How to apply wormwood against fleas in the house? - briefly
Distribute dried «wormwood» foliage or powder in carpet seams, under furniture, and in pet bedding, then vacuum after 24 hours. A diluted essential‑oil spray (5 ml oil per litre water) can be misted on infested areas, keeping pets away during application.
How to apply wormwood against fleas in the house? - in detail
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) possesses natural insect‑repellent properties that can be harnessed to reduce flea populations inside a dwelling. The plant’s volatile oils, primarily thujone and absinthin, disrupt the sensory receptors of adult fleas and larvae, leading to avoidance of treated areas and interruption of the life cycle.
Preparation of the material
• Harvest mature leaves and flowering tops, dry them in a well‑ventilated space to preserve oil content.
• Grind the dried material to a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or a mechanical grinder.
• Optionally, create an infusion by steeping 30 g of powder in 1 L of hot water for 15 minutes, then filter the liquid.
Application methods
- Powder distribution – Sprinkle the finely ground wormwood on carpets, pet bedding, and cracks where fleas hide. Leave the powder for 12–24 hours, then vacuum thoroughly to remove residues and trapped insects.
- Spray solution – Transfer the filtered infusion into a spray bottle. Apply liberally to upholstered furniture, curtains, and floor edges. Re‑apply every 3–4 days until flea activity ceases.
- Steam‑enhanced treatment – Add 2 tablespoons of powdered wormwood to a steam mop’s water tank. Run the mop over hard‑floor surfaces; heat volatilizes the oils, providing a deeper penetration into cracks and grout lines.
- Sachet placement – Fill small breathable fabric pouches with dried wormwood powder. Position sachets under furniture legs, inside closets, and near pet sleeping areas. Replace sachets weekly to maintain potency.
Safety considerations
• Keep wormwood out of reach of children and pets; ingestion can cause gastrointestinal irritation.
• Use gloves when handling the powder to avoid skin sensitization.
• Test a small, inconspicuous area before widespread application to confirm no discoloration of fabrics.
Integration with other control measures
Combine wormwood treatment with regular vacuuming, washing of pet linens at high temperature, and, if necessary, a veterinarian‑approved flea medication. The synergistic effect accelerates reduction of adult fleas and prevents re‑infestation from eggs and larvae that survive initial treatment.