If there are bedbugs and fleas in the apartment, what should we do? - briefly
Engage a licensed pest‑control operator to eradicate both bed‑bugs and fleas, and simultaneously wash all linens, clothing, and upholstery at ≥ 60 °C. Seal or discard heavily infested items to prevent re‑contamination.
If there are bedbugs and fleas in the apartment, what should we do? - in detail
When an apartment shows signs of both bedbugs and fleas, immediate and systematic action is required to eliminate the infestations and prevent recurrence.
The first step is to confirm identification. Inspect bedding, mattress seams, furniture crevices, and carpet edges for live insects, shed skins, or dark spots. Use a bright flashlight and a fine-toothed comb to collect specimens for verification, if necessary.
Next, isolate the living area. Remove all linens, clothing, and fabric items and place them in sealed plastic bags. Wash textiles in hot water (minimum 60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in airtight containers for a minimum of two weeks, the typical survival period for both pests.
Proceed with chemical treatment. Apply a registered insecticide formulated for bedbugs and fleas to:
- Mattress and box‑spring surfaces (follow label directions for dosage and retreat intervals).
- Upholstery, baseboards, and cracks in walls or floorboards.
- Carpets and rugs, using a fogger or spray designed for flea larvae.
After chemical application, employ non‑chemical methods. Vacuum all floors, upholstered furniture, and mattress surfaces thoroughly; discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed bag. Steam‑clean carpets and upholstery at temperatures above 100 °C, which kills all life stages on contact.
Address the surrounding environment. Wash pet bedding and treat pets with a veterinarian‑approved flea control product; pets do not harbor bedbugs but can carry fleas. Seal all entry points—cracks, gaps around pipes, and baseboard seams—to limit migration between units.
Monitor progress with sticky traps placed near suspected harborage sites. Replace traps weekly and record captures. If traps continue to detect activity after two weeks of treatment, repeat chemical applications according to product specifications.
Finally, maintain preventive measures. Use mattress encasements rated for bedbugs, keep clutter to a minimum, and schedule regular vacuuming. Periodic inspection of pets and bedding will detect re‑infestation early, allowing swift remedial action.