If there are fleas in the apartment, what should be used to poison them? - briefly
Apply a registered flea insecticide—such as a spray, powder, or fogger containing permethrin, imidacloprid, or fipronil—directly to carpets, cracks, and pet bedding, following the product label for dosage and safety. Repeat treatment after a week to eliminate newly hatched fleas and prevent reinfestation.
If there are fleas in the apartment, what should be used to poison them? - in detail
When a flea infestation occurs inside a dwelling, an effective eradication strategy combines chemical control with environmental sanitation.
Select an insecticide formulated specifically for indoor flea control. Products approved by regulatory agencies typically contain one or more of the following active ingredients:
- Pyrethroids (e.g., permethrin, deltamethrin) – fast‑acting neurotoxins that kill adult fleas on contact.
- Neonicotinoids (e.g., imidacloprid) – systemic agents absorbed by pets and transferred to fleas during feeding.
- Insect growth regulators (IGRs) (e.g., methoprene, pyriproxyfen) – disrupt development of eggs, larvae, and pupae, preventing population rebound.
Apply the chosen spray or aerosol according to label directions: treat carpets, upholstery, baseboards, and cracks where fleas hide. Use a low‑odor, residue‑free formulation to minimize exposure to occupants.
For concealed areas, a fogger or “total release aerosol” can disperse fine particles throughout the space. Deploy the device after removing or covering food, dishes, and personal items; vacate the premises for the prescribed period, then ventilate thoroughly before re‑entry.
Powdered treatments, such as diatomaceous earth or silica gel, may be spread lightly on carpets and pet bedding. These abrasives desiccate fleas by damaging their exoskeletons. Apply a thin layer, leave for 24–48 hours, then vacuum completely.
Safety measures are mandatory:
- Wear disposable gloves and a mask to avoid inhalation or skin contact.
- Keep children, pets, and vulnerable individuals out of treated rooms until the product has dried or settled.
- Store any remaining insecticide in its original container, out of reach of non‑target organisms.
Concurrent non‑chemical actions amplify results:
- Wash all bedding, curtains, and removable fabrics in hot water (≥ 60 °C).
- Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstery daily; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately.
- Treat companion animals with a veterinarian‑approved flea product to eliminate adult fleas on the host and prevent re‑infestation.
After the initial treatment, monitor for surviving fleas over two weeks. If activity persists, repeat the insecticide application once, respecting the maximum frequency indicated on the label.
By integrating targeted chemical agents, thorough cleaning, and host treatment, the flea population can be eliminated safely and permanently.