How should I treat an apartment for fleas? - briefly
Vacuum every carpet, rug, upholstery, and floor seam thoroughly, then seal the vacuum bag or empty canister in a plastic bag and discard it. Apply an EPA‑registered indoor flea spray or fogger per label instructions, wash all bedding and pet items in hot water, and repeat the treatment after seven days to interrupt the flea life cycle.
How should I treat an apartment for fleas? - in detail
Fleas develop through egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages; each stage requires a specific control measure. Eliminating the infestation demands simultaneous treatment of the environment, personal items, and any animals present.
- Thoroughly vacuum all carpeted areas, rugs, upholstery, and floor seams. Immediately discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed bag and place it in an outdoor trash container.
- Launder all bedding, curtains, and removable fabrics at the highest temperature the material tolerates (≥ 60 °C/140 °F) for at least 30 minutes.
- Steam‑clean carpets and upholstered furniture; steam temperatures above 70 °C (158 °F) kill eggs and larvae on contact.
- Remove clutter that provides hiding places for developing stages; store or discard unnecessary items.
Apply an approved adulticide spray or fogger that contains ingredients such as permethrin, bifenthrin, or imidacloprid. Follow the product label precisely: treat baseboards, cracks, under furniture, and pet sleeping areas. Use a residual spray for carpets and upholstery, allowing the recommended drying time before re‑occupying the space. For severe cases, consider a professional pest‑control service that can apply a combination of aerosol, dust, and liquid treatments.
Maintain low indoor humidity (below 50 %) to discourage flea development. Seal cracks and crevices in walls, floors, and windows to prevent re‑infestation from adjoining units. Treat all resident pets with a veterinarian‑approved flea preventive (topical, oral, or collar) and repeat the treatment according to the product schedule. Groom pets regularly and wash pet bedding with hot water.
Repeat the vacuuming and steam‑cleaning process after 7–10 days, when newly emerged adults are most active. Conduct a second application of insecticide after another 7 days to target any surviving eggs or larvae. Continue monitoring for several weeks; use sticky traps or flea combs to confirm the absence of adult fleas before declaring the problem resolved.