Vet-Kem Carpet and Premise Spray: How to Treat Your Home

Quick answer

To treat your home for fleas with Vet-Kem Carpet and Premise Spray, first vacuum thoroughly and remove pets from the area. Then shake the can and spray a light, even mist over carpets, rugs, and furniture, holding the can 2-3 feet away. Let it dry completely before allowing pets back. Treat all pets with a vet-approved flea product at the same time to prevent reinfestation.

Why treat the environment, not just the pet

Fleas spend only about 5% of their life cycle on your pet. The other 95%—eggs, larvae, and pupae—live in carpets, bedding, and cracks. If you only treat your pet, you'll keep seeing new fleas emerge for weeks. Vet-Kem Carpet and Premise Spray contains (S)-Methoprene, an insect growth regulator that prevents flea eggs from developing into biting adults for up to 7 months. That breaks the cycle at the source, but it works best when combined with on-pet flea control.

Before you spray: prep the room

Vacuum all carpets, rugs, and upholstery thoroughly. This removes debris and encourages fleas to emerge from cocoons, making them more vulnerable to the spray. Pay special attention to areas where your pet rests, under furniture, and along baseboards. After vacuuming, seal the vacuum bag and dispose of it outdoors. Remove pets, children, and cover fish tanks. Open windows for ventilation. You'll also want to wash pet bedding in hot water and dry on high heat.

Applying Vet-Kem Carpet and Premise Spray correctly

Shake the can well before use. Hold it upright about 2-3 feet from the surface and spray a light, even mist. Do not soak the carpet—over-application wastes product and increases drying time. For best results, treat the entire room, including under furniture and along baseboards. One can treats approximately 500 square feet, but coverage may vary based on surface porosity. Let the treated area dry completely, usually within 30 minutes to an hour. Keep pets and children away until dry. Ventilate the room during and after application.

What about the pets?

Vet-Kem Carpet and Premise Spray is for environmental use only—do not apply it directly to pets. While you treat the home, all pets should be treated with a product registered for on-animal use, such as Vet-Kem Flea, Tick and Bot Spray or a monthly topical like Revolution. Revolution for Cats kills adult fleas and prevents eggs from hatching for one month, and also protects against heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, and ear mites. Using both premise and on-pet products together gives you the best chance of eliminating an infestation.

Safety and re-treatment schedule

Keep pets and children out of treated areas until dry. The spray is not for use on pets or humans. If you have a heavy infestation, you may need to reapply after 7 months—but if you see fleas sooner, consult your veterinarian. Remember that (S)-Methoprene prevents eggs from developing, but it does not kill adult fleas instantly; you'll need an adulticide for that. Always read the label for complete instructions and safety warnings.

Step-by-step home flea treatment

1. Prepare the area: Vacuum all carpets, rugs, and upholstery. Remove pets, children, and cover fish tanks. Open windows for ventilation. Checkpoint: Did you vacuum under furniture and along baseboards? Fleas hide there.
2. Shake and spray: Shake the can well. Holding it upright 2-3 feet from the surface, spray a light, even mist over the entire area. Do not soak. Mistake to avoid: Over-application can leave wet spots and waste product.
3. Let it dry: Allow the treated area to dry completely, usually within 30-60 minutes. Keep pets and children away until dry. Checkpoint: Is the carpet dry to the touch? If not, wait longer.
4. Treat your pets: While the home dries, apply a vet-approved flea product to all pets, such as Revolution for cats or Vet-Kem Flea, Tick and Bot Spray for dogs. Mistake to avoid: Skipping pet treatment will lead to reinfestation.
5. Monitor and reapply if needed: The spray prevents flea eggs from developing for up to 7 months. If you see fleas sooner, consult your veterinarian for an integrated plan. Next step: Mark your calendar to reapply after 7 months if fleas persist.

Product facts

• Vet-Kem Carpet and Premise Spray: Vet-Kem Carpet and Premise Spray kills adult fleas, hatching flea eggs, flea larvae, ticks, cockroaches, and ants. It targets multiple life stages and other common household pests, so one treatment can address more than just adult fleas.
• Vet-Kem Carpet and Premise Spray: (S)-Methoprene provides 7 months of protection by preventing eggs from developing into biting fleas. You get long-lasting control of the flea life cycle, reducing the need for frequent reapplication.
• Revolution Topical Solution for Cats: Revolution Topical Solution for Cats kills adult fleas and prevents flea eggs from hatching for one month. Using an on-pet product alongside the premise spray ensures fleas on your cat are also eliminated, breaking the cycle completely.