Fleas have appeared in the apartment, how can they be eliminated? - briefly
Apply a veterinary‑recommended flea treatment to all animals, then clean the environment by vacuuming, steam‑cleaning carpets, and washing bedding in hot water. Finish with an indoor‑rated residual insecticide spray or fogger, and repeat the process after a week to break the flea life cycle.
Fleas have appeared in the apartment, how can they be eliminated? - in detail
A flea infestation in a residence requires a systematic approach that targets all life stages of the insect. The adult insects, larvae, eggs, and pupae must be addressed simultaneously to prevent re‑emergence.
First, treat the living spaces. Vacuum carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, and floor seams thoroughly; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately to eliminate captured insects and eggs. Follow the vacuuming with a high‑temperature steam treatment on fabric surfaces, as heat above 95 °C kills larvae and pupae hidden in the material. After cleaning, wash all removable textiles—bedding, curtains, pet blankets—at the hottest temperature the fabric tolerates, then dry on a high heat setting.
Second, address the animal hosts. Use a veterinarian‑approved adulticide product, such as a topical spot‑on treatment (e.g., fipronil or imidacloprid) or an oral medication (e.g., nitenpyram). Apply the product according to the label instructions, ensuring coverage of the entire body surface. Repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to break the life cycle, as newly hatched fleas will emerge from pupae at that stage.
Third, apply an environmental insecticide. Select a product labeled for indoor flea control that contains an adulticide (e.g., permethrin, cyfluthrin) and an insect growth regulator (IGR) such as methoprene or pyriproxyfen. Spray cracks, baseboards, under furniture, and pet sleeping areas, following the recommended concentration and ventilation guidelines. The IGR prevents immature stages from developing into adults, while the adulticide reduces the existing population.
Fourth, maintain ongoing prevention. Keep humidity below 50 % and temperature moderate, as fleas thrive in warm, humid environments. Regularly wash pet bedding and vacuum high‑traffic areas. Schedule monthly preventative treatments for pets to interrupt any new introductions.
Summary of actions:
- Vacuum and steam all fabrics; wash at high temperature.
- Treat pets with veterinarian‑approved adulticide; repeat after 7–10 days.
- Apply indoor insecticide containing adulticide + IGR to cracks and seams.
- Reduce humidity, maintain cleanliness, and use monthly pet preventatives.
Executing these steps in sequence eliminates the current infestation and establishes barriers against future occurrences.