How to correctly treat an apartment for fleas? - briefly
Thoroughly vacuum all rooms, discard the bag, then apply a licensed insecticide spray or fogger according to label directions, focusing on cracks, baseboards, and pet bedding; repeat after 7‑10 days to break the flea life cycle. Finally, wash all linens and fabrics in hot water and maintain regular cleaning to prevent reinfestation.
How to correctly treat an apartment for fleas? - in detail
Treating a residence for fleas requires a systematic approach that eliminates all life stages of the parasite. Begin by removing clutter that can hide eggs and larvae. Vacuum every carpet, rug, and upholstered surface for at least 15 minutes, then discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister with hot, soapy water. Repeat this process daily for a week to capture newly hatched insects.
Next, wash all bedding, curtains, and removable fabric items in water hotter than 50 °C (122 °F). Dry them on the highest heat setting for a minimum of 30 minutes. For non‑washable items, place them in a sealed plastic bag for 48 hours; the lack of oxygen will kill most stages.
Apply an EPA‑registered insecticide formulated for indoor use. Choose a product that contains an adulticide (e.g., permethrin, pyrethrin) and an insect growth regulator (IGR) such as methoprene or pyriproxyfen. Follow the label precisely:
- Spray cracks, baseboards, and hidden crevices where fleas retreat.
- Treat pet bedding and areas where animals rest, avoiding direct contact with pets.
- Use a fogger only if the label permits whole‑house treatment; otherwise, stick to spot applications.
After application, keep the dwelling closed for the period indicated on the product (typically 2–4 hours). Ventilate thoroughly before re‑entering.
Address the animal hosts concurrently. Administer a veterinarian‑approved flea control regimen to each pet—topical spot‑on, oral medication, or collar—ensuring coverage for at least one month. Repeat the treatment according to the product’s schedule.
Finally, monitor the environment. Place sticky flea traps near suspected hotspots for two weeks; replace them every 48 hours. If traps capture live insects after the initial treatment cycle, repeat insecticide application targeting the affected zones.
Maintaining the above routine for a minimum of four weeks prevents re‑infestation, as flea eggs require up to two weeks to develop and emerge as adults. Continuous vigilance—regular vacuuming, periodic laundering, and consistent pet medication—sustains a flea‑free environment.