How should wormwood be used against fleas in a house? - briefly
Place dried wormwood leaves or powdered herb in breathable sachets and distribute them in corners, under furniture, and near pet resting spots. Prepare a spray by steeping 1–2 tablespoons of dried wormwood in a liter of hot water, cooling, adding a few drops of mild dish soap, and misting carpets, cracks, and pet bedding weekly.
How should wormwood be used against fleas in a house? - in detail
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) can be employed as a natural flea deterrent inside a dwelling. The plant’s volatile oils, especially thujone, repel adult fleas and disrupt the life cycle of larvae.
Preparation
- Harvest fresh leaves or purchase dried herb of verified purity.
- Grind dried material to a fine powder; for fresh foliage, chop finely and allow to wilt for several hours to release volatile compounds.
Extraction for spray
- Measure 30 g of powdered wormwood.
- Place in a heat‑resistant container and add 500 ml of boiling water.
- Stir, cover, and steep for 20 minutes.
- Strain through cheesecloth, discarding solids.
- Add 5 ml of vegetable oil (e.g., almond or olive) to act as an emulsifier.
- Transfer the mixture to a spray bottle; label with date and concentration.
Application
- Spray the solution on carpets, rugs, pet bedding, and cracks where fleas hide.
- Apply to upholstery, ensuring fabric is not saturated to the point of dampness.
- For heavily infested zones, repeat the spray every 48 hours for three cycles.
Direct placement of herb
- Fill small breathable pouches (cotton muslin) with 10 g of dried wormwood.
- Distribute pouches in closets, under furniture, and near entryways.
- Replace pouches every two weeks, as scent diminishes over time.
Safety precautions
- Keep all preparations out of reach of children and pets.
- Test spray on an inconspicuous fabric area before full application to avoid discoloration.
- Use gloves when handling raw herb; wash hands thoroughly after contact.
Complementary measures
- Vacuum all floors and upholstery daily; discard vacuum bags promptly.
- Wash pet bedding in hot water (≥ 60 °C) weekly.
- Maintain low indoor humidity (30–45 %) to discourage flea development.
Storage
- Store any unused liquid spray in a cool, dark place; refrigerate for no longer than two weeks.
- Keep dried herb in an airtight container away from light to preserve potency.
Monitoring
- Inspect pets and household surfaces for live fleas after each treatment cycle.
- Continue preventive spraying monthly during peak flea season (spring–early fall).
When applied correctly, wormwood offers an effective, chemical‑free strategy to reduce flea populations within a residential environment.