How can I get rid of fleas in the apartment using folk remedies?

How can I get rid of fleas in the apartment using folk remedies? - briefly

Apply food‑grade diatomaceous earth to carpets and upholstery, wash all linens in hot water, spray a solution of equal parts water and apple‑cider vinegar, and place boiled lemon peels or a few drops of essential oil (e.g., eucalyptus or lavender) in corners to repel and eliminate fleas.

How can I get rid of fleas in the apartment using folk remedies? - in detail

Flea infestations can be tackled with household items that are readily available and have a long history of use in traditional pest control. The following methods address each stage of the flea life cycle—eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults—to achieve complete eradication.

1. Vacuuming

   • Perform a thorough vacuum of carpets, rugs, upholstery, and floor seams at least twice daily for a week.
   • Immediately empty the canister or bag into a sealed plastic bag and discard it outside the building to prevent re‑infestation.

2. Diatomaceous earth (food‑grade)

   • Sprinkle a thin layer of the powder on carpets, under furniture, and in cracks where fleas hide.
   • Leave it for 24–48 hours, then vacuum thoroughly. The microscopic silica particles damage the exoskeleton of insects, causing dehydration.

3. Salt or baking soda

   • Apply a light coating of coarse salt or baking soda to carpet fibers and let it sit for several hours.
   • Vacuum the treated area to remove dead insects and their remnants. Both substances desiccate larvae and pupae.

4. Lemon spray

   • Slice a fresh lemon, add the slices to a pot of water, and bring to a boil.
   • Simmer for 10 minutes, then allow the mixture to cool. Transfer the liquid to a spray bottle and apply to pet bedding, curtains, and floorboards. The citric acid acts as a repellent and kills adult fleas on contact.

5. Apple cider vinegar wash

   • Mix one part apple cider vinegar with three parts water.
   • Use the solution to rinse pet bedding, washable rugs, and any fabric that can be laundered. The acidic environment is hostile to fleas and deters egg laying.

6. Essential oil blend (use with caution around pets)

   • Combine 10 drops of lavender oil, 10 drops of eucalyptus oil, and 5 drops of peppermint oil in 250 ml of water.
   • Spray the mixture on non‑porous surfaces, baseboards, and entry points. The volatile compounds disrupt flea sensory receptors, discouraging movement and reproduction.

7. Steam cleaning

   • Employ a steam cleaner set to at least 150 °C on carpets, upholstery, and mattress surfaces.
   • The high temperature destroys eggs, larvae, and pupae within minutes, leaving no chemical residues.

Precautions

• Test any liquid remedy on a hidden fabric area to avoid discoloration.
• Keep essential oil applications away from cats, as certain oils are toxic to felines.
• Maintain low indoor humidity (below 50 %) to inhibit flea development.

Integrated approach

• Combine mechanical removal (vacuuming, steam) with chemical‑free powders and natural sprays.
• Repeat the entire cycle for at least three weeks, matching the flea life span, to prevent resurgence.

By systematically applying these traditional techniques, a residential dwelling can be cleared of fleas without resorting to synthetic insecticides.