How to fight household fleas in an apartment? - briefly
Treat pets with a veterinarian‑approved flea medication, vacuum all carpets and upholstery, and wash bedding and curtains in hot water. Apply a residual insecticide to cracks, baseboards, and pet zones, then repeat the treatment weekly for three weeks to disrupt the flea life cycle.
How to fight household fleas in an apartment? - in detail
Fleas thrive in the carpet, upholstery, and pet bedding of a residence. Eradicating them requires a systematic approach that targets each life stage—egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
First, identify the infestation. Look for small, dark specks on pets’ fur, especially near the tail base, and for tiny black specks (flea dirt) on fabric. Run a fine-toothed comb over the animal’s coat; any captured insects confirm presence.
Next, treat the animals. Use a veterinarian‑approved adulticide spot‑on product, oral medication, or a flea collar that provides rapid kill and residual protection for at least four weeks. Administer the treatment according to the label instructions, repeating as necessary to break the life cycle.
Simultaneously, cleanse the environment:
- Vacuum all carpeted areas, rugs, and upholstered furniture thoroughly; discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed bag.
- Wash pet bedding, blankets, and removable covers in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Steam‑clean carpets and upholstery to reach temperatures that destroy eggs and larvae.
- Apply an insect growth regulator (IGR) spray to cracks, baseboards, and under furniture; the IGR prevents immature stages from developing into adults.
- Use a residual adulticide spray labeled for indoor use on floors, cracks, and crevices; follow safety precautions and allow proper ventilation.
After treatment, maintain a preventive routine:
- Continue monthly pet medication throughout the year.
- Vacuum weekly, emptying the canister each time.
- Keep humidity low (below 50 %) to hinder flea development.
- Inspect new pets before introducing them to the home.
By combining direct animal treatment, intensive cleaning, and targeted chemical control, the flea population can be eliminated within a 2–3‑week period, preventing re‑infestation and restoring a pest‑free living space.