How to remove fleas in an apartment at home? - briefly
Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and floor seams thoroughly each day, then seal and discard the vacuum bag or empty canister. Treat pets with a veterinarian‑approved flea product, launder all bedding at high temperature, and apply a labeled insecticide spray or fogger throughout the residence.
How to remove fleas in an apartment at home? - in detail
Fleas thrive in carpet fibers, bedding, and pet‑related areas. Eradicating them requires a systematic approach that targets every life stage.
Begin with a thorough inspection. Use a fine‑toothed flea comb on all animals, checking the neck, tail base, and under the legs. Collect any insects and drop them into a container of soapy water to confirm the infestation.
Deep‑clean all surfaces. Vacuum carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, and floor cracks for at least ten minutes per room. Immediately empty the vacuum canister or replace the bag and seal it in a plastic bag before discarding. Follow the vacuuming with a steam‑cleaning cycle if a steam cleaner is available; the high temperature kills larvae and pupae.
Launder all removable fabrics. Wash bedding, curtains, pet blankets, and cushion covers in water hotter than 130 °F (54 °C) for a minimum of 30 minutes. Dry on the highest heat setting the dryer allows.
Treat the pets. Apply a veterinarian‑approved flea control product—topical spot‑on treatment, oral medication, or a flea collar—according to the label directions. Repeat the application as prescribed, typically every month, to interrupt the life cycle.
Apply an environmental insecticide. Choose a product labeled for indoor use against fleas, containing ingredients such as permethrin, methoprene, or pyriproxyfen. Spray the perimeter of each room, focusing on baseboards, under furniture, and pet sleeping areas. Follow safety instructions: ventilate the space, keep pets and people out for the recommended time, and store chemicals out of reach.
Address hidden stages. Flea eggs and pupae often reside in cracks, under floorboards, and behind baseboards. Use a powder formulation (e.g., diatomaceous earth) to coat these areas; the abrasive particles dehydrate the insects. Leave the powder for 48 hours, then vacuum thoroughly.
Implement preventive measures. Maintain a regular vacuum schedule—at least twice weekly. Keep pets on a continuous flea preventive regimen. Limit indoor access for stray animals and control wildlife entry points. Trim grass and weeds around the building to reduce external flea reservoirs.
Monitor progress. After two weeks, repeat the combing inspection on pets and re‑vacuum high‑risk zones. Continue treatment cycles for four to six weeks, covering the full development period of the flea life cycle, to ensure complete eradication.