Fleas in an apartment: how can you get rid of them using folk remedies at home? - briefly
Use a thorough vacuuming regimen, wash all linens in hot water, and sprinkle diatomaceous earth or table salt on carpets and pet bedding to dehydrate the insects; follow with a nightly spray of diluted lemon‑juice or lavender essential oil to repel any remaining fleas. Repeat the process for several weeks and maintain regular cleaning to prevent reinfestation.
Fleas in an apartment: how can you get rid of them using folk remedies at home? - in detail
Fleas infest a dwelling when they find a warm environment, food sources, and hiding places among carpets, upholstery, and cracks. Their life cycle—egg, larva, pupa, adult—requires consistent intervention at each stage to break reproduction.
The first step is thorough cleaning. Vacuum every floor surface, including under furniture and along baseboards, then discard the bag or empty the canister into a sealed trash container. Damp mop hard floors with hot water to drown larvae that may have fallen out of the vacuum.
Traditional home remedies
- Salt or baking soda – Sprinkle a thin layer on carpets, leave for 24 hours, then vacuum. Both desiccate eggs and larvae.
- Diatomaceous earth – Apply food‑grade powder to rugs, cracks, and pet bedding. The microscopic silica particles abrade the insects’ exoskeleton, causing dehydration. Keep the area dry; reapply after cleaning or if moisture returns.
- Lavender or eucalyptus oil – Mix 10–15 drops with a cup of water, spray onto fabrics, pet beds, and crevices. The strong scent repels adult fleas without harming humans or animals when diluted properly.
- Apple cider vinegar rinse – Dilute one part vinegar with three parts water, pour over pet coats, then dry thoroughly. The acidic environment discourages flea attachment.
- Boiled water treatment – Slowly pour boiled water over carpet edges and floor seams. The heat kills eggs and immature stages that cannot survive temperatures above 95 °C.
Pet-focused measures
- Bathe animals with a mild soap solution containing a few drops of neem oil or a flea‑specific shampoo. Rinse completely and dry.
- Comb fur daily using a fine‑toothed flea comb; submerge captured insects in soapy water to ensure death.
- Sprinkle a thin layer of diatomaceous earth on pet bedding, allow it to sit for several hours, then shake out.
Environmental control
- Wash all removable textiles—curtains, cushion covers, pet blankets—in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and tumble dry on high heat.
- Seal cracks and crevices with caulk to eliminate shelter for pupae.
- Reduce indoor humidity to below 50 % using a dehumidifier; low moisture hampers flea development.
Repeated application of these methods over two weeks typically eliminates an active infestation. Monitoring with a flea trap—white dish containing a few drops of dish soap and a light source—helps verify success. If the problem persists after comprehensive home treatment, professional pest control may be required.