How can I remove household fleas from an apartment? - briefly
Vacuum all carpets, floors, and upholstery, then immediately discard the bag or clean the canister; wash bedding and curtains in hot water, and apply an indoor‑approved flea spray or fogger to treat remaining insects. Treat any pets with a veterinarian‑recommended flea control product to prevent reinfestation.
How can I remove household fleas from an apartment? - in detail
Eliminating fleas from a living space requires a systematic approach that targets the insects, their eggs, and the environment they inhabit.
Begin with a thorough inspection. Identify areas where fleas are most likely to hide: pet bedding, carpets, upholstered furniture, cracks in flooring, and under cushions. Use a fine-toothed comb on pets to collect adult insects and larvae; discard the combed material in a sealed bag.
Next, treat all fabric surfaces. Wash bedding, curtains, and removable covers in hot water (minimum 130 °F) and dry on the highest heat setting. For items that cannot be laundered, place them in a sealed bag for at least 48 hours to starve the insects.
Vacuum every carpet, rug, and floor covering multiple times, paying special attention to edges and baseboards. Immediately empty the vacuum canister or replace the bag and seal it in a plastic bag before disposal to prevent re‑infestation.
Apply an appropriate insecticide to cracks, baseboards, and under furniture. Choose a product labeled for indoor flea control and follow the manufacturer’s dosage instructions precisely. For households with children or pets, select formulations with reduced toxicity and keep treated areas vacant for the recommended period.
Treat pets concurrently. Administer a veterinarian‑approved flea preventive (topical, oral, or collar) and repeat according to the product’s schedule. Groom pets regularly with a flea comb to remove any remaining insects.
Maintain environmental conditions that discourage flea development. Keep indoor humidity below 50 % and temperature between 60–70 °F. Use a dehumidifier if necessary.
Repeat the entire process after 7–10 days, as flea eggs hatch within this window. Continue weekly vacuuming and pet treatment for at least four weeks to break the life cycle completely.
Final step: monitor for activity using sticky traps placed near pet resting spots. If traps capture no fleas after the treatment period, the infestation can be considered resolved.