Why have fleas appeared in the apartment? - briefly
Fleas typically enter a dwelling through infested pets, rodents, or used furniture that contain eggs and larvae, and the indoor warmth and humidity enable their development. Prompt treatment of animals, removal of contaminated items, and regular cleaning break the life cycle and stop further infestations.
Why have fleas appeared in the apartment? - in detail
Fleas appear in a dwelling when conditions allow their life cycle to continue. The most common sources are:
- Domestic animals that carry adult fleas or eggs. Dogs, cats, and small mammals shed eggs onto bedding, carpets, and furniture.
- Wild rodents or birds that enter through gaps in walls, windows, or vents. Their fur or feathers can transport fleas into interior spaces.
- Second‑hand furniture, mattresses, or clothing that have been stored in infested environments. Eggs and larvae survive for weeks without a host.
- Outdoor areas surrounding the building, such as lawns, gardens, or pet‑friendly parks, where adult fleas drop onto shoes or clothing and are carried indoors.
Fleas require a warm, humid micro‑environment to develop. Areas with high relative humidity (above 50 %) and temperatures between 20 °C and 30 °C accelerate egg hatching and larval growth. Carpets, upholstered furniture, and cracks in flooring retain moisture and provide shelter for immature stages.
The flea life cycle consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. An adult female can lay 20–50 eggs per day, which fall off the host and disperse in the environment. Eggs hatch within 2–5 days, larvae feed on organic debris, and pupae remain dormant until stimulated by vibrations, heat, or carbon dioxide—signals of a nearby host. This dormancy can last weeks or months, allowing a hidden population to emerge suddenly.
Detection relies on visual inspection of pets, bedding, and floor coverings for live insects, dark specks (flea dirt), or small, reddish‑brown spots. A white‑tipped comb run through a pet’s coat can reveal adult fleas or eggs. Sticky traps placed near baseboards or under furniture capture wandering adults.
Effective control combines several measures:
- Treat all resident animals with veterinarian‑approved adulticides and preventatives to eliminate the host source.
- Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstery thoroughly, discarding the bag or cleaning the canister immediately to remove eggs and larvae.
- Wash bedding, curtains, and removable fabrics at temperatures above 60 °C or use a dryer on high heat.
- Apply an insecticide labeled for indoor flea treatment to cracks, baseboards, and pet resting areas, following label directions to avoid resistance.
- Seal entry points—window screens, door sweeps, and wall gaps—to prevent new wildlife ingress.
- Reduce indoor humidity with dehumidifiers or improved ventilation, limiting conditions favorable for development.
Regular monitoring after treatment, typically weekly for four weeks, confirms eradication. Persistent infestations may require professional pest‑control services that can employ integrated pest‑management strategies, including insect growth regulators that disrupt the life cycle.