How can I get rid of fleas in an apartment at home using folk remedies on the floor? - briefly
Vacuum all carpeted and hard‑floor areas daily, then discard the vacuum bag or thoroughly clean the canister. Apply a thin coating of food‑grade diatomaceous earth, sprinkle salt or baking soda, and mist a diluted citrus or lavender essential‑oil solution, allowing it to dry before repeating the treatment weekly.
How can I get rid of fleas in an apartment at home using folk remedies on the floor? - in detail
Eliminating fleas from a residence without chemicals relies on thorough cleaning, environmental manipulation, and natural agents that act directly on the flooring where insects hide.
First, remove all visible debris. Vacuum carpets, rugs, and hard‑floor surfaces for at least ten minutes, covering edges and corners. Immediately empty the vacuum canister into a sealed bag and discard it outdoors to prevent re‑infestation.
Second, treat the floor with proven folk substances:
- Diatomaceous earth (food grade). Sprinkle a thin layer (approximately ½ cm) over carpeted and hard‑floor areas. Leave for 24 hours, then vacuum thoroughly. The microscopic silica particles abrade the exoskeleton of fleas, causing desiccation.
- Baking soda and salt mixture. Combine equal parts baking soda and coarse salt. Distribute evenly on the floor, let sit for 12 hours, then sweep or vacuum. Both components absorb moisture and create an inhospitable environment for eggs and larvae.
- White vinegar solution. Mix one part white vinegar with three parts water. Lightly mist the floor, avoiding excess saturation. Vinegar disrupts the pheromone trails fleas use for navigation.
- Essential oil blend. Combine 10 drops of lavender oil, 10 drops of eucalyptus oil, and 5 drops of peppermint oil in a liter of water. Apply with a spray bottle, covering the entire floor surface. These oils repel adult fleas and deter hatching.
Third, address hidden breeding sites. Lift carpet edges, move furniture, and clean under baseboards. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth into cracks and crevices, then vacuum after 24 hours.
Fourth, maintain a dry environment. Use a dehumidifier or increase ventilation to keep relative humidity below 50 %. Flea eggs and larvae cannot survive in dry conditions.
Fifth, repeat the process weekly for three to four cycles. Flea life cycles last up to three weeks; consistent application interrupts development at each stage.
Safety considerations: wear a dust mask when handling diatomaceous earth, avoid direct skin contact with essential oils, and test vinegar or oil solutions on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure no discoloration.
By integrating rigorous vacuuming, strategic application of natural powders, and periodic repellent sprays, a dwelling can be cleared of fleas without resorting to synthetic insecticides.