How to clean an apartment of cat fleas? - briefly
Vacuum every carpet, rug, upholstery, and floor crevice, then wash all bedding, curtains, and pet items in hot water, discarding the vacuum contents afterward. Apply a pet‑safe flea insecticide to floors and baseboards, repeat the treatment after seven days, and maintain regular cleaning to prevent reinfestation.
How to clean an apartment of cat fleas? - in detail
Eliminate cat fleas from a living space by combining immediate removal actions with long‑term preventive measures. Begin with the animal: bathe the cat using a flea‑specific shampoo, then apply a veterinarian‑approved topical treatment or oral medication. Treat all pets in the household simultaneously to avoid re‑infestation.
Next, address the environment. Remove visible insects and eggs by vacuuming every carpet, rug, upholstered chair, and mattress surface. Discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately after use. Follow with a thorough steam‑cleaning of fabrics that can tolerate high temperatures; the heat kills both adult fleas and immature stages.
Apply an insecticide spray or powder labeled for indoor flea control to cracks, baseboards, and under furniture. Choose a product containing an adulticide (e.g., permethrin) and an insect growth regulator (IGR) such as methoprene or pyriproxyfen to prevent eggs from hatching. Follow label instructions regarding concentration, ventilation, and dwell time.
Wash all removable textiles—bedding, curtains, pet blankets—at the hottest temperature the fabric allows (minimum 130 °F/54 °C). Dry on a high‑heat setting for at least 30 minutes to ensure any surviving insects are destroyed.
Seal any entry points that could allow wild rodents or stray cats to bring new fleas into the home. Repair screens, close gaps around doors, and keep food stored in sealed containers.
Maintain a regular schedule: vacuum weekly, repeat insecticide application every two weeks for at least one month, and continue monthly veterinary flea prevention on all pets. Monitoring traps containing a small amount of black soap or a commercial flea sticky pad can confirm the effectiveness of the eradication effort.