Fleas in the apartment: how to get rid of them with folk remedies? - briefly
Spread food‑grade diatomaceous earth on carpets, floor joints, and pet areas, leave for 24–48 hours, then vacuum completely. Rinse surfaces with a 1:1 white‑vinegar solution and sprinkle baking soda weekly to desiccate any surviving fleas.
Fleas in the apartment: how to get rid of them with folk remedies? - in detail
Fleas can quickly turn a living space into a health hazard. Their life cycle—egg, larva, pupa, adult—occurs mostly in carpets, cracks, and pet bedding, making early detection crucial. Visible signs include small, dark specks on fabrics, itchy bites on skin, and a sudden increase in pet scratching.
Effective home‑based measures
- Diatomaceous earth: Sprinkle food‑grade powder on carpets, under furniture, and in pet sleeping areas. Leave for 24 hours, then vacuum thoroughly. The abrasive particles damage the insects’ exoskeletons, causing dehydration.
- Salt: Distribute fine table salt over rugs and upholstery. Salt absorbs moisture from larvae and eggs, interrupting development. After 48 hours, vacuum completely.
- Vinegar solution: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist flooring, baseboards, and pet crates. The acidic environment repels adult fleas and discourages egg laying.
- Lemon spray: Soak sliced lemons in boiling water for 15 minutes, let cool, then strain. Transfer the liquid to a spray bottle and apply to seams, curtains, and pet carriers. Citric compounds act as a natural insecticide.
- Essential oil blend: Combine 10 drops of lavender, 10 drops of eucalyptus, and 5 drops of peppermint with 200 ml of water. Shake and spray on surfaces that cannot be saturated with water, such as wooden frames and outdoor entryways. The strong aromas disrupt flea navigation.
Supplementary actions
- Vacuum daily – remove eggs and larvae from carpets and upholstery; empty the bag or canister outside the home.
- Wash fabrics – launder bedding, curtains, and pet blankets at 60 °C (140 °F) to kill all stages.
- Treat pets – bathe animals with a mild soap solution, then apply a natural flea‑repellent shampoo containing neem or rosemary extracts.
- Seal entry points – close gaps around windows, doors, and baseboards to prevent reinfestation from the outside environment.
- Maintain low humidity – keep indoor relative humidity below 50 %; fleas thrive in moist conditions.
Following these steps in a systematic manner eliminates the infestation without chemical pesticides, restores comfort, and reduces the risk of allergic reactions or secondary skin infections.