How to Get Rid of Fleas & Mites on Humans

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Things You'll Need

  • Vacuum

  • Washing machine

  • Laundry detergent

  • IGR containing flea-killing spray or fogger

  • Top-spot liquid flea killer

  • Quilts

  • Dehumidifier

  • Mite-killing pesticide

  • HEPA air filter

Most flea infestations are brought in by pets.

Fleas and mites can attack humans under the right conditions. While fleas will usually only attack humans when nothing better to eat is around (such as a cat or dog), mites will attack humans under any circumstances. Both mites and fleas are hard to kill because of their varied life stages and their tiny bodies. Eliminating fleas and mites from the body requires an approach that kills the pests around the entire home.

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Fleas

Step 1

Vacuum the entire house. Vacuum all floors, drapes, furniture, bedding, rugs and any other cloth surfaces. Empty the vacuum canister outdoors into a trash can or throw the vacuum bag away outdoors.

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Step 2

Wash all bedding, curtains and rugs. Wash the items in hot water. This will help kill any fleas present in the surface of the bedding.

Step 3

Spray the entire house, paying special attention to things at floor level, with an IGR (Insect Growth Regulator) containing flea-killing spray or fogger. Allow the product to sit for one week before vacuuming or washing the floor.

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Step 4

Take a hot shower every day until all of the fleas are dead. Usually this will take about 2 to 4 weeks. After a few days, the fleas should start to die off and they should stay away from your skin.

Step 5

Treat pets with a top-spot flea killer applied to the shoulder blades. This will discourage fleas from accumulating in your home and attacking you by eliminating any desirable host.

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Mites

Step 1

Vacuum the home thoroughly. Vacuum all floors, paying special attention to underneath beds, in room corners and around curtains. Throw away the dirt into a trashcan outside once it is collected.

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Step 2

Wash all bedding, curtains and other loose fabrics at least once a week. Switch from fluffy bedding, such as down comforters, to thinner blankets, such as quilts.

Step 3

Reduce the humidity levels in the home. Keep the house at a humidity level of less than 50 percent. Use a dehumidifier in rooms that typically remain moist, such as bathrooms.

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Step 4

Spray a mite killing pesticide over the surface of floors and in wall corners. Spray any entrance and exit points from the house, such as window sills, doorways and any vents leading outside.

Step 5

Consider placing a HEPA filter in the home. HEPA filters eliminate the possibility of allergen effects for many species of mites. HEPA air cleaners are also effective at eliminating mites.

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