How should I properly dilute permethrin and apply it for fleas? - briefly
Mix permethrin to a 0.5% solution (about 5 ml of a 5% concentrate per liter of water) and apply uniformly to pet bedding, carpets, and the animal’s coat, avoiding eyes and open wounds. Keep the area wet for 10‑15 minutes, then vacuum or wash, and repeat after 7‑10 days to interrupt the flea life cycle.
How should I properly dilute permethrin and apply it for fleas? - in detail
Permethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid effective against fleas when applied at the correct concentration. Use a product labeled for flea control and verify the active ingredient strength (usually 1 % or 5 % permethrin).
Preparing the solution
- Determine the target concentration (commonly 0.05 % for indoor use).
- Calculate the required amount of concentrate:
[Volume of concentrate (ml) = (Desired concentration % ÷ Product concentration %) × Total volume (ml)]
Example: to make 1 L (1000 ml) of 0.05 % from a 5 % concentrate: (0.05 ÷ 5) × 1000 = 10 ml. - Measure the exact volume of concentrate with a calibrated syringe or graduated cylinder.
- Add the measured concentrate to a clean container, then fill with water to the final volume.
- Stir gently until the solution appears uniform; avoid vigorous shaking that can create foam.
Application procedure
- Wear protective gloves, goggles, and a mask to prevent skin and respiratory exposure.
- Transfer the diluted mixture to a pump‑action or trigger‑spray bottle.
- Spray evenly onto carpets, upholstery, pet bedding, and cracks where fleas hide.
- Ensure surfaces remain moist for at least 10 minutes; do not rinse.
- For pets, only use formulations explicitly labeled for animal use; do not apply the diluted mixture directly to animals unless the product specifies it.
After treatment
- Allow treated areas to dry completely before re‑occupying the space.
- Vacuum carpets and upholstery after the solution dries to remove dead insects and excess residue.
- Repeat application every 7–10 days until the flea life cycle is interrupted, typically 3–4 weeks.
- Store any leftover solution in a sealed, clearly labeled container away from children and pets; dispose of unused concentrate according to local hazardous waste guidelines.
Follow label instructions precisely; deviations can reduce efficacy or increase toxicity.