What should be used to wash floors to get rid of earth fleas? - briefly
Wash the floor with hot water and a strong detergent to dissolve organic residues where earth fleas thrive. If needed, finish with a rinse containing a diluted bleach solution (approximately 1 % sodium hypochlorite) to ensure complete eradication.
What should be used to wash floors to get rid of earth fleas? - in detail
To eliminate soil‑borne fleas from hard‑surface flooring, a combination of mechanical cleaning and a suitable chemical agent is required.
First, remove visible debris. Sweep or vacuum the area thoroughly, using a brush attachment that can dislodge eggs and larvae embedded in cracks. This step reduces the organic load that can shield the insects from treatment.
Second, apply a detergent solution that can break down the protective waxy coating of flea larvae. A mixture of warm water (approximately 40 °C) and a concentrated laundry detergent or an enzymatic floor cleaner at a ratio of 1 %–2 % is effective. The detergent must be able to emulsify soil particles and dissolve lipid layers.
Third, introduce an insecticidal component that targets the flea life stages. Products containing permethrin (0.5 %–1 % concentration), bifenthrin, or a pyrethrin‑based spray are recommended for indoor use. Apply the insecticide evenly with a mop or sprayer, ensuring full coverage of the floor surface, including grout lines and seams. Follow the manufacturer’s label for contact time, typically 10–15 minutes, before rinsing.
Fourth, rinse the floor with clean water to remove residual detergent and insecticide, preventing slip hazards and lingering chemical odor. Use a mop or low‑pressure washer, then dry the surface with a clean absorbent cloth or allow natural air drying.
Finally, maintain a preventive regime:
- Sweep or vacuum weekly.
- Mop with a diluted detergent solution monthly.
- Apply a low‑dose residual insecticide every 2–3 months, especially in areas where pets or wildlife have access.
By integrating thorough mechanical removal, detergent emulsification, targeted insecticidal treatment, and consistent follow‑up cleaning, the floor environment becomes inhospitable to soil fleas, eliminating both adult insects and developing stages.