What to do if fleas appear in the apartment and how to get rid of them? - briefly
If fleas are detected, vacuum all floors and upholstery, wash bedding and curtains in hot water, and apply an appropriate insecticide to the affected areas. Treat any pets with veterinarian‑approved flea medication and repeat cleaning and treatment for at least two weeks to eliminate the infestation.
What to do if fleas appear in the apartment and how to get rid of them? - in detail
Fleas can infest a dwelling quickly, so immediate, systematic action is required. Begin by confirming the presence of adult insects, larvae, or bite marks. Once infestation is verified, follow these steps:
- Remove all bedding, curtains, and washable fabrics; launder them at 60 °C or higher, using a dryer on the hottest setting.
- Vacuum every carpet, rug, upholstery, and floor crevice thoroughly. Empty the vacuum bag or container into a sealed plastic bag and discard it outside the building.
- Apply an insecticide specifically labeled for flea control. Choose a product that targets all life stages (adults, larvae, eggs). Follow label instructions regarding concentration, application method, and safety precautions.
- Treat the environment where pets spend most of their time. Use a flea spray or fogger for pet bedding, cages, and surrounding areas.
- If a fogger (space spray) is used, vacate the apartment for the recommended period, seal windows and doors, and ventilate thoroughly before re‑entry.
Simultaneously, address the animal hosts:
- Bathe each pet with a veterinary‑approved flea shampoo; repeat according to product guidelines (often every 7–10 days).
- Administer a systemic flea medication (oral or topical) prescribed by a veterinarian; maintain the dosing schedule without interruption.
- Comb the pet’s coat with a fine‑toothed flea comb daily, disposing of captured insects in soapy water.
Environmental maintenance continues after the initial treatment:
- Keep humidity below 50 % and temperatures below 25 °C when possible; fleas thrive in warm, humid conditions.
- Perform weekly vacuuming of all floor surfaces and upholstery for at least four weeks.
- Replace or wash pet bedding weekly, using hot water.
- Inspect pets and the premises regularly for any sign of recurrence; re‑apply insecticide only if new activity is detected.
If the infestation persists despite thorough home and pet treatment, consult a professional pest‑control service. They can provide targeted applications, such as residual sprays or heat treatments, that are not available to consumers. Prompt, coordinated action across the living space and the animal hosts eliminates the flea population and prevents re‑infestation.