How to eliminate fleas in the house on your own using folk remedies? - briefly
Apply food‑grade diatomaceous earth to carpets, pet bedding and floor seams, let it sit 24 hours, then vacuum completely; follow with a solution of one part white vinegar to three parts water sprayed on affected areas. Finish by sprinkling coarse salt or a few drops of citrus essential oil on the treated surfaces to deter any surviving fleas.
How to eliminate fleas in the house on your own using folk remedies? - in detail
Fleas can be eradicated from a residence without chemical products by applying time‑tested household methods. The process consists of three phases: immediate removal, environmental treatment, and long‑term prevention.
First, eliminate adult insects and eggs from pets. Bathe dogs or cats with a mixture of warm water and a tablespoon of mild dish soap per liter; the soap breaks the insects’ exoskeletons. Rinse thoroughly and comb the coat with a fine‑toothed flea comb, discarding captured specimens into hot water. Repeat the bath every 48 hours for two weeks to interrupt the life cycle.
Second, treat the indoor environment. Follow these steps:
- Vacuum every carpet, rug, and upholstery surface. Immediately empty the vacuum bag or canister into a sealed plastic bag and discard it outdoors.
- Sprinkle diatomaceous earth (food‑grade) thinly across floors, under furniture, and in cracks. Leave for 24 hours, then vacuum. The abrasive particles dehydrate fleas and their larvae.
- Apply a saline solution (one cup of salt dissolved in five liters of water) to hard floors using a mop. Salt desiccates eggs and pupae. Allow the floor to dry completely.
- Use a baking‑soda paste (baking soda mixed with a few drops of water) on carpet edges and pet bedding; let dry, then vacuum. Baking soda absorbs moisture, creating an inhospitable environment for immature stages.
- Place citrus peels (lemon, orange) in corners and beneath furniture. The natural oils repel fleas and deter adult activity.
Third, establish preventive measures to block re‑infestation. Wash all pet bedding, blankets, and removable covers in hot water (minimum 60 °C) weekly. Keep the house dry; humidity above 50 % favors flea development. Trim grass and shrubs surrounding the home, and regularly inspect outdoor areas for wildlife that may carry fleas. Finally, sprinkle a thin layer of food‑grade diatomaceous earth in high‑traffic zones and refresh it monthly.
By systematically applying these folk remedies—soap baths, mechanical removal, mineral powders, saline and baking‑soda treatments, and citrus deterrents—one can achieve a flea‑free household without resorting to synthetic insecticides.