What should be done about fleas in the apartment and where do they come from? - briefly
Fleas are introduced by infested pets, wildlife, or contaminated second‑hand items and proliferate in carpets, bedding, and floor cracks. Immediate vacuuming, laundering textiles at high temperature, applying a licensed insecticide, and treating all host animals with a veterinarian‑approved flea medication constitute an effective eradication protocol.
What should be done about fleas in the apartment and where do they come from? - in detail
Fleas enter a dwelling primarily through pets, wildlife, or contaminated items such as second‑hand furniture. Adult insects can jump up to 150 cm, allowing rapid spread from a single host to surrounding carpets, bedding, and cracks in flooring. The life cycle—egg, larva, pupa, adult—lasts from two weeks to several months, depending on temperature and humidity, which means an infestation can persist long after the initial introduction.
Effective eradication requires a coordinated approach:
- Identify the source. Examine dogs, cats, rodents, or birds for adult fleas or flea dirt; treat the animal with an appropriate veterinary‑approved product.
- Remove eggs and larvae. Vacuum all carpeted areas, upholstery, and floor seams daily for at least two weeks; discard vacuum bags immediately to prevent re‑infestation.
- Treat the environment. Apply an insect growth regulator (IGR) spray or fogger that disrupts development from egg to adult; follow manufacturer instructions regarding ventilation and dwell time.
- Wash textiles. Launder bedding, curtains, and removable covers at ≥ 60 °C; dry on high heat to kill all life stages.
- Seal entry points. Repair cracks in baseboards, close gaps around pipes, and use screens on windows to limit access for stray animals and insects.
Prevention hinges on maintaining low humidity (below 50 %) and regular grooming of pets with flea‑preventive collars or topical treatments. Periodic inspection of pets and indoor spaces, combined with prompt vacuuming, reduces the likelihood of a resurgence.