hopping, fast-moving bug scurrying across your pet’s fur, assume there are thousands more of them. But, it takes more than just a can of bug spray to get rid of them. And any fleas in the house will continue to multiply until you get rid of every single one.

Why are fleas so much more challenging than other types of insects? Tackling a full-blown flea infestation requires several different treatments along with maintenance care. These critters have a unique life cycle: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. You need a variety of approaches to target fleas during each stage. And if that isn’t enough to give you a case of the heebie-jeebies, a female flea can lay around 40 eggs every day of her life! It’s a non-stop circle of life (and not the heart-warming kind like in The Lion King ).

When it comes to treating a flea infestation, consistency is key. Be warned, however, it may take several weeks and multiple treatments to fully eradicate them. Once you’re in the clear, be sure to schedule preventative treatments to keep them away.

The last thing your pet wants is a colony of fleas feasting on them. Not only do they cause incessant itching, but fleas can also transmit diseases and parasites. If you notice fleas on your cat or dog, it’s time to take action right away.

A quick dip in the bathtub is a great way to remove any live fleas. These insects are not very good swimmers and will try to escape. Flea collars, topical liquids and oral medications are other options. Ask your vet about the best preventative treatment to keep your animal flea-free all year long.

Now that you understand how to eradicate fleas in the house, it’s time to attack them in their natural habitat—outdoors. There are countless hiding places for fleas in your lawn. Grass, trees, and flowers are a few of their favorites.

But did you know fleas despise sunlight? They really are nature’s vampires. If you want to get rid of fleas in your yard, make sure you regularly mow the lawn, which can serve as a source of shade for them to hide under. Removing any loose brush or overhanging branches will also reduce places for the fleas to hide.

Turn to 247 Local Pest Control for Flea Control on Your Property

Besides basic lawn care, a barrier treatment from 247 Local Pest Control will keep fleas from invading your property. Not only does this treatment tackle fleas, but it also prevents ticks and mosquitoes. We know you don’t want fleas in the house, and our team will help you get rid of them once and for all.