How should fleas be sprayed in the house with dichlorvos? - briefly
Apply a fine mist of dichlorvos to baseboards, carpet edges, and cracks, then seal the room for the label‑specified dwell time before ventilating. Wear protective gloves and a mask, and keep pets and people out of the area until the fumes have cleared.
How should fleas be sprayed in the house with dichlorvos? - in detail
Spraying a flea infestation with dichlorvos (DDVP) requires precise preparation, strict safety measures, and thorough coverage.
First, remove all food, dishes, and utensils from the treatment area. Seal pet cages, aquariums, and any equipment that could be contaminated. Cover mattresses, cushions, and upholstered furniture with plastic sheeting to prevent absorption of the vapor.
Wear a full set of personal protective equipment: chemical‑resistant gloves, goggles, a N‑95 or higher respirator, and an impermeable disposable suit. Ensure the room is sealed by closing doors, windows, and ventilation ducts. Install temporary exhaust fans that vent to the outdoors, not into adjacent rooms.
Mix the dichlorvos concentrate according to the label’s concentration guidelines, typically 0.5 ml per liter of water for indoor use. Transfer the solution to a calibrated fogger or cold‑mist sprayer. Verify the device’s output rate (ml/min) to achieve the recommended droplet size (10–30 µm) for optimal penetration.
Apply the mist evenly across all surfaces:
- Start at the highest point (ceilings, light fixtures) and work downward.
- Direct the spray into cracks, crevices, baseboards, and beneath furniture legs.
- Pay special attention to pet bedding, carpet edges, and under rugs.
- Use a systematic pattern (e.g., overlapping circles) to avoid gaps.
Maintain fogger operation for the full exposure period indicated on the product label, usually 30–45 minutes. During this time, remain outside the treated space and keep the area sealed.
After the exposure period, ventilate the room thoroughly:
- Open all windows and doors.
- Run high‑capacity exhaust fans for at least 2 hours.
- Use a portable air purifier with a HEPA filter to capture residual particles.
Only re‑enter the space when the dichlorvos concentration has fallen below the permissible exposure limit (typically <0.1 ppm). Conduct a rapid test with a handheld dichlorvos detector if available.
Dispose of all contaminated PPE and cleaning materials in sealed, labeled containers. Follow local hazardous‑waste regulations for the remaining chemical solution.
Repeat the treatment after two weeks to interrupt the flea life cycle, then transition to a non‑chemical control program (regular vacuuming, washing bedding at ≥60 °C, and applying an insect growth regulator). Continuous monitoring with a flea trap will confirm eradication.