How to get fleas out of the house using folk remedies? - briefly
Apply diatomaceous earth to carpets, bedding, and pet zones; sprinkle salt or baking soda on floors and vacuum after 24 hours; and spray a diluted apple‑cider‑vinegar solution on pets and surfaces to suffocate and repel fleas.
How to get fleas out of the house using folk remedies? - in detail
Eliminating fleas from a residence with traditional, low‑cost methods requires a systematic approach that targets adult insects, larvae, and eggs. The following steps combine environmental control, natural insecticidal agents, and preventive measures.
First, reduce the flea population by removing their habitat. Vacuum all carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, and cracks in flooring daily for at least two weeks. Empty the vacuum bag or canister into a sealed bag and discard it outside the home. Wash bedding, pet blankets, and any removable fabric at 60 °C (140 °F) to kill all life stages.
Second, apply household items known for insecticidal properties:
- Diatomaceous earth (food grade). Sprinkle a thin layer on carpets, pet bedding, and under furniture. Leave for 24 hours, then vacuum. The microscopic silica particles damage the exoskeleton of fleas, causing dehydration.
- Salt or baking soda. Distribute evenly on rugs and carpets, let sit for several hours, then vacuum. Both absorb moisture from flea eggs and larvae, inhibiting development.
- Apple cider vinegar spray. Mix one part vinegar with one part water, add a few drops of essential oil (e.g., lavender or eucalyptus). Lightly mist pet bedding and areas where fleas congregate. The acidic environment repels adult fleas.
- Lemon spray. Slice a lemon, add a tablespoon of salt, and boil in two cups of water. After cooling, strain and pour into a spray bottle. Apply to carpet edges and pet sleeping areas. The citrus oil acts as a natural deterrent.
Third, treat pets with safe, home‑based solutions. A bath using a mixture of warm water, a few drops of neem oil, and a tablespoon of dish soap can suffocate fleas on the animal’s coat. Rinse thoroughly and dry. Repeat weekly until the infestation subsides.
Fourth, maintain environmental humidity below 50 % by using dehumidifiers or opening windows when weather permits. Fleas require a moist environment for egg hatching; low humidity interrupts their life cycle.
Fifth, establish a preventive routine. Sprinkle a thin layer of diatomaceous earth on high‑traffic carpet areas monthly. Clean pet sleeping zones with the lemon or vinegar spray after each wash. Regular vacuuming and washing of linens keep residual eggs from hatching.
By following these actions—intensive cleaning, application of natural powders and acidic sprays, pet treatment, humidity control, and ongoing prevention—flea populations can be reduced dramatically without resorting to chemical insecticides. Consistency over several weeks is essential to break the flea life cycle and achieve lasting eradication.