The Best Flea Carpet Powders & Sprays in 2022
- Best Flea Carpet Powder & Spray
- 1. Virbac Knockout E.S. Area Treatment
- 2. Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Home Spray
- 3. Bio Spot Active Care Carpet Powder
- 4. Adams Carpet Powder
- 5. Zodiac Carpet and Upholstery Aerosol Spray
- 6. Raid Flea Killer Plus Carpet & Room Spray
- 7. Enforcer Flea Killer for Carpet
- 8. Natural Care Flea and Tick Carpet Powder
- 9. Sentry Home and Carpet Spray
- 10. Vet-Kem Premise Pest Control Spray
Fleas are not only the most annoying pest to exist, but they’re also dangerous because they can transmit serious diseases to your pet. Worst of all, these four-legged enemies are incredibly stubborn too, and at times seemingly impossible to get rid of. Not only do they successfully hide in your pet’s coat, but also in all the nooks and crannies of your home, including carpets and furniture.
Fortunately, there are many ways to keep both your house and pet clean and healthy, and one of the easiest and most effective is by using flea carpet powders and sprays. When applied to rugs, carpets, and other surfaces, these products work their way down through the fibers with the help of foot traffic, killing fleas and preventing re-infestations at the same time. Not sure which product to get? Here is our list of the best carpet sprays and powders that the market has to offer, plus a handy buying guide to help point you in the right direction.
Best Flea Carpet Powder & Spray
1. Virbac Knockout E.S. Area Treatment
Key Features
Kills active flea infestations and prevents them from reoccurring for up to 7 months
Highly effective, contains pyrethrins, permethrin, and pyriproxyfen
Odor-free and mess-free
A can covers 2,100 square feet
Oh the joys of being able to exterminate all the fleas hidden not only in your pet’s coat but also in the vast fibers of your carpet! The Virbac Knockout E.S. Area Treatment Carpet Spray can get this done and more. This powerful spray has the ability not only to kill active tick and flea infestations, but also to prevent them from reoccurring for up to seven whole months. You’ll also get quite a lot of this carpet flea treatment as one 16 oz. can contains enough product to cover up to 2100 square feet. Any fleas present in your house are definitely signing their death sentence as this flea carpet spray will smoke them out whether they are hiding on the rugs, drapes, upholstery, pet bedding or even floor cracks.
The great thing about this product is that it leaves little to no mess or bad odor. Nevertheless, be sure to stick to the instructions to prevent staining your furniture or upholstery.
2. Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Home Spray
Key Features
Made with natural, plant-based ingredients
Contains peppermint oil and clove oil
Can be applied to surfaces in and out of the house as well as on pets
The bottles are refillable
Looking for an effective but natural and gentle flea solution? Definitely check out the Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Home Spray as it uses plant-based ingredients that are 100% pet-safe yet effective and both killing and repelling pests. Each batch of this effective flea spray contains a combination of steam-distilled essential oils that are selected for their ability to fight against adult fleas, larvae, flea eggs, ticks and even mosquitos. Importantly, the formula is void of harsh chemicals, so it’s suitable for sensitive pooches.
Whether you require an anti-flea product as a result of a mild flea infestation or for preventive measures, this flea carpet spray has been proven effective for use against all types of pests. It is gentle enough to be used in a family setting and can be applied on surfaces both indoors and outdoors. So, feel free to throw some on your dog, bedding, crates, furniture, patio and carpets!
3. Bio Spot Active Care Carpet Powder
Key Features
Breaks flea life cycle, kills both fleas and ticks at all stages of their life
Contains pyrethrins, nylar
Prevents infestation for up to a year
Pleasant citrus scent
If you spot a flea on your pet, you bet that there are many more around. A rule of thumb – for every flea found on your cat or dog, there is already one hundred in the area; hence the need to act quickly. Though this next product may leave a bit of a mess, you can rest assured that the pests it comes in contact with will not be left behind. The Bio Spot Active Care Flea & Tick Carpet & Upholstery Powder is a sure way to get rid of all fleas and ticks that are not just plaguing your pet but also your home.
What makes this such an effective product is that it kills the full four stages of a flea’s life. This means that the eggs, larvae, pupae, and adult fleas are no match for this cut-throat product that is sure to keep your home flea-free for the longest time possible. What’s even more impressive is that this flea carpet powder is specially designed to prevent flea infestation for up to a whole year.
4. Adams Carpet Powder
Key Features
Kills fleas in all four stages of their lives
Contains insect growth regulator (IGR) that prohibits infestation for up to a year
Has a pleasant citrus scent
Kills both fleas and ticks
A good flea carpet powder should be effective, reliable, and ideally nice-smelling. The Adams Flea and Tick Carpet Powder ticks all these boxes as it kills fleas at any stage of their life, including flea eggs and larvae, as well as adult fleas; plus it has a nice citrus smell!
One additional benefit of this carpet powder is that it is able to get rid of ticks, so in the event that your home is infested, this is the product to pick up. Because it’s so effective at protecting your home from pests, this is a bit of a harsh product, so it’s best to powder your carpets, rugs and other affected areas while your pet is not in the room.
5. Zodiac Carpet and Upholstery Aerosol Spray
Key Features
Kills fleas in all stages of their life
Contains permethrin, (S)-methoprene
Fast-acting, both kills pests and prevents re-infestations
Water-based and odorless
Now here is a versatile product that is not only safe to be used in a canine household but also for all the cat families out there. The Zodiac Carpet and Upholstery Aerosol Spray is a pet-safe and fast-acting formula that completely eliminates adult fleas, ticks, flea eggs and flea larvae, both killing pests and preventing their re-infestations.
The fact that it is a water-based product means it will leave behind no mess or stains for you to battle with – something most pet owners will appreciate, we’re sure. In addition to being mess-free, this is an odorless carpet and upholstery spray, so it won’t bother any of your family members, humans and dogs and cats alike.
6. Raid Flea Killer Plus Carpet & Room Spray
Key Features
Kills fleas and their hatchlings
Contains pyrethrins, tetramethrin, but void of any CFC’s
Prevents the reoccurrence of a flea infestation for up to 4 months
Can be used on carpets, upholstery, pet beddings, etc.
If you’re looking for a reliable and ultra-effective flea remedy for your home, we highly recommend Raid Flea Killer Carpet and Room Spray. Containing a range of active ingredients, including pyrethrins and tetramethrin, this spray kills adult fleas and their hatchlings quickly and easily, keeping your home pest-free for up to four months.
There is almost no restriction on where this substance can be used – upholsteries, pet beddings, rugs and carpets, you can use it in every corner of your house safely and effectively. On the topic of functionality, this spray is pretty straightforward; it works by sending out a wide-angle spritz and can be used upside down if the need ever arises. All you have to do is shake the can well before use and hold it two to three feet away from the surface before spraying.
7. Enforcer Flea Killer for Carpet
Key Features
Kills fleas, ticks, lice, ants and roaches
Contains sumithrin
Quick-acting and multisurface use
Fresh scent of ocean breeze
The Enforcer Flea Killer for Carpet is another great product to consider. Made with sumithrin, which is a synthetic version of pyrethroid, this effective and quick-acting formula kills adult fleas, plus lice, ticks, ants, silverfish and roaches. In addition, it has the ability to break the life cycle of fleas in the short period of 30 minutes; now that is what we call fast action!
As this flea carpet powder can be used on a number of surfaces, including carpets, floors and upholstered furniture, it does a good job of keeping the entire house clean and pest-free. It comes with a fresh ocean breeze scent, so it also eliminates pet odors, which is a nice plus. While a scented flea control treatment is not for everyone, it’s a good option for multi-pet households who struggle to get that doggy smell out of their home.
8. Natural Care Flea and Tick Carpet Powder
Key Features
Kills fleas, larvae, eggs, ticks and ants
Contains plant extracts, including mint oils and geraniol
Safe for both dogs and cats 12 weeks or older
Strong but pleasant scent
Made with natural ingredients including geraniol and mint oil, this flea and tick powder is gentle on the carpet fibers but effective when it comes to killing and repelling pests. This includes fleas, larvae, eggs, ticks and even ants – all on contact!
Since it contains no harsh chemicals, it can be safely used on all kinds of carpets, rugs, pet bedding and upholstery. It’s also safe for both dogs and cats 12 weeks or older, making it perfect for multi-pet households. It’s worth noting though that this product does have a rather strong scent – thankfully, it’s fresh and pleasant.
9. Sentry Home and Carpet Spray
Key Features
Kills fleas in all life stages, ticks, lice, cockroaches
Contains permethrin
Protects and repels for up to 7 months
Easy-to-use spray with a pleasant scent
If you’re looking for effective and long-lasting protection against fleas, ticks and other parasites, Sentry Carpet Spray is definitely worth your consideration. Made with permethrin, a well-known insecticide that kills a wide range of pests, including fleas (in all their life stages), ticks, cockroaches, lice and even mosquitoes, this carpet spray is guaranteed to keep your home pest-free for up to 7 months.
The treatment is also super-easy to use; all you have to do is spray it on affected areas, such as carpets, furniture and pet bedding while wearing adequate protection, and voila – you’ll be flea and tick free for up to 210 days!
10. Vet-Kem Premise Pest Control Spray
Key Features
Contains permethrin, methoprene and phenothrin
Kills fleas, ticks, cockroaches and ants
Suitable for dog and cat households
Covers 2000 sq.ft. protecting up to 7 months
Effective and easy to use, the Vet-Kem Siphotrol Spray is another great anti-flea and tick treatment to consider. Made with highly effective insecticides, including permethrin, methoprene and phenothrin, this spray is incredibly powerful at eliminating parasite infestations and preventing their reinfestations for up to 7 months. While strong, it’s perfectly safe to use in both dog and cat households, which is always a nice bonus.
Aside from killing and repelling fleas and ticks, this treatment also works against cockroaches and ants, so you can use it on carpets, pet bedding, upholstery and any other place fleas may hide.
Flea Carpet Powders & Sprays Buying Guide & FAQ
With so many flea treatments, powders and sprays available on the market, finding the right product for your home and pet may be a bit challenging. To help you get the best flea carpet treatment, we've not only reviewed some of the most popular options out there, but have also put together a handy little buying guide. Here, we cover everything you need to know flea carpet powders and sprays, including how to properly use them, what things to consider when buying these products, and so much more.
What to Consider When Buying Flea Carpet Powders & Sprays
To get the best flea carpet powder or spray for your home, it's important to consider a few things before making a purchase. The most important ones include:
- The Health of Your Family
Seeing as anti-flea powders and sprays will have to be used in your home and probably in high concentrations in order to really get in there, you need to research meticulously. Whether or not anyone in your household has certain sensitivities or allergies that may make them react to your chosen product is of utmost importance. So, before you settle on a spray or powder, check out its ingredients and whether or not you or your family members are sensitive/allergic to any of them.
- Natural or Synthetic
In an ideal world, we would all opt for natural products, but the magnitude of certain infestations call for something that packs a meaner punch. At this point, you have to weigh your options and clearly understand your priorities. Ask yourself, do you need something that can wipe out fleas on a large scale or something that simply prevents and controls milder pest infestations?
- Powders or Sprays
Both powders and sprays are effective, but you should still think about which is more suited for your household. Powders tend to leave a little bit of mess behind, so in the case that you have a toddler or someone who just does not know better around, it may be safer to use the spray. Ultimately, it's all a matter of preference; just be conscious of the health needs of those you live with and pick what is best for them as well as yourself long-term.
Check out our guide on Flea Treatment for Dogs.
Can Flea Powder Kill Fleas Immediately?
Many effective flea carpet treatments kill adult fleas on contact, however, not all products have this ability. We tried to include as many fast-acting treatments as possible in our top list, so these options are definitely something to consider if you need a quick and effective anti-flea solution. Generally speaking though, "natural" treatments tend to take longer to work than "synthetic" ones; powders and sprays with pyrethrins are usually the quickest to act.
Take a look at our article on Essential Oils for Fleas on Dogs.
How to Properly Use Flea Carpet Spray & Powders
In the preparation stage, you need to adequately clean your house, so vacuum thoroughly and make sure that you reach all the nooks and crannies that fleas can get to. In addition, be sure to dispose of the vacuum bag outside - do not empty it inside your house!
When done, sprinkle the flea control treatment or spray it on the surfaces that are more prone to be flea-ridden, such as furniture, carpets, upholstery, drapery and the rest. In the case of the powdered form, use a broom/brush to really work it in, then after about an hour, use your vacuum once again to clean those areas and get rid of any powder residue as well as the dead fleas.
FAQ
Q: What are Flea Carpet Powders?
Flea carpet powders and sprays are typically medicated formulas that can be sprinkled or sprayed in a household (carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, etc.) in order to kill fleas, their eggs, and larvae. Aside from medicated products, there are also "natural" options that contain essential oils known to repel and kill pests.
Q: How Do Flea Carpet Sprays Work?
A flea carpet spray or powder works by interfering with biological mechanisms that the flea relies on to stay alive. Different chemicals do this in different ways but here are some key examples.
Pyrethrins are found in many of the products listed in this guide. They occur naturally in chrysanthemum plants and there are several different types available. Pyrethrins act on the nervous system of parasites, causing it to go into overload - this causes death. The mechanism does not just work on fleas, it also works on lice, ticks, some mites, and mosquitoes.
Pyrethroids are another common constituent of flea carpet sprays. Like pyrethrins, they kill fleas by causing their nervous system to go into overload. However, they are not a naturally occurring group of chemicals but are manufactured in laboratories. The main difference is that the speed of action is slower but the effect lasts for longer.
There is another group of insecticides, the insect growth regulator group, which kills fleas that have not yet developed into adults. This group includes methoprene, fenoxycarb, and pyriproxyfen.
Q: How Reliable are Flea Carpet Powders and Sprays?
They are highly effective when it comes to getting rid of fleas within the home, nevertheless, you still need to use drops, tablets, or flea collars for your pet’s benefit. It also helps if you maintain high standards of hygiene and cleanliness in your home and in any outdoor space that you have.
Q: Do They Pose Any Health Risks to my Pets?
All types of flea powder and spray have undergone extensive testing to make sure that they are safe. However, you must exercise caution when using them. If you or your pet get a product in your eyes, inhale a large amount or somehow ingest it, you must seek medical attention.
Sources
- Michael F. Potter, Flea Control and Prevention, University of Kentucky
- Sandy Eckstein, How to Keep Fleas and Ticks Out of Your Home, WebMD