How to disinfect an apartment from animal fleas? - briefly
Thoroughly vacuum carpets and upholstery, wash all linens at ≥60 °C, and apply an approved indoor flea insecticide spray, repeating the treatment after seven days. Additionally, treat resident animals with veterinary‑recommended flea medication, seal entry points, and keep humidity low to deter recurrence.
How to disinfect an apartment from animal fleas? - in detail
Eliminating a flea infestation from a residence requires a systematic approach that combines mechanical removal, thermal treatment, and chemical control.
First, remove all sources of organic debris that serve as breeding sites. Wash bedding, curtains, and removable upholstery covers in water exceeding 60 °C for at least 30 minutes. Dry items in a dryer on a high‑heat setting for a minimum of 20 minutes.
Second, treat hard surfaces. Vacuum carpets, rugs, and furniture thoroughly, moving the nozzle slowly to dislodge larvae and eggs. Immediately discard the vacuum bag or seal the canister in a plastic bag and place it in an outdoor trash container.
Third, apply a residual insecticide labeled for indoor flea control. Choose a product containing an adulticide (e.g., permethrin, pyrethrin) and an insect growth regulator such as methoprene or pyriproxyfen. Follow the manufacturer’s dosage instructions, spraying:
- Along baseboards and cracks where insects hide.
- Under furniture legs and on the undersides of cushions.
- In pet sleeping areas after pets have been bathed and treated.
Allow the treated surfaces to remain dry for the period specified on the label, typically 2–4 hours, before re‑occupying the rooms.
Fourth, employ thermal sanitation. If a professional heat‑treatment service is unavailable, use a portable steamer on carpets and upholstery, maintaining steam temperatures above 50 °C for at least 10 seconds per spot. This method kills eggs and larvae without chemical residues.
Fifth, address the animal hosts. Administer a veterinarian‑approved flea preventive to all pets, ensuring continuous protection for at least one month. Groom pets with a flea comb, removing visible insects and debris.
Finally, monitor the environment for three to four weeks. Repeat vacuuming and spot‑treat any areas where live fleas are observed. Maintain regular cleaning cycles and continue pet preventive measures to prevent re‑infestation.
Adherence to these steps, performed in sequence and without interruption, provides comprehensive eradication of fleas from a living space.