What should be done about fleas in the apartment? - briefly
Apply a veterinarian‑approved flea treatment to pets and use a household flea spray or fogger for the living areas. Then wash all bedding, curtains, and upholstery in hot water and vacuum carpets and furniture thoroughly.
What should be done about fleas in the apartment? - in detail
Fleas in a residential unit require a systematic approach that combines immediate eradication with long‑term prevention.
First, identify all infested zones. Inspect bedding, carpets, upholstery, and cracks in flooring. Use a fine‑toothed flea comb on pets and examine their fur for adult insects and tiny, dark specks (flea dirt).
Second, eliminate adult fleas and immature stages.
- Wash all removable fabrics at the highest safe temperature, then dry on high heat.
- Vacuum every carpet, rug, and upholstered surface thoroughly; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately.
- Apply a registered insecticide spray or fogger labeled for indoor flea control, following label directions for dosage, ventilation, and re‑entry time.
- Treat pets with a veterinarian‑approved topical or oral product that kills fleas and prevents egg production.
Third, disrupt the life cycle.
- Sprinkle a fine layer of diatomaceous earth on carpets and let it sit for 24 hours before vacuuming; the powder desiccates larvae and pupae.
- Use an insect growth regulator (IGR) such as methoprene or pyriproxyfen in conjunction with adult‑killing agents to stop development of eggs and larvae.
Fourth, establish preventive measures.
- Maintain weekly vacuuming and regular laundering of pet bedding.
- Keep pets on preventive medication year‑round.
- Seal gaps around baseboards, doors, and windows to reduce re‑entry of stray fleas.
Finally, monitor progress. Check pets and the environment weekly for at least four weeks. If fleas persist after two treatment cycles, repeat the insecticide application and consider professional pest‑control services.
Consistent execution of these steps removes the current infestation and reduces the likelihood of recurrence.