Fleas in the apartment: how to get rid of them? - briefly
Thoroughly vacuum carpets, floors, and upholstery, then discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately. Treat pets with veterinarian‑approved flea medication, launder all bedding in hot water, and apply a residual indoor insecticide per label instructions.
Fleas in the apartment: how to get rid of them? - in detail
Fleas thrive in warm, humid environments and can quickly spread throughout a dwelling once an initial host is present. Their life cycle – egg, larva, pupa, adult – lasts from two weeks to several months, depending on temperature and humidity. Interrupting this cycle is essential for successful eradication.
First, locate all possible habitats. Adult fleas hide in carpets, rugs, upholstery, and cracks in flooring. Larvae and pupae reside in organic debris such as pet bedding, hair, and dust. Thorough inspection of these areas identifies the extent of the problem.
Immediate actions
- Remove all pet bedding, wash at 60 °C, and dry on high heat.
- Vacuum every carpet, rug, and upholstered surface for at least 10 minutes, then discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately.
- Mop hard floors with hot water and a detergent that contains a residual insecticide.
- Treat pet coats with a veterinarian‑approved flea shampoo, followed by a monthly topical or oral preventive.
Chemical interventions
- Apply an insect growth regulator (IGR) spray to carpets, baseboards, and cracks; IGRs prevent larvae from developing into adults.
- Use a residual adulticide aerosol or fogger labeled for indoor use; follow label instructions regarding ventilation and re‑entry times.
- For severe infestations, consider a professional exterminator who can apply licensed products such as pyrethroids or neonicotinoids with proven indoor efficacy.
Natural alternatives
- Sprinkle diatomaceous earth (food‑grade) on carpets and leave for 48 hours before vacuuming; the abrasive particles damage the exoskeleton of both adults and larvae.
- Place sachets of dried lavender, rosemary, or eucalyptus in closets and under furniture; these essential oils have repellent properties but should not replace chemical controls in heavy infestations.
Prevention
- Maintain a regular cleaning schedule: vacuum weekly, wash pet linens biweekly, and keep humidity below 50 % using a dehumidifier.
- Administer monthly flea preventatives to all animals, even indoor‑only pets.
- Seal cracks in flooring and baseboards to eliminate hidden refuges.
If after two weeks of combined treatment adult fleas remain visible, repeat the chemical application and continue vacuuming daily for another week. Persistent presence after a second cycle indicates the need for professional assessment and possible structural treatment.