How to wash floors to remove earth fleas in an apartment? - briefly
Mop the surface using hot water and a strong detergent, then rinse with a diluted bleach or vinegar solution and dry completely to eliminate soil-dwelling fleas. Ensure the floor remains moist for several minutes before drying to maximize efficacy.
How to wash floors to remove earth fleas in an apartment? - in detail
Cleaning floor surfaces to eradicate soil-dwelling fleas requires a systematic approach that combines mechanical removal, thorough wet cleaning, and environmental control.
Begin with a complete clearance of the area. Remove all movable objects—rugs, furniture legs, toys, and debris—to expose the entire floor. Vacuum the space using a model equipped with a HEPA filter. Operate the vacuum slowly, overlapping each pass to capture adult fleas, larvae, and eggs embedded in carpet fibers or grout lines. After vacuuming, immediately empty the canister or bag into a sealed plastic bag and discard it outdoors to prevent reinfestation.
Proceed to a wet‑scrub treatment. Prepare a solution of warm water (approximately 40 °C) mixed with a proven flea‑killing agent such as a diluted concentration of 0.5 % pyrethrin spray, a commercial flea shampoo, or a 1 % solution of household bleach for hard surfaces. For tile, stone, or laminate, a neutral pH detergent combined with a few drops of essential oil (eucalyptus or peppermint) can deter fleas without damaging the material. Apply the solution with a mop, ensuring the mop head is saturated but not dripping. Work in sections, scrubbing each area for 30–45 seconds to dislodge any remaining insects and their developmental stages.
Rinse the floor thoroughly with clean water to remove residual chemicals. Use a clean mop or microfiber cloth, changing the water frequently to avoid spreading contaminants. Allow the surface to air‑dry completely; adequate ventilation accelerates drying and reduces humidity, which discourages flea survival.
Finalize the process with a preventive measure. Sprinkle a fine layer of diatomaceous earth (food‑grade) over carpets and seams, leave it for 24 hours, then vacuum again. This inert powder abrades the exoskeletons of any surviving fleas, leading to dehydration. For hard floors, apply a residual insecticide labeled for indoor use, following the manufacturer’s dosage and safety instructions.
Maintain the environment by repeating vacuuming twice weekly for the first month, keeping humidity below 50 % with a dehumidifier, and washing bedding and pet linens in hot water (≥ 60 °C) weekly. Consistent execution of these steps eliminates the flea population and prevents recurrence.