What should be done if fleas appear in an apartment? - briefly
Thoroughly vacuum carpets, rugs, upholstery, and crevices, then wash all bedding and fabrics in hot water. Treat pets with a veterinarian‑approved flea medication and apply a licensed indoor flea spray or fogger, repeating after seven days to break the life cycle.
What should be done if fleas appear in an apartment? - in detail
When fleas are discovered in a residence, immediate action is required to protect occupants and pets.
First, locate the infestation source. Inspect bedding, carpets, upholstery, and pet sleeping areas. Use a fine-toothed comb on pets, focusing on the neck and tail base, to collect adult insects and eggs.
Second, isolate and treat animals. Administer a veterinarian‑approved flea medication—topical, oral, or collar—according to the product’s dosage schedule. Treat all pets in the household simultaneously to prevent re‑infestation.
Third, eliminate fleas from the environment.
- Vacuum all carpeted floors, rugs, and upholstered furniture thoroughly; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately after use.
- Wash bedding, curtains, and removable covers in hot water (minimum 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Apply an EPA‑registered insect growth regulator (IGR) spray to cracks, baseboards, and hidden crevices; follow label instructions for dwell time and ventilation.
- Use a residual adulticide spray or fogger in severe cases, ensuring the space is vacated for the recommended period.
Fourth, monitor progress. Place sticky flea traps near pet resting spots and under furniture for several days. Count trapped insects daily; a decline indicates effective control.
Fifth, prevent recurrence.
- Maintain a regular schedule of pet flea preventatives.
- Keep floors clean; vacuum at least twice weekly.
- Reduce indoor humidity to below 50 % when possible, as low moisture hinders flea development.
- Seal entry points for rodents and other wildlife that can carry fleas.
By following these steps—identifying the problem, treating animals, eradicating the insects from the premises, verifying success, and instituting preventive measures—fleas can be eradicated from an apartment efficiently and safely.