Fleas are a universal pest that plagues household pets and causes overwhelming stress and agitation to homeowners. Getting rid of fleas can be a complicated hassle, yet a vacuum is one appliance that can greatly reduce the headache involved with this pest, especially once fleas have infested a carpet.
A flea vacuum works essentially in the same way as a regular vacuum cleaner with a high-powered filter and accessories capable of vacuuming on hard surfaces and reaching into cracks and crevices. It is highly recommended to use a vacuum cleaner designed with fleas in mind since the pests can oftentimes escape from traditional bags and canisters.
7 Best Vacuums for Fleas
- Fleas have four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. You will need a flea vacuum that can suck up all stages, particularly flea eggs.
- Always opt for a model that contains a HEPA filter. These insects can easily escape out of bags and canisters.
- If you cannot easily identify adults or flea eggs, put on a pair of gloves and sift through clumps of pet hair which is where flea eggs are usually deposited.
- To get rid of fleas permanently, make flea vacuuming one part of a multi-part process for flea eradication.
What is the best vacuum for Fleas?
The Shark Navigator NV360 receives our top pick due to the perfect mechanics of the model when fighting a flea infestation.
1. Shark Navigator
When it comes to sucking up all flea life stages, you need a vacuum that can maneuver into hard-to-reach places where these insects hide and a strong filter to completely trap the jumping pests. The Shark Navigator NV360 comes with a HEPA filter, a brush roll shutoff to make vacuuming on hard surfaces easier, and a versatile handle to make crack and crevice treatment a breeze.
This model receives our top ranking due to the incredible versatility of spot treatments that come with the convenient lift-away technology. These insects do not just nest in the carpet, therefore, we consider this the best vacuum for fleas not only because of the inclusion of a necessary HEPA filter but also due to the 5.5-inch crevice tool to suck up hard to reach infestations.
Pros
- Lift-away technology makes this model easy to maneuver
- The HEPA filter traps allergens in addition to fleas and their eggs
- 7.5-pound canister carrying capacity
- 5.5-inch crevice tool and upholstery tool make difficult flea hiding areas easy-to-reach
Cons
- The cord is very short
- Warranty only covers the motor of the model
- Difficult to clean
Additional Product Reviews: 6 More of the Best Flea Vacuums to Consider
Any of the following models are also superior and highly-effective to vacuum fleas, even if some models appear as a traditional vacuum cleaner, the components of the model will certainly get rid of these insects and are also compatible with hard floors.
2. Eureka Mighty Mite Corded Canister Vacuum Cleaner
Fleas do not only infest carpet and cloth-based fabrics, but the insects will also hide inside of cracks and voids in the walls, as well as underneath furniture and inside of structures. This is why a flea vacuum needs to be tailored to work well on hard floors and come equipped with accessories to reach into tiny cracks.
The Eureka Mighty Mite 3670G was created to address areas that reach beyond carpet with the added benefit of maintaining the maneuverability of an upright vacuum. This model is amazing for its inclusion of 2 extension wands that can reach flea nests inside of crevices and the bagged canister includes a triple filtration system to trap live fleas and eggs.
Pros
- Perfect for picking up adults, larva, and eggs on bare floors
- Extension wands provide dual action as an upright vacuum and crack and crevice treatment
- 2.5-liter holding capacity
Cons
- Extension hoses
- The canister can be difficult to remove
3. BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Cordless Hand Vacuum
When using a vacuum to remove fleas, the accessibility of the model can sometimes be problematic due to short cords that limit reach to certain areas. With this in mind, it is sometimes preferable to opt for a cordless flea vacuum to overcome these hindrances.
The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser is a compact and lightweight vacuum cleaner with a motorized brush tool that makes lifting all life stages out of carpet easier due to the ability to scour an area of carpet with ease and precision. This is perfect if the flea infestation in your home is small, which may not require a larger vacuum for fleas.
Pros
- Lithium-ion battery prevents the burden of being held back by a cord
- Compact, lightweight, and easy-to-use
- Powerful suction to remove fleas and eggs in addition to flea-infested pet hair
- Triple-filtration system
Cons
- Dirt cup is prone to malfunctions
- Not adequate for large infestations
- Not a traditional vacuum cleaner
4. Roborock Smart Navigating Robotic Vacuum Cleaner
Fleas are a consistently multiplying and agitating pest that will continue to breed and multiply if missed during a vacuum session. Therefore, it can be beneficial to invest in a powerful vacuum that constantly works to remove fleas and eggs hour after hour.
The Roborock S5 is a small vacuum that is powered by a home-wifi connection. With a 2000pa suction capacity, this model is amazing at removing infestations with the added benefit of being powered by the internet.
Although this vacuum is small, the true benefit is the prolonged capacity of the unit to get rid of fleas based on your room preferences for hours at a time.
Pros
- The best vacuum for removing fleas in the smart technology field
- Expert navigational capabilities based on your input
- Works on multiple floor types
- The sweeping system is perfect for picking up flea-infested pet hair
Cons
- Clogs easily and quickly
- Requires a stable internet connection
- Takes time to remove a flea infestation
5. Samsung Electronics R7040 Robot Vacuum
When it comes to smart devices for removing infestations, the true efficiency of these types of vacuum cleaner models relies on the strength of the suction capacity. Although continued vacuuming without the need to guide the process is convenient, there are certain measures that need to be tailored to flea suction.
The R7040 Robot Vacuum by Samsung comes equipped with a 3510pa suction capability, making this product nearly impossible for fleas to escape from. In addition to this benefit, this model still provides all of the conveniences found with other smart vacuums, including usage on all floor types and prolonged vacuuming for hours at a time.
Pros
- 20 times more powerful than ordinary smart vacuums
- Remote controlled
- Easy-to-use mapping system
Cons
- Battery-operated
- The unit must be recharged between cleaning cycles
- Requires detailed programming to vacuum all problem areas
6. Hoover WindTunnel 2 Whole House Rewind Corded Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner
The best vacuum for fleas is always going to need to be equipped with powerful suction and be able to reach areas that go beyond the carpet. The Hoover WindTunnel has both of these capabilities with the added benefit of a twenty-five foot rewindable cord.
When you use this model to vacuum for fleas, the sixteen feet of cleaning reach will allow entryways into cracks and crevices of any varying size. Additionally, the multi-floor brush roll adds an extra layer to flea removal by scouring deep into the carpet to pick up infested pet hair containing eggs.
Pros
- The long and retractable cord can easily allow coverage to an entire infestation
- Two channels of suction reach deep into carpet and hiding spots
- Great for removing pet hair which is primarily where eggs are deposited
Cons
- The brushers are run on a belt that can frequently malfunction
- This model can be difficult to clean
7. Dyson Upright Vacuum Cleaner
There are few vacuums that can stand up to the title of ‘best vacuum' quite like Dyson. The Dyson Multi Floor 2 provides all of the well-known benefits that come with the brand, including scientifically-approved purification systems, some of the best suction dynamics for a vacuum cleaner, and innovative wands and accessories, along with a root cyclone technology that not only can capture fleas, but also all of their eggs.
This model is expensive, yet there are no pertinent drawbacks when it comes to using a Dyson, even for eradicating fleas from a home. The wand alone can reach distances of forty feet and is equipped with numerous nozzles for all problematic hiding spots.
Pros
- Maintains consistent and high-powered suction across all types of surfaces
- The forty-foot wand can reach virtually any area where fleas may be hiding
- Radial root cyclone technology is perfect for picking up eggs
Cons
- Expensive
- Requires effort to push across floors
- More efficient for solid floors than carpet
How to use a vacuum for fleas
Vacuuming for fleas can be a bit different from using a traditional vacuum cleaner solely for carpet. To vacuum for fleas, there are some key steps to keep in mind.
- You have to be consistent when you vacuum for fleas. Fleas lay eggs at an astounding rate, which can reach upwards of 40 to 50 laid eggs each and every day. You have to thoroughly vacuum all areas with signs of fleas every 24 hours to achieve eradication.
- Since fleas only spend a fraction of their day drawing blood from you and your pet, the bulk of their day is spent nesting and laying eggs in carpet and surrounding structures. Never think that fleas will spend all of their time solely on your pet.
- It is always best to try and use a vacuum that labels fleas as part of its suction capabilities, if not, always opt for one of the above-listed models that have a HEPA filter, can be used on solid floors, and can reach into cracks and crevices.
- Always vacuum your furniture. This is especially true if your furniture is made of cloth, which includes pet bedding
- During the vacuuming process, go over all surfaces two to three times to ensure you have picked up a large number of fleas and eggs.
- Use extension wands and accessories to vacuum inside of all cracks and crevices, baseboards, underneath and in the seams of furniture, your mattress, as well as all cracks and crevices around walls and other structures.
- If you are using a smart vacuum, you will need to program and map all of the areas mentioned above in addition to any other areas where you have seen or felt fleas. These insects are very active whenever they are seeking a blood meal, which means you will need to ensure that your smart vacuum reaches all of the areas where fleas are present.
- Always remove and discard any vacuum with a bag outdoors. Canisters should be removed and disposed of in trash bins outdoors and immediately cleaned to destroy any eggs.
- Make sure to take additional steps after vacuuming to destroy the infestation. Wash all bedding and drapes, and be sure to regularly bathe your pet(s) with a medicated flea shampoo to ensure that no fleas can reinfest vacuumed areas.
Frequently asked questions:
Is there a difference between a vacuum for fleas and a normal vacuum?
Vacuums, be it a regular vacuum or a specialized vacuum for fleas, all work in mostly the same way, which is the usage of air-pressure to create powerful suction for removing deeply embedded debris, in this case, fleas and their eggs. Most traditional vacuums are already equipped to address the removal of pet hair, which is beneficial since this is where fleas usually lay their eggs.
There are some specialized vacuums for fleas that contain UV light to destroy the DNA of fleas, yet these units are not readily available for wide, commercialized use. With this in mind, it is important to seek out certain features in traditional vacuums that will eliminate fleas.
The addition of a filter is crucial to help trap live fleas that survive the air-pressure, otherwise, the fleas will simply jump out of the bag or canister. Additionally, a normal vacuum needs to be manufactured to provide substantial suction to solid, non-cloth floors and be equipped to reach into cracks and crevices.
There are not many overt differences, yet there are certain aspects to look for in normal vacuums.
How effective are they?
It is certainly possible to fully eradicate the infestations of fleas with a powerful vacuum and additional methods. Fleas have very distinct hiding places and most fleas will usually choose to infest carpet without feeling the need to hide deeply.
The proactive aspect of vacuums in terms of fleas is that these appliances manage to remove all life stages from structures. Although there are some considerations to keep in mind, such as the ability of fleas to jump out of vacuum containers during the disposal process, the science behind removing fleas with a vacuum is proven to work.
If caution during the disposal process is observed, you can achieve near-eradication success with a vacuum.
Are flea vacuums safe to use around children and pets?
The best vacuum for fleas is a model that prioritizes safety and ease of use along with the needed capabilities to remove fleas. In terms of safety around children and pets, you will want to exercise some caution when using an appliance that works via high-powered air pressure.
The only inherent danger of a vacuum during an infestation of fleas is likely from the infestation itself. Fleas are parasites, which live by extracting blood from pets and humans, including children.
Be sure to remove children and pets from the environment when vacuuming since this insect will likely actively jump around the areas being vacuumed. This is also important with pets since the insects will likely jump on your pet and prolong the infestation.
Can you get rid of fleas by vacuuming?
Pet hair is the number one vector of eggs when it comes to this insect, therefore, you will want to remove all visible pet hair for both a cleaner overall environment and to target the debris that continues the life cycle. Adults are easily picked up by a vacuum cleaner, yet there are possibilities that adult fleas will jump out of the bags or containers of vacuums.
This is why it is crucial to select a model that traps the insects inside of a filter and can easily reach into hiding places. A vacuum is amazing for removing fleas from an environment, but it is important to keep in mind key points that need to be observed to have success with this appliance.
Can fleas live in a bagless vacuum?
Adult fleas are not necessarily killed immediately by the air-pressure involved in the suction process. There is nothing that destroys the insect during this process, therefore, the adults will sometimes just be deposited into the container, which means they will need to be disposed of properly.
Additionally, pet hair is the primary depository for eggs, which means that eggs will hatch inside of the canister if the contents are not immediately disposed of. The best vacuum for fleas will ideally be bagless, yet also contain a filter, which will trap live fleas inside making disposal a bit easier.
How long should you wait to vacuum after spraying for fleas?
If you are using insecticides to battle against these insects, it would be beneficial to wait for the insecticide spray to work against the insects before you begin the vacuuming process. Not only will this allow for the product to work effectively, but it will also make the vacuuming process easier since the fleas will likely be dead and unable to jump out of a vacuum canister.
Also, you will not want to run your vacuum over the moist carpet as this could potentially cause malfunctions within your unit. A good point to remember is to wait at least 24 hours after spraying before you vacuum.
Can you vacuum fleas off a cat?
Although this sounds like a perfectly feasible option, especially with a smaller, less-powerful vacuum, never attempt to vacuum a cat's fur. A vacuum could seriously hurt a cat in many possible ways.
The best process to take if your cat has become infested with fleas and in turn, your home is to treat your cat with a medicated flea shampoo on a regular basis. This will ensure that the infestation on your cat is in the process of being eradicated, which you can then turn your attention to vacuuming up the fleas within your home.
Final thoughts
There are many different types of vacuums that can serve amazing purposes when it comes to eradicating an infestation from your home. With this in mind, there are certain things to look for when selecting the best type of flea vacuum.
The best vacuum for fleas will have a filter and be able to work efficiently on all types of floors. The removal of pet hair is also a priority since hair is the preferred nesting place for eggs.
Look for models that have a wide variety of accessories for hard-to-reach areas, as well as cords that can reach long distances. Finding the best vacuum for fleas is really just a matter of finding a model that best meets your particular circumstances.
All of the above-mentioned vacuums will certainly work the best to remove flea infestations. Rather you are seeking a more traditional type of vacuum or, a smart vacuum, be sure and check that the model has a filter and can service all floor types.
Potter, Michael. (2018). Flea Control and Prevention. Retrieved from https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef602.
Rust, Michael. (2017). The Biology and Ecology of Cat Fleas and Advancements in Their Pest Management. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5746801/.
