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How to Kill Fleas in an Office

Jessica Geesley

An employee with a flea infestation in his home can inadvertently cause a flea infestation in the office. Flea eggs, larvae, and adults live in carpets but often end up on hard floors and in furniture. In an office environment where there is no animal host, fleas will often turn to humans as a source of food.

Tip

After the office extermination, apply flea granules to the carpet to prevent the return of a flea infestation.

Employees will begin to notice fleabites on their lower limbs or see the fleas in the carpet. An extermination at home and in the office will get rid of the flea problem.

  1. In the office, vacuum all carpets, and sweep, mop and clean all hard floors. To clean and treat the floors as effectively as possible, all furniture and anything else on the floor should be removed.

  2. Vacuum all upholstered furniture, and wipe down and clean all furniture.

  3. Seal the vacuum bag so no fleas can escape, and dispose of the bag in an area away from buildings or homes so the fleas will not return to the building.

  4. Apply an insecticide to all floors and carpets, taking extra care along the areas where the floor meets the wall. Liquid, powered or aerosol insecticide can be used; however, liquid insecticide is the most effective and works the fastest.

  5. Use insecticide on all furniture, getting it under the cushions and in between any cracks and crevasses.

  6. Fleas can move onto clothing, making it possible for people with fleas in their homes to bring adult fleas or eggs into the office; thus, employees who own pets must have them treated, and must treat their homes as well.

  7. Do not vacuum or clean the floors for at least two weeks, or for the length of time specified on the insecticide. People should not walk on the floors with bare feet until the treated areas are completely dry.