Fleas are living in the apartment: how to get rid of them? - briefly
First, vacuum carpets, upholstery, and cracks thoroughly, then wash all bedding and fabrics in hot water. Apply a licensed insecticide treatment and use a veterinarian‑approved flea control product on pets to eradicate the infestation.
Fleas are living in the apartment: how to get rid of them? - in detail
Fleas in a residential setting require a systematic approach that addresses the insect, its eggs, and the environment they inhabit.
First, confirm the presence of adult fleas, larvae, or eggs by inspecting bedding, carpets, and pet fur. Use a fine-toothed comb on animals and a bright flashlight on floor seams to locate moving insects.
Next, remove the adult population:
- Wash all linens, curtains, and removable upholstery at temperatures above 60 °C (140 °F) for at least 30 minutes.
- Vacuum carpets, rugs, and furniture thoroughly; immediately discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed bag.
- Apply a residual insecticide spray labeled for indoor flea control to cracks, baseboards, and under furniture. Choose products containing adulticides such as pyrethrins or neonicotinoids, following label directions precisely.
Address the immature stages:
- Sprinkle a larvicide (e.g., insect growth regulator like methoprene) over carpets and pet bedding; allow it to remain for the period specified on the product label.
- Steam‑clean carpets and upholstery; the high temperature kills larvae and eggs that survive chemical treatment.
Treat pets simultaneously, because they are the primary blood source for adult fleas:
- Administer a veterinarian‑approved topical or oral adulticide (e.g., fipronil, selamectin, or afoxolaner).
- Bathe the animal with a flea‑combination shampoo, then dry completely.
- Repeat the treatment according to the product’s re‑application schedule, typically every 30 days, to interrupt the life cycle.
Environmental control measures that prevent re‑infestation:
- Maintain low indoor humidity (below 50 %). Flea eggs and larvae desiccate in dry air.
- Keep pets groomed and regularly inspect them for new bites or insects.
- Seal cracks and crevices in floors and walls to limit hiding places.
- Use flea traps containing light and carbon dioxide attractants to monitor residual activity.
If chemical options are unsuitable, consider non‑chemical alternatives:
- Diatomaceous earth, food‑grade, spread thinly on carpets and left for 48 hours, then vacuumed, desiccates exoskeletons.
- Beneficial nematodes (Steinernema spp.) applied to soil beneath potted plants and in crawl spaces attack larvae.
Finally, evaluate effectiveness after two weeks. Re‑vacuum, repeat washing of linens, and re‑apply insecticide if live fleas are still observed. Consistent adherence to the outlined steps eliminates the infestation and prevents recurrence.