How should I treat an apartment to get rid of fleas in the house? - briefly
Thoroughly vacuum all carpets, floors, and upholstery, wash bedding and curtains in hot water, apply a flea‑specific insecticide spray to cracks and crevices, and treat any pets with a veterinarian‑approved product. Repeat the cleaning and treatment weekly until no fleas are observed.
How should I treat an apartment to get rid of fleas in the house? - in detail
Treating a dwelling for flea eradication requires a systematic approach that addresses adult insects, larvae, and eggs in every environment where they can survive.
Begin with thorough cleaning. Remove all carpets, rugs, and removable floor coverings; wash them in hot water above 60 °C, then dry on high heat. Vacuum every carpet, upholstered furniture, and floor surface repeatedly, pausing for several minutes between passes to allow dislodged fleas to fall into the vacuum bag. Empty the bag into a sealed plastic bag and discard it outdoors.
Next, launder all bedding, curtains, and pet accessories. Use the hottest cycle the fabric tolerates, followed by a high‑temperature dryer cycle. For items that cannot be machine‑washed, steam‑clean or apply a flea‑killing spray approved for textiles.
Apply an insecticide that targets both adult fleas and developing stages. Choose a product containing a combination of an adulticide (e.g., imidacloprid, fipronil) and an insect growth regulator (IGR) such as methoprene or pyriproxyfen. Follow the manufacturer’s label precisely:
- Spray cracks, baseboards, under furniture, and inside wall voids.
- Treat pet bedding and areas where animals rest.
- Re‑apply according to the recommended interval, typically 7–14 days, to interrupt the life cycle.
Address the animal hosts. Administer a veterinarian‑approved flea control product to each pet, ensuring coverage for at least one month. Use a combination of topical treatment, oral medication, or a flea collar, depending on the pet’s health status and owner preference.
Seal potential reinfestation routes. Repair gaps around windows, doors, and plumbing penetrations. Reduce outdoor access for pets and keep lawns trimmed to limit flea populations outside the residence.
Finally, monitor progress. Place sticky traps in corners and under furniture for a week after treatment; a decline in captured fleas indicates effectiveness. Continue regular vacuuming and maintain pet preventive measures to prevent recurrence.