How should wormwood be brewed for fleas? - briefly
Combine 2 g of dried wormwood with 200 ml of near‑boiling water, steep for 15 minutes, then strain and let the liquid cool to room temperature. Spray the cooled infusion onto the pet’s coat and bedding, repeating every 48 hours for three applications.
How should wormwood be brewed for fleas? - in detail
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) produces a volatile oil that repels and kills fleas when applied correctly. The preparation must extract the oil efficiently while keeping the concentration safe for pets and humans.
Materials
- Dried wormwood leaves, 30 g (≈ 1 oz)
- Distilled water, 1 L (≈ 4 cups)
- Stainless‑steel pot with lid
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- Dark glass bottle, airtight
Procedure
- Bring water to a rolling boil.
- Add wormwood leaves, stir, then reduce heat to a low simmer.
- Maintain a gentle simmer for 20 minutes; this time extracts the essential compounds without degrading them.
- Remove the pot from heat, cover, and let the mixture steep for an additional 30 minutes.
- Strain the liquid through the mesh or cheesecloth into a clean container.
- Transfer the filtrate to the dark bottle; store in a cool, dark place.
Application
- Dilute the concentrate 1:4 with water before use (e.g., 250 ml concentrate + 750 ml water).
- Fill a spray bottle with the diluted solution.
- Lightly mist bedding, carpets, and pet resting areas; avoid direct skin contact with high‑strength concentrate.
- For a soak, immerse a cloth in the diluted brew and place it under the pet’s sleeping spot for 15 minutes; remove before the animal rests.
Safety
- Do not apply undiluted brew to skin or fur; high concentrations can cause irritation.
- Keep the concentrate out of reach of children and animals.
- Discontinue use if signs of dermatitis or respiratory distress appear.
- Discard any brew older than two weeks; potency declines and microbial growth may occur.
Maintenance
- Reapply the diluted spray every 3–4 days during heavy flea activity.
- Combine with regular vacuuming and washing of linens for optimal control.
Following these steps yields a potent wormwood infusion that effectively reduces flea populations while minimizing risk to pets and occupants.