How can I get rid of fleas in the apartment and what causes them to appear? - briefly
Fleas infest an apartment when infected animals, such as pets or rodents, bring eggs or larvae, or when used furniture carries hidden eggs. Eradicate them by vacuuming all surfaces, laundering bedding at high temperature, treating pets with veterinarian‑approved flea medication, and applying a residual insecticide spray or fogger according to label instructions, repeating the process after a week.
How can I get rid of fleas in the apartment and what causes them to appear? - in detail
Fleas appear in indoor environments when adult insects or immature stages are introduced on pets, stray animals, or infested objects such as used furniture, bedding, or carpets. Warm, humid conditions accelerate their life cycle, allowing eggs to hatch within a week, larvae to develop in a few days, and new adults to emerge in two weeks. A single female can lay up to 50 eggs per day, contaminating the surrounding area with thousands of eggs over her lifespan.
Effective elimination requires breaking the flea life cycle at every stage:
- Treat all animals – apply a veterinarian‑approved adulticide and insect growth regulator (IGR) to dogs, cats, or other pets. Repeat the treatment according to product instructions to cover emerging adults.
- Vacuum thoroughly – vacuum carpets, rugs, upholstery, and cracks in flooring. Immediately discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister to prevent re‑infestation.
- Wash fabrics – launder bedding, curtains, pet blankets, and removable covers in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat to kill eggs and larvae.
- Apply environmental insecticide – use a spray or fogger containing an adulticide combined with an IGR. Target baseboards, under furniture, cracks, and crevices where larvae hide. Follow label safety guidelines.
- Use diatomaceous earth or silica aerogel – spread a thin layer on carpets and pet areas; these powders desiccate insects without chemicals.
- Maintain low humidity – keep indoor relative humidity below 50 % with dehumidifiers or proper ventilation to hinder larval development.
After treatment, monitor for several weeks. Place sticky flea traps near pet sleeping spots to detect residual activity. Repeat vacuuming and washing every few days during the first month, then weekly for another month to capture late‑hatching individuals.
Preventive measures include regular grooming and monthly topical or oral flea preventatives for pets, keeping windows screened, and inspecting second‑hand items before bringing them indoors. By addressing the source, sanitizing the environment, and sustaining preventive protocols, flea populations can be eradicated and future outbreaks avoided.