How can fleas be removed from an apartment at home? - briefly
Thoroughly vacuum all carpets, upholstery, and cracks, then wash bedding and curtains in hot water; follow with a pet‑safe flea spray or powder applied to floors and furniture. Treat any animals with a veterinarian‑approved flea product and repeat the cleaning cycle weekly until no insects remain.
How can fleas be removed from an apartment at home? - in detail
Eliminating a flea infestation in a home requires a systematic approach that targets adult insects, developing stages, and the environment where they thrive.
Begin by treating all pets. Use a veterinarian‑approved flea collar, topical medication, or oral tablet. Follow the product’s dosage schedule for at least two weeks to break the life cycle.
Next, deep‑clean the living space.
- Vacuum every carpet, rug, upholstered piece, and floor crevice. Discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately to prevent re‑infestation.
- Wash all bedding, curtains, and removable covers in hot water (minimum 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Steam‑clean carpets and upholstery; temperatures above 50 °C kill fleas and eggs.
Apply an environmental insecticide. Choose a product labeled for indoor use against fleas, preferably one that contains an adulticide (e.g., permethrin) and an insect growth regulator (e.g., methoprene). Follow label directions, spray along baseboards, under furniture, and in cracks. For severe cases, use a fogger that releases a fine aerosol, ensuring the home is vacated for the recommended period and that all food and dishes are sealed.
Introduce a non‑chemical control. Sprinkle food‑grade diatomaceous earth on carpets, pet bedding, and cracks. Leave for 24–48 hours, then vacuum thoroughly. The abrasive particles desiccate fleas without harming humans or pets.
Maintain the treated environment.
- Vacuum daily for the first two weeks, then weekly for a month.
- Keep humidity below 50 % and temperature between 20–25 °C, conditions less favorable for flea development.
- Trim pet fur regularly and bathe pets weekly with a flea‑preventive shampoo.
Finally, monitor progress. Use a flea trap—white plates with a few drops of dish soap placed near heat sources—to detect lingering adults. Continue preventive pet treatment for at least three months after the last sighting to ensure the population is fully eradicated.