What should be used to wash the floor from fleas at home? - briefly
Clean the floor with hot water and a flea‑killing detergent or an EPA‑registered flea spray, mopping thoroughly. Vacuum the area afterward and repeat the treatment after 24 hours to ensure complete removal.
What should be used to wash the floor from fleas at home? - in detail
When fleas infest a household floor, the most reliable method combines mechanical removal, chemical treatment, and thermal action. Begin by eliminating adult insects and eggs with a high‑efficiency vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter. Run the vacuum slowly over all carpeted and hard‑surface areas, paying special attention to seams, under furniture, and baseboards. Immediately discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed plastic bag and dispose of it outdoors.
After vacuuming, apply a flea‑specific insecticide that is approved for indoor use. Choose a product containing either permethrin (0.5 % to 1 %) or a pyriproxyfen‑based growth regulator. Follow the manufacturer’s label for dilution rates and coverage. Spray the solution evenly across the floor, ensuring it reaches cracks and crevices where larvae may hide. Allow the surface to remain wet for the recommended contact time, typically 10–15 minutes, then ventilate the area.
Thermal treatment provides an additional safeguard. Use a steam cleaner that produces water vapor at a minimum of 212 °F (100 °C). Slowly pass the steam head over the entire floor, including carpet fibers and grout lines. The heat destroys both adult fleas and immature stages without leaving chemical residues.
For persistent infestations, incorporate diatomaceous earth (food‑grade) as a dry abrasive. Lightly dust a thin layer over the floor after the chemical spray has dried, let it sit for several hours, then vacuum thoroughly. The microscopic silica particles abrade the exoskeletons of fleas, causing desiccation.
Finally, maintain a regular cleaning schedule: vacuum weekly, repeat insecticide application every 7–10 days for two weeks, and steam clean monthly. Wash any removable floor coverings in water exceeding 130 °F (54 °C) with a detergent formulated for pest control. Consistent execution of these steps eliminates fleas from the floor and prevents reinfestation.