[Orb] OT: Flea hell (help!)

So having a cat in my house for about a week (he's gone now) has created a catastrophic flea infestation in my shag carpeting. I've tried a natural option ("Flea Away") with no real results. So now I'm onto either exterminator or I've heard thorough steam cleaning will get the fleas and eggs. I'm concerned about pesticides since it is my bedroom and I am sensitive to chemicals. Has anyone experienced such a problem and if so how did you remedy it? Any help or advice would be great! Thanks! _jason_