How should ammonium hydroxide be used for fleas in the house?

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How should ammonium hydroxide be used for fleas in the house? - briefly
Dilute ammonium hydroxide to about a 5 % solution and spray it onto carpets, upholstery, and baseboards, letting it work for 10‑15 minutes before vacuuming and laundering affected fabrics. Repeat weekly, maintaining good ventilation to minimize inhalation risk.

How should ammonium hydroxide be used for fleas in the house? - in detail
Ammonium hydroxide can be employed as a chemical agent against indoor flea infestations when used with strict adherence to safety protocols. The following points outline a complete procedure.

Solution preparation

Dilute commercial ammonium hydroxide (typically 28 % NH₄OH) to a 2–3 % concentration. Mix 70 ml of the concentrate with 2 L of cold water; add the water first, then the concentrate, stirring continuously.
Perform dilution in a well‑ventilated area, wearing chemical‑resistant gloves, goggles, and a mask rated for ammonia vapors.

Application zones

Target carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, pet bedding, and cracks in flooring where flea larvae and eggs accumulate.
For porous surfaces, spray lightly to avoid saturation. For hard flooring, a mop‑type applicator can distribute the solution evenly.

Method of delivery

Use a fine‑mist spray bottle or a low‑pressure pump sprayer to achieve a uniform mist. Apply until the surface is damp but not soaked; excess liquid can damage fabrics and increase inhalation risk.
Allow the treated area to remain moist for 10–15 minutes to ensure contact with all life stages of the flea.

Ventilation and exposure control

Keep windows and doors open during and after treatment to disperse ammonia fumes.
Remain in the treated space for no longer than 30 minutes; evacuate pets and occupants during application and until the odor dissipates.

Repeat schedule

Re‑apply the solution every 5–7 days for three consecutive treatments. This interval targets newly hatched larvae that may emerge after the initial application.

Post‑treatment cleanup

After the final exposure period, rinse surfaces with clean water to remove residual ammonia, especially on fabrics that may cause skin irritation.
Dispose of any leftover solution in accordance with local hazardous‑waste regulations; do not pour undiluted concentrate down the drain.

Precautions and contraindications

Do not use on delicate silk, leather, or unsealed wood, as ammonia can cause discoloration or degradation.
Avoid simultaneous use of bleach or other strong bases; chemical reactions may produce toxic gases.
Individuals with respiratory conditions should refrain from direct exposure and consider professional pest‑control services instead.

By following this regimen, ammonium hydroxide serves as an effective agent for reducing flea populations within a residence while minimizing health and material risks.