How to treat surfaces for fleas? - briefly
«Vacuum all carpets, rugs, and upholstery thoroughly, then apply a residual flea spray approved for indoor use, following label directions.» «Wash bedding, curtains, and pet accessories in hot water, and repeat treatment after 7‑10 days to break the flea life cycle.»
How to treat surfaces for fleas? - in detail
Treating environments where fleas are present requires a systematic approach that eliminates adult insects, immature stages, and eggs from all accessible surfaces.
Begin with thorough mechanical removal. Vacuum every carpet, rug, upholstered item, and floor seam using a high‑efficiency model; discard the bag or empty the canister into a sealed container. Follow vacuuming with washing of removable fabrics in hot water (minimum 60 °C) and drying on high heat.
Apply chemical controls after cleaning. Select an insecticide labeled for flea treatment on indoor surfaces; options include pyrethroid sprays, growth‑regulator powders, or aerosol foggers. Follow product directions precisely, ensuring even coverage of:
- Baseboards and cracks
- Under furniture
- Mattress and pet bedding frames
- Curtain rails and blinds
Allow the recommended contact time before re‑entering the area.
Modify environmental conditions to hinder flea development. Reduce indoor humidity to below 50 % and maintain temperatures under 24 °C, which slow egg hatching. Seal gaps around doors, windows, and flooring to prevent re‑infestation from exterior sources.
Implement a monitoring schedule. Re‑vacuum high‑risk zones weekly for at least four weeks, and re‑apply insecticide after two weeks if flea activity persists. Use disposable sticky traps to assess residual adult presence; replace traps every 48 hours until captures cease.
Consistent execution of mechanical, chemical, and environmental measures eliminates fleas from surfaces and prevents recurrence.