What should be done with fleas in an apartment? - briefly
Eliminate fleas by vacuuming carpets and upholstery, laundering bedding and fabrics in hot water, and applying a veterinarian‑approved insecticide according to label directions; repeat the treatment weekly for several weeks and consider professional pest control if the infestation persists.
What should be done with fleas in an apartment? - in detail
Fleas in a residential unit require a systematic approach that combines immediate removal, chemical intervention, environmental sanitation, and long‑term prevention.
The first stage focuses on eliminating adult insects and their eggs.
- Isolate all pets; treat them with veterinarian‑approved spot‑on products or oral medication.
- Wash all bedding, curtains, and removable fabrics at ≥ 60 °C; dry on high heat.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and floor seams thoroughly; discard vacuum bags or empty canisters into a sealed container.
The second stage introduces targeted insecticides.
- Apply a residual spray labeled for indoor flea control to baseboards, cracks, and under furniture; follow label directions for ventilation and dwell time.
- Use a fogger only in sealed rooms, adhering to safety guidelines; repeat after 7 days to address emerging larvae.
- Consider a diatomaceous earth application on carpets and pet areas; leave for 48 hours before vacuuming.
The third stage addresses the environment that supports flea development.
- Steam‑clean carpets and upholstered pieces to raise temperatures above 50 °C, destroying eggs and larvae.
- Seal gaps around windows, doors, and utility openings to reduce ingress of stray animals that may carry fleas.
- Reduce indoor humidity to 40‑50 % using dehumidifiers; low humidity hampers flea egg viability.
The final stage establishes preventive measures.
- Maintain a regular schedule of pet grooming and flea‑preventive medication.
- Perform weekly vacuuming and monthly deep cleaning of linens and rugs.
- Monitor for flea activity using sticky traps placed near pet sleeping areas; replace traps monthly.
«Fleas can survive several weeks without a host», yet their life cycle is interrupted by consistent heat, desiccation, and chemical exposure. Implementing the outlined protocol eliminates the current infestation and minimizes the risk of recurrence.