AboutJack DeAngelis Expertise I can answer questions about the control of pest insects, spiders, mites and related arthropods. These household pests include termites, carpenter ants, powderpost beetles, nuisance ants, bed bugs, cockroaches, fleas, wasps, and many others. I can also answer questions about using pesticides and other pest control tools such as baits and traps.
Experience I am a retired university extension entomologist. I've taught and conducted research in urban and agricultural entomology. I've published over 70 extension publications, 20 research publications and several books about insects.
Question Hi Jack, going through the process of buying a home & the home inspector noticed bite marks on the back of the owner's legs during home inspection. She has 2 dogs & 2 cats. He said the bite marks were consistent with flea bites. Later that night I found what I believed to be a flea on myself (we have no pets). My question is how can we safely rid our new home of these fleas? I am also interested in safe removal if possible, my wife is a bit skeeved out & she is a cancer surviver who is concerned about chemicals as well...thanks so much for your time.
Deryl
Answer Deryl,
Fleas can remain in a home after all pets are removed and bite people. The good news is that since we are a poor host for cat fleas, in the absence of a suitable host (cat or dog), the fleas will eventually die out. I never recommend using conventional insecticides indoors and would especially avoid them in this case because of your wife's condition. Your only real option is to clean thoroughly with the vacuum cleaner and tolerate a few fleas until they die out. This could take weeks but you may be able to get 99% by cleaning alone. When finished cleaning dispose of the vacuum bag outside because it will contain live fleas.
