How should a house be rinsed to eliminate fleas? - briefly
Rinse floors, walls, and hard surfaces with hot water (≥ 130 °F) mixed with a flea‑killing detergent, ensuring full coverage and a brief soak before scrubbing. Follow with steam cleaning of carpets and upholstery, then vacuum thoroughly and discard the vacuum bag to remove any remaining insects.
How should a house be rinsed to eliminate fleas? - in detail
Effective flea eradication requires a comprehensive cleaning protocol that removes all developmental stages from every surface. The procedure consists of three phases: preparation, thorough rinsing, and post‑treatment actions.
Preparation begins with removal of clutter that can shelter insects. All textiles—bedding, curtains, pet blankets—must be laundered in water no cooler than 60 °C (140 °F) with a detergent proven effective against arthropods. Carpets and upholstery should be vacuumed repeatedly, the vacuum bag or canister emptied into a sealed bag and discarded outdoors. Hard floors are swept to eliminate debris that could protect eggs.
Rinsing employs hot water and a surfactant mixture. For tile, stone, or sealed wood, mop the surface with a solution containing 1 % non‑ionic detergent and water at 55–60 °C (130–140 °F). Allow the liquid to remain on the surface for at least five minutes before wiping or squeegeeing away excess. Steam‑cleaning devices set to a minimum temperature of 100 °C (212 °F) should be applied to carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture, moving slowly to ensure deep penetration. All rinse water must be directed to a drain that does not recirculate back into the house.
Post‑treatment actions focus on drying and verification. Surfaces are dried with clean towels or left to air‑dry, maintaining low humidity (< 45 %). Vacuum the entire interior once more, disposing of the contents as before. Repeat the rinsing cycle after seven days to intercept any newly emerged fleas that survived the initial treatment. If residual infestation persists, integrate an approved insecticide spray applied according to manufacturer guidelines, ensuring proper ventilation.
Consistent execution of these steps eliminates fleas at all life stages, restoring a flea‑free environment.