How to get rid of fleas in an apartment if there are no pets? - briefly
Vacuum all carpets, rugs, upholstery, and cracks, then wash bedding and fabrics in hot water; discard or clean the vacuum collection. Apply an indoor‑approved flea spray or fogger according to label directions to eliminate any remaining insects.
How to get rid of fleas in an apartment if there are no pets? - in detail
Fleas can appear in a dwelling even when no animals reside there, often hitching a ride on clothing, shoes, or used furniture. Eradicating them requires a systematic approach that targets all life stages—eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults.
Begin by isolating the infested area. Remove carpets, rugs, and removable floor coverings; wash them in hot water (minimum 60 °C) and dry on high heat. Vacuum every room thoroughly, paying special attention to seams, cracks, and under furniture. Empty the vacuum bag or canister into a sealed plastic bag and discard it outside the building.
Next, treat hard surfaces. Apply an insecticide labeled for indoor flea control, preferably a product containing an adulticide (e.g., permethrin or bifenthrin) and an insect growth regulator (IGR) such as methoprene or pyriproxyfen. Follow label instructions precisely: spray along baseboards, under furniture legs, and in crevices, then allow the area to dry before re‑entering.
For porous materials that cannot be laundered, use a steam cleaner set to at least 100 °C. The heat kills eggs and larvae within the fibers. After steaming, seal the items in plastic bags for 48 hours to prevent any surviving pupae from emerging.
Maintain a hostile environment for any remaining fleas. Reduce indoor humidity to 40 % or lower, as moisture supports larval development. Use a dehumidifier or improve ventilation if necessary. Continue vacuuming twice weekly for at least three weeks, disposing of the contents each time.
Finally, monitor for recurrence. Place sticky flea traps near suspected hotspots (e.g., under sofas, near entryways). Replace traps weekly and note any captures. If traps continue to catch fleas after the treatment cycle, repeat the insecticide application and steam cleaning.
By combining thorough cleaning, targeted chemical treatment, heat exposure, humidity control, and ongoing monitoring, a flea‑free residence can be restored without the presence of pets.