What should you do in an entire apartment filled with fleas? - briefly
Vacuum every carpet, floor, and upholstery, wash all linens and clothing in hot water, and apply a professional‑grade flea spray or fogger throughout the residence. Seal entry points, discard heavily infested items, and repeat the treatment after seven days to eradicate the remaining life stages.
What should you do in an entire apartment filled with fleas? - in detail
A flea‑infested living space requires immediate, systematic action to eliminate the insects, protect occupants, and prevent re‑infestation.
First, remove all people and pets from the premises. Place pets in a secure, treated area and keep children away until the environment is safe.
Next, treat the occupants. Administer a veterinarian‑approved flea medication to each animal, and consider a topical or oral treatment for humans if necessary.
Then, address the environment:
- Vacuum thoroughly – cover floors, carpets, rugs, upholstery, and cracks. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter, then seal and discard the bag or empty the canister into a sealed bag outside.
- Wash textiles – launder all bedding, curtains, removable cushion covers, and clothing in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Steam‑clean – apply steam to carpets, mattress surfaces, and upholstered furniture; the temperature must exceed 50 °C to kill fleas at all life stages.
- Apply insecticide – select a product labeled for indoor flea control, following label directions precisely. Treat baseboards, cracks, under furniture, and pet bedding. Use a fogger only if the entire space can be sealed and ventilated afterward.
- Treat pets – repeat medication according to the product schedule, typically every 30 days, to break the flea life cycle.
After chemical treatment, maintain a strict cleaning regimen for at least three weeks:
- Vacuum daily, discarding debris each time.
- Wash pet bedding weekly.
- Keep humidity low (below 50 %) to discourage flea development.
Finally, monitor for residual activity. Place flea traps (sticky pads with attractant) in corners and under furniture. If any fleas are detected after two weeks, repeat insecticide application and reassess cleaning practices.
By following these steps, the infestation will be eradicated, and the risk of recurrence will be minimized.