What to do if fleas are found on the bed?
What to do if fleas are found on the bed?
If fleas are found on the bed, take immediate action. Fleas bite and lay eggs on the bed, and if not dealt with promptly, they will multiply rapidly in the bedroom.
Step 1: Remove bedding
- Remove all sheets, duvet covers, and pillowcases — handle gently to avoid scattering eggs.
- Wash in water above 60°C with laundry detergent — water below 40°C does not kill eggs.
- Tumble dry on high heat for more than 30 minutes — heat kills eggs and larvae thoroughly.
- Before placing bedding in the washing machine, seal them in a bag to prevent fleas from dropping along the way.
Step 2: Treat the mattress
- Thoroughly vacuum all mattress seams, edges, and piping — these are flea hiding spots.
- Pay special attention to label folds and zipper teeth — eggs often drop into these creases.
- Vacuum vibration stimulates flea pupae to hatch early for subsequent chemical treatment.
- Immediately seal and discard the vacuum bag in an outdoor trash bin.
Step 3: Spray insecticide
- Spray dinotefuran-containing household insecticide along mattress seams, bed frame joints, and crevices.
- Also spray the back and bottom of the headboard — fleas hide in these dark places.
- Focus on the four corners where the bed frame contacts the floor — flea climbing routes.
- Once dry, the insecticide forms an invisible film; fleas die on contact. Residual effect lasts 2-4 weeks.
Step 4: Ongoing protection
- Cover the mattress with an insect-proof encasement to trap remaining eggs.
- Wash sheets and pillowcases weekly after treatment.
- Vacuum the bedroom regularly, especially the floor near the bed and baseboards.
- Keep the bedroom dry and well-ventilated — low humidity is unfavorable for fleas.
Important reminders
- Reapply 7-10 days later to kill newly hatched fleas — dinotefuran cannot kill pupae.
- If fleas are still found on the bed after two weeks, repeat the entire treatment process.
- Monitor for new bites on ankles and lower legs — this indicates active fleas.