Flea Treatment Prep Guide: What to Do Before Your Appointment
Flea treatment preparation is essential for ensuring your home becomes fully pest-free. Follow the steps below to help your technician achieve the best possible result and stop fleas from returning.
Key Points
- Vacuum all floors, carpets, and skirting boards before the technician arrives
- Wash pet bedding and soft furnishings in hot water
- Treat pets with a vet-approved flea product on the same day
- Clear floor areas and move light furniture for better access
- Vacate the property during treatment and return only when it’s dry
- Avoid cleaning or vacuuming treated areas for 7 to 10 days afterward
Why Preparation Matters for Flea Control
Flea infestations are rarely resolved without proper coordination between professional treatment and what you do beforehand. Vacuuming, washing, and pet care are critical to interrupt the flea lifecycle. Skipping these steps can result in fleas reappearing even after a thorough spray.
How to Prepare for a Flea Treatment
1. Vacuum All Floor Areas and Skirting Boards
Vacuuming before your appointment helps:
- Remove flea eggs and larvae
- Stimulate pupae to hatch, exposing them to treatment
- Increase penetration of residual spray into carpets and corners
After vacuuming:
- Empty the vacuum contents into a sealed bag and place it in an outdoor bin
Focus on:
- Carpeted rooms
- Rugs and mats
- Corners and skirting boards
- Under beds and furniture
- Pet sleeping areas
2. Wash Pet Bedding and Soft Furnishings
Wash all soft items your pets use, including:
- Pet beds and cushions
- Blankets and throws
- Removable couch and cushion covers
Use hot water if the fabric allows. This removes live fleas, eggs, and larvae that could reinfest treated spaces.
3. Treat Pets on the Same Day
All pets must be treated with a vet-approved flea control product on the same day as your pest control visit.
Options include:
- Oral flea medications (e.g. NexGard, Comfortis)
- Spot-on treatments (e.g. Advocate, Revolution)
Speak with your vet to choose the right product. Flea shampoos and natural sprays are not enough by themselves.
4. Clear Floor Space and Move Items if Possible
Your technician needs access to key treatment areas. Move:
- Pet bowls and toys
- Clothes, shoes, and other clutter
- Lightweight furniture (e.g. coffee tables, laundry baskets)
This allows full coverage of flooring, skirting boards, and hiding spots.
5. Leave the Home During Treatment
You, your family, and all pets must leave the property during and shortly after treatment. Return only once the spray is fully dry – usually between 1 and 2 hours.
This applies to:
- Dogs and cats
- Birds and reptiles
- Children and anyone with sensitivities
Open windows on your return to help with ventilation.
What Not to Do After Treatment
- Don’t vacuum or mop treated areas for 7 to 10 days
This allows the residual spray to remain active and target newly emerged fleas. - Don’t wash treated surfaces or skirting boards
Doing so too early may reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.
Expect to see occasional fleas for up to two weeks. This is normal – the treatment works by killing them gradually as they come into contact with treated surfaces.
Related Services
Learn More
For more on approved flea control products in Australia, visit the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).
FAQ: Preparing for Flea Treatment
Do I need to treat my pets if I’m getting the house treated?
Yes. All pets must be treated on the same day. If they’re not, fleas will return even after professional spraying.
Can I stay in the house during the treatment?
No. You and your pets must vacate during the treatment and return only once it’s completely dry – usually after one to two hours.
Should I vacuum afterward?
Not right away. Wait at least 7 to 10 days to avoid removing the residual insecticide. This gives it time to kill emerging fleas.
Why am I still seeing fleas after the treatment?
This is normal. Fleas in the pupal stage may emerge for up to two weeks after the treatment. They will die once they contact treated surfaces.
Summary: Flea Treatment Preparation Checklist
- Vacuum floors, carpets, and skirting boards thoroughly
- Wash pet bedding and soft furnishings
- Treat all pets with a vet-approved flea product the same day
- Clear the floor and move light furniture
- Leave the home during treatment and return only when it’s dry
- Avoid vacuuming or cleaning treated surfaces for 7 to 10 days
Need help or unsure about anything? Contact our team and we’ll be happy to walk you through it.