Basement fleas can be a problem since these tiny insects pose a potential danger to humans living in the house. So even if you don’t have pets but see the signs of fleas (or you see the fleas themselves) in your basement, the best thing you can do is to take immediate action to eliminate them as soon as possible!
Some of you may get worried that you don’t know how to do that, but it’s not a problem! We will explain how to get rid of stubborn fleas if they accommodate comfortably in your basement.
Today you will learn what steps should be taken to get rid of these insects, why fleas may appear in your house even with no pets living there, and what signs can show you that you have a flea infestation.
In addition, we will share a list of products that are known to be very effective in fighting fleas in one’s home!
How to Get Rid Of Fleas In the Basement?
Fleas may pose quite a danger in your basement if you don’t get rid of them. People often believe that fleas can’t live in basements because there is no fur or other similar materials there but it’s not like that.
Of course, fleas may not be the great admirers of concrete, but it doesn’t mean they can’t survive on the furniture or in the carpet’s hair you have down there.
Moreover, you tend to forget that fleas truly appreciate the darkness, damp air, and warmth, which your basement is always filled with!
So if you need to eliminate these tiny bastards, you will have to take a few steps to get rid of fleas:
- Remove all the garbage from your basement
- If you have old furniture there that you don’t need, throw it away
- If there is furniture in your basement you don’t use but will need one day, pack it and reliably seal
- Apply diatomaceous earth or spray around the basement
- Vacuum clean your basement the next day
Of course, this is just a general list of actions needed. Below, you can find a detailed explanation and a complete guide on what to do step by step to say goodbye to fleas and forget they have ever been in your basement.
But the general rule of thumb sounds like this: if you have fleas, treat them! Don’t waste your time until it is too late, and the infestation will become severe, spreading around the house. In this case, you will have to call pest control.
Start With Cleaning the Basement
This is the very first step that should be taken but you may consider it as a preventive measure. Even if there is an existing flea infestation in your basement, you still have to clean the space.
- Remove all the infected furniture and carpets
- Throw away all the things that you won’t use anymore
Believe it, once you clean your basement, you will find numerous fleas’ hiding places!
Use Diatomaceous Earth
After you clean your basement and get rid of all the infested furniture and items that you don’t need, spread diatomaceous earth around the basement.
Don’t worry since it is absolutely safe for you and your pets! However, it poses a great danger for small insects being deadly to them! With its help, you will kill larvae and adult fleas.
When you apply diatomaceous earth, fleas will simply die from dehydration. This is why you should not skip any cracks and holes! Also, although this product is not toxic for you, you still need gloves to avoid skin irritation.
Proceed With a Spray Against Fleas
After you use diatomaceous earth, apply the anti-flea spray around the basement. When using it, make sure you don’t disperse it randomly. Instead, pulverize it as close as possible to flea hiding spots.
If you have pets at home, don’t be afraid to use such sprays since they are usually harmless for your fluffy friends.
Moreover, some products can even be applied to their fur to treat fleas, killing fleas and their eggs! But before using the spray on your dog or cat, check the instruction on the label to ensure it is safe for the animal.
Wash Your Basement With Soapy Water
The next day after you treat your entire basement with diatomaceous earth and flea spray, you have to vacuum it thoroughly. After that, wash the floor with soapy water.
Since there is no specific anti-flea soapy water, you can use any mixture you have, e.g. you can dissolve some liquid soap or dish detergent in warm water and wash the floor.
After you let your basement floor fully dry when you wash it with the soapy solution, your anti-flea treatment can be considered complete. Typically, this should be enough to eliminate fleas unless you have really severe infestation! In this case, if DIY treatment doesn’t help, call for exterminators!
Best Flea Treatment Products to Try On Your Basement
As we have already said, there are flea treatment products on the market that are known as very effective remedies for getting rid of these insects. One of the most trustworthy ones include:
- Ortho Home Defense Flea Control Spray
- Spectracide Home Barrier
- Wondercide Natural Flea Spray
Below, we have a detailed description of each of these treatments against fleas in the basement. With their help, you will be able to find the most suitable spray for your case.
Ortho Home Defense Flea Control Spray
This spray is a universal remedy that kills not only fleas but also cockroaches, ants, spiders, and even ticks. It can be used both inside of your home and outdoors, and one of its greatest features in terms of indoor use is that Ortho Home Defense Flea Control Spray leaves no stains or odors! So basically you won’t even notice it.
However, you still need to keep in mind that it contains chemicals. This is why keep a few safety measures in mind when using it:
- it must not be used near children
- you can let your kids and pets in only after the spray is dried
- don’t keep the bottle near people
Another benefit of this spray is its lifespan. Once the product does its job and kills all the insects, the spray can still be active for 12 months. That means you may also use it again.
Spectracide Home Barrier
It’s a universal remedy that destroys fleas, spiders, ants, and cockroaches. One gallon of the product is enough for treating your basement, house, and even an outdoor area. Besides, It is well-known for quick results.
This spray has several benefits that make it really good:
- it is water-based, it does not leave stains
- this spray is odorless
- you can use it on window frames, porches, and screens
- you can stay in the basement after applying it, but only after the spray is dried
But it does have a nuance: since spectracide kills immediately after the flea gets in contact with it, you have to place it close to the insects’ shelter.
Wondercide Natural Flea Spray
This spray is ideal for those who want to stay away from chemicals in their homes since it is natural. That means it comes with a variety of benefits:
- you may use it safely near kids and pets
- it has a pleasant peppermint smell
- it contains no chemical compoenents
- you may use it against spiders, flies, roaches, ticks, and even scorpions!
However, this spray can’t be used outdoors, which is probably the only downside it has.
At the same time, you don’t need to go outside to get rid of fleas in the basement, right?
Also, since it is eco-friendly and contains no chemicals, it may take some more time to act in comparison with its chemical alternatives. This is why you might need to repeat the application procedure for several weeks.
With this list of anti-flea products, you will be able to choose the one that suits your needs better than others. Mostly, you will choose depending on how massive the flea infestation is in your basement and whether you are ok with using chemicals or not.
How to Tell You Have Fleas In Your Basement?
It is more or less easy to spot fleas on your dog or cat, but when it comes to your home and basement in particular, you may find it somewhat more challenging to spot these tiny insects there. This is why it is important to ensure these creatures are in your home before you buy any anti-flea stuff.
For example, people tend to think that if they find any bites on them, it means that they have fleas indoors. However, the bites you see on your skin can be left by a wide range of insects, including mosquitoes, bed bugs, and spiders.
This is why you need more ways of spotting fleas to be able to find them in your home. To help you out, we have prepared a list of the basic signs you need to pay attention to:
- If your pet is constantly scratching and you see small wounds and signs of bites on your pet’s skin, it’s a sign of fleas
- Fleas may leave signs of bites on your legs, below the knees
- You may notice fleas jumping in the basement
- If you have old furniture, you may notice small white eggs lying in
- If you notice tiny black or red spots in the basement, those are fleas’ feces
Should you see any of these signs, you need to act immediately and eliminate the danger.
What Makes Fleas Get Attracted And Spread In Your Basement?
Now you probably have only one question: why do fleas come to our basements? It is well-known that these insects prefer animals’ fur or (more rarely) the human body to feed and live on. So what is it so attractive for them in a space made of concrete? In fact, your basement can serve an ideal hiding and breeding spot for fleas!
- Fleas get attracted by the clutter gathered in our basements, which serves as their (fleas’) safe haven
- They also like basements because of the warmth and lack of threads
This is why it is so important to keep your basement clutter-free and clean to make it less attractive for these creatures.
But even with the clean basement, you can still be threatened by these insects! See, fleas may use the quite many ways to get into the basement:
- They can get inside while hiding in the fur of yoru pet
- Opossums, squirrels, raccoons, rats, mice, and other pests who have access to your basement can also bring fleas on them
- Old furniture, clothing, and bedding that you keep in the boxes in the basement may also host these insects
- Fleas can hide in cracks inside the furniture in the basement
- Old carpets can be another hiding spot where these creatures can be found
In fact, fleas can even build their nest inside the concrete walls and floors! Yet, they still need a host to lay the eggs. This is why it’s crucial not to let your pets go near the basement if you suspect fleas there.
Well, now you know how you can get rid of fleas should they find their way into your basement.
You learned a few obvious signs that indicate flea infestation. Also, you are aware of a bunch of handy remedies that can help you eliminate these insects quickly and effectively.
And since you are now aware of the ways fleas may enter your basement, you will be able not only to get rid of them but also prevent their visits.
[wp-faq-schema title=”Frequently Asked Questions”]
