How can I get rid of fleas in the apartment, which product to use? - briefly
Apply a professional flea insecticide spray or fogger with permethrin or imiprothrin to carpets, upholstery, and baseboards, then vacuum thoroughly and wash all bedding. Effective options include Adams Flea & Tick Home Spray and Ortho Home Defense Fogger.
How can I get rid of fleas in the apartment, which product to use? - in detail
Eliminating fleas from a residence requires a systematic approach that targets adult insects, developing stages, and the environment where they thrive. Begin with thorough cleaning: vacuum all carpeted areas, upholstered furniture, and floor seams daily for at least two weeks. Immediately discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed bag and place it in an outdoor trash container. Wash bedding, curtains, and removable fabric covers in hot water (minimum 60 °C) and dry on high heat to kill all life stages.
Treat pets before addressing the premises. Apply a veterinarian‑approved topical or oral flea medication that contains an insect growth regulator (IGR) such as pyriproxyfen or methoprene. Products like Frontline Plus, Advantage II, or Bravecto provide rapid adult kill and prevent egg maturation. Verify dosage according to the animal’s weight and follow the label’s re‑application schedule.
Select a product for the indoor environment based on the severity of infestation:
- Flea spray – aerosol or pump‑spray containing adulticide (e.g., permethrin, imidacloprid) and IGR. Apply to carpets, cracks, baseboards, and pet resting spots. Allow 30 minutes of ventilation before re‑entry.
- Fogger (total‑release aerosol) – suitable for severe cases. Choose a formulation that includes both adulticide and IGR. Seal the apartment, activate the device, and vacate for the manufacturer‑specified period (usually 2–4 hours). Afterward, ventilate thoroughly and repeat vacuuming.
- Flea powder – silica‑based or diatomaceous earth applied to carpet fibers and upholstery. Sprinkle lightly, leave for 24 hours, then vacuum. The abrasive particles desiccate fleas and larvae.
- Steam cleaner – high‑temperature steam (≥100 °C) penetrates deep into fibers, killing insects without chemicals. Use on carpets, mattresses, and upholstered furniture.
Implement an integrated schedule:
- Day 0: Treat pets, apply spray to high‑risk zones, start vacuuming regimen.
- Day 1–3: Use fogger if infestation is extensive; otherwise repeat spray on day 2.
- Day 4–7: Apply powder to areas not reachable by spray, continue daily vacuuming.
- Day 8–14: Perform a second round of pet medication, repeat spray or powder as needed.
- Day 15 onward: Maintain weekly vacuuming, monthly pet treatment, and periodic spot‑treatments with spray or powder.
Safety considerations: Ensure all occupants, especially children and pets, are removed from treated rooms until ventilation is complete. Wear gloves and a mask when handling powders or aerosols. Store all products out of reach of non‑target animals.
By combining rigorous cleaning, targeted pet medication, and appropriate indoor insecticides, flea populations can be eradicated and prevented from re‑establishing. Continuous monitoring of pet health and periodic environmental checks sustain a flea‑free living space.