How should I treat an area rug for potential fleas?

Debbie Chapman
by Debbie Chapman
I bought an area rug at a garage sale. I have no idea if they had pets, but I sure don't want to bring any fleas into my home. What are your suggestions to prevent this?
  7 answers
  • Jill Jill on Mar 30, 2014
    I read that you put the flea-infested "what ever" in a black garbage bag in a hot car (from the sun) for 4 hours and it will kill any potential infestation
  • Keller Pest Control Keller Pest Control on Mar 30, 2014
    Vacuum thoroughly wash and dry on high heat and treat with precor 2000 . Make sure you throw away the vacuum bags. You also need to be aware of bed bugs they can be transported very easily.
  • Brenda Whidby Brenda Whidby on Mar 30, 2014
    If it is a large area rug , take it lay it out and sprinkle with baking soda and/or baby powder Then roll it up and put in black garbage bag or two , if two tape end of one over the other and let it sit in the sun or if you have a area that is below freezing put it there for 24 hours. Extreme heat above 103 or below freezing will kill fleas and bed bugs. You can take kids stuffed toys and put them in a plastic bag and close and put it in a freezer for 24 to 48 hours.
  • Borax and baking soda mix and sprinkle heavily on the rug and let sit for a few hours. Then vacuum it up thoroughly and throw away the bag. I would even do this a couple times. Borax dries up the eggs. If you have a carpet cleaner then you could steam clean it with at least a temp of 140 degrees and that will kill the fleas and eggs. High heat will kill fleas but it has to be above 130 degrees. Good lucki
  • Kathy Anthony Kathy Anthony on Mar 30, 2014
    I sprinkle" Flea Stopper " under my rugs -just incase.
  • Adrianne C Adrianne C on Mar 31, 2014
    Seven dust. Dust carpet then vacuum.
    • See 1 previous
    • Adrianne C Adrianne C on Aug 28, 2015
      You are correct, it should have read seven dust, no idea about boric acid!
  • Brendalee Perryman Brendalee Perryman on Mar 31, 2014
    almost any powder will work..smother let sit as long as you can.. vacuum thoroughly...then i like awesome carpet spray ,only dollar at dollar store..and woolite carpet with soft brush clean good!!or shampoo with machine..leave for 24 hrs and vacuum!!!