How can fleas be fought in an apartment using folk remedies? - briefly
Apply diatomaceous earth or food‑grade salt to carpets, upholstery, and pet bedding, then vacuum thoroughly after several hours; follow with a rinse of diluted white vinegar or a spray of diluted essential oils such as peppermint or eucalyptus to repel remaining insects. Repeat the process weekly until fleas disappear.
How can fleas be fought in an apartment using folk remedies? - in detail
Fleas in a dwelling can be eliminated by applying time‑tested household solutions that target both adult insects and their larvae. The approach must address three zones: the living surfaces, the hidden refuges, and the animals that host the parasites.
First, treat all floor coverings and upholstery. Sprinkle a generous layer of diatomaceous earth (food‑grade) on carpets, rugs, and under furniture. Leave it for 24 hours, then vacuum thoroughly, repeating the process every other day for two weeks. The microscopic silica particles abrade the exoskeletons, causing dehydration.
Second, use natural repellents that deter movement and reproduction. Prepare a spray by mixing equal parts white vinegar and water, adding a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil. Apply lightly to pet bedding, cracks, and baseboards. The acidic base disrupts flea sensory receptors, while the oils act as irritants.
Third, cleanse the environment with boiling water. Pour hot water over pet bedding, removable cushions, and any washable fabric. The temperature exceeds the thermal tolerance of all flea stages, killing them instantly.
Fourth, control the animal source. Bathe pets with a solution of mild dish soap diluted in warm water (1 tsp per liter). Massage the fur for several minutes, then rinse and dry. The soap reduces the lipid layer on the insect’s cuticle, leading to rapid mortality. Follow with a weekly dusting of the diatomaceous earth on the animal’s sleeping area.
Fifth, address hidden habitats. Disassemble and clean beneath sofas, inside closets, and within wall voids. Use a steam cleaner set to at least 150 °C, directing the jet into crevices for a minimum of 10 seconds per spot. Steam penetrates insulation and eliminates eggs and pupae that are otherwise shielded.
Finally, maintain a regular schedule. Repeat the diatomaceous earth application weekly for a month, re‑apply the vinegar‑oil spray twice weekly, and continue pet baths every ten days until no fleas are observed. Consistent execution of these measures eradicates the infestation without resorting to synthetic chemicals.