How can I treat the apartment for fleas that came from the dog? - briefly
Vacuum all carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture thoroughly, then launder bedding, curtains, and pet blankets in hot water. Follow with a flea fogger or spray containing an insect‑growth regulator, and treat the dog with a veterinarian‑approved flea control product to stop reinfestation.
How can I treat the apartment for fleas that came from the dog? - in detail
Fleas introduced by a canine companion require a systematic approach that targets all life stages—eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults—throughout the living space.
Begin with the animal. Bath the dog with a veterinary‑approved flea shampoo, then apply a long‑acting topical treatment or oral medication as directed by a veterinarian. Comb the coat with a fine‑toothed flea comb, discarding trapped insects in soapy water.
Next, address the interior:
- Vacuum thoroughly: Cover carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, and floor seams. Use a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter. Empty the canister or bag into a sealed plastic bag and discard outside the home.
- Wash textiles: Launder all bedding, blankets, removable pillow covers, and pet blankets in hot water (minimum 130 °F/54 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Treat hard surfaces: Apply an EPA‑registered insect growth regulator (IGR) spray (e.g., methoprene or pyriproxyfen) to baseboards, cracks, and under furniture. Follow label instructions for concentration and dwell time.
- Treat soft surfaces: Use a spray containing both an adulticide (such as permethrin, not for direct pet contact) and an IGR on carpets, rugs, and upholstery. Allow the product to dry completely before re‑entering the area.
- Fogging or misting: For severe infestations, employ a professional‑grade flea fogger that combines an adulticide with an IGR. Seal the residence, vacate for the prescribed period, then ventilate thoroughly before returning.
Maintain control:
- Repeat vacuuming after 48 hours and again after one week to remove newly hatched fleas.
- Re‑apply IGR treatments according to product schedule, typically every 30 days, to prevent re‑development.
- Monitor with sticky flea traps placed near pet resting spots; replace weekly to gauge effectiveness.
Finally, prevent recurrence by keeping the pet on a regular preventive regimen, limiting indoor access to untreated animals, and performing monthly vacuuming and washing of pet bedding. This comprehensive protocol eliminates existing fleas and interrupts their life cycle, securing a flea‑free environment.