What should I do if fleas have infested the apartment? - briefly
«Treat the infestation by vacuuming all surfaces, laundering bedding and fabrics at high temperature, and applying a veterinarian‑approved flea spray or fogger throughout the apartment». «Contact a professional pest‑control service for a comprehensive treatment and schedule regular cleaning to prevent recurrence».
What should I do if fleas have infested the apartment? - in detail
Inspect all areas where pets rest. Lift furniture, examine seams of sofas and carpets, and check baseboards for live insects or tiny dark specks.
Treat animals promptly. Use a veterinarian‑approved flea collar, spot‑on medication, or oral tablet designed to kill adult fleas and interrupt the life cycle. Follow the product’s dosage schedule without deviation.
Clean the environment thoroughly.
- Vacuum every carpet, rug, and upholstered surface at least twice daily for two weeks. Immediately empty the vacuum canister into a sealed bag and discard it outside the building.
- Wash all bedding, curtains, and removable covers in hot water (minimum 130 °F) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Sprinkle a fine layer of diatomaceous earth on floors and leave for 24 hours before vacuuming, ensuring the product is food‑grade and safe for pets.
Apply an appropriate insecticide. Choose a product labeled for indoor flea control, containing an adulticide such as permethrin or a growth regulator like methoprene. Follow label instructions precisely, covering cracks, crevices, and pet‑frequent zones. Use a fogger only if the entire dwelling can be vacated for the required period.
Seal entry points. Repair gaps around doors, windows, and utility openings to prevent new fleas from entering. Install door sweeps and use weather‑stripping where needed.
Monitor progress. Place sticky flea traps in several rooms and examine them weekly. Continue treatment until traps capture no fleas for two consecutive weeks.
If infestation persists after these measures, engage a licensed pest‑management professional. They can assess hidden reservoirs, apply advanced control methods, and provide a long‑term prevention plan.
Maintain preventive practices. Schedule regular veterinary flea prophylaxis, keep carpets clean, and conduct periodic vacuuming to interrupt any emerging flea population before it spreads.