How to eliminate fleas with wormwood? - briefly
Apply a wormwood‑based spray or powder to the pet’s coat and the environment, adhering to the recommended concentration and re‑treating after seven days to interrupt the flea life cycle. Keep the area well‑ventilated and prevent pet contact until the product has dried.
How to eliminate fleas with wormwood? - in detail
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) contains bitter sesquiterpene lactones that act as natural insect repellents. The plant’s essential oil, when applied correctly, disrupts the nervous system of fleas, leading to their death or avoidance of treated areas.
Preparation of a wormworm-based treatment
- Harvest fresh leaves or purchase dried material; dry leaves retain most active compounds.
- Grind dried leaves into a fine powder or steep fresh leaves in hot water (80 °C) for 15 minutes to extract oil.
- Filter the infusion, then mix 1 part concentrate with 4 parts water. For oil extraction, combine 2 tablespoons of powdered wormwood with 1 cup of carrier oil (e.g., jojoba) and heat gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Strain and cool.
Application on pets
- Bathe the animal with a mild, flea‑free shampoo.
- Rinse thoroughly, leaving the coat damp.
- Apply the wormwood oil mixture using a spray bottle or a soft cloth, ensuring coverage of the neck, tail base, and underbelly.
- Allow the coat to dry naturally; avoid immediate grooming.
- Repeat every 5–7 days for two weeks, then shift to a maintenance schedule of once every two weeks.
Environmental treatment
- Sprinkle the powdered wormwood in carpets, pet bedding, and cracks where fleas hide.
- Lightly mist the same diluted infusion on floor surfaces, upholstery, and outdoor pet shelters.
- Vacuum the treated areas after 24 hours to remove dead insects and excess plant material.
Safety considerations
- Test a small skin area for irritation before full application; discontinue if redness or swelling occurs.
- Do not use on very young puppies, pregnant animals, or cats, as wormwood compounds can be toxic to felines.
- Store prepared solutions in a dark, cool container; discard after 30 days to prevent degradation.
Effectiveness monitoring
- Count live fleas on the animal before treatment and 48 hours after each application.
- Observe for reduced flea activity in the environment; a decline of 80 % within the first week indicates proper dosing.
- If fleas persist, increase the concentration to a 1:3 ratio (oil to water) while maintaining safety limits.
By following these steps, wormwood serves as a biologically active agent that eliminates fleas from both the host and the surrounding habitat without reliance on synthetic chemicals.