How to treat an apartment for dog fleas? - briefly
Thoroughly clean all surfaces, vacuum carpets and upholstery, then wash bedding and fabrics in hot water; follow with a pet‑safe insecticide spray or fogger applied according to label directions, paying special attention to cracks, seams, and pet sleeping areas. Repeat the treatment after 7‑10 days to break the flea life cycle.
How to treat an apartment for dog fleas? - in detail
Treating a dwelling infested with dog fleas requires a systematic approach that combines pet treatment, thorough cleaning, and targeted insecticide application.
First, eliminate the parasites on the animal. Administer a veterinarian‑approved flea control product—topical spot‑on, oral medication, or a collar—according to the label. Repeat the dose as instructed to break the life cycle.
Second, remove all eggs, larvae, and adult fleas from the environment. Follow these steps:
- Strip the dog’s bedding, blankets, and any fabric the pet uses; wash at 140 °F (60 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Launder all removable curtains, pillowcases, and towels in the same manner.
- Vacuum every carpet, rug, and upholstery surface slowly, pressing the nozzle into seams and crevices; discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed bag outside the home.
- Use a steam cleaner on carpets and upholstery where possible; the heat kills all life stages.
- Sprinkle a fine layer of a regulated, EPA‑approved flea spray or fogger on carpets, cracks, baseboards, and under furniture; follow the product’s dwell time before re‑entry.
Third, treat non‑removable areas. Apply a residual insecticide spray to baseboards, wall voids, and behind appliances, ensuring coverage of cracks and crevices where larvae develop. For severe infestations, consider a professional pest‑control service that can apply a licensed adulticide and larvicide formulation.
Fourth, control the indoor climate to discourage flea development. Keep humidity below 50 % and maintain indoor temperatures between 65–75 °F (18–24 °C). Use a dehumidifier if necessary.
Finally, implement preventive measures to avoid recurrence:
- Continue monthly flea control on the dog.
- Keep bedding and fabrics clean; wash regularly.
- Vacuum weekly, focusing on high‑traffic zones.
- Inspect the pet and home weekly for early signs of re‑infestation.
Following this protocol eliminates the current flea population and creates an environment hostile to future outbreaks.