How to get rid of fleas in a house using wormwood? - briefly
Scatter dried wormwood or apply a wormwood essential‑oil solution (about 5 ml oil per litre of water) to carpets, pet bedding, and floor seams, then vacuum and clean the treated spots after a few hours. Repeat the treatment weekly until fleas are no longer detected.
How to get rid of fleas in a house using wormwood? - in detail
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) contains volatile oils that repel and kill fleas. To employ it effectively, follow a systematic approach.
First, confirm the presence of fleas by inspecting bedding, carpets, and pet fur for adult insects, larvae, and small dark specks (flea dirt). Remove visible insects with a vacuum, then discard the bag or clean the canister to prevent re‑infestation.
Prepare the botanical material. Dried wormwood leaves can be crushed into a coarse powder or steeped in hot water to extract the essential oil. For a spray, combine 2 – 3 tablespoons of the powdered herb with 1 liter of boiling water, let it cool for 30 minutes, then strain through a fine cloth. Alternatively, mix 10 ml of pure wormwood essential oil with 500 ml of water and add a few drops of mild detergent to improve adhesion.
Apply the solution to all flea habitats:
- Spray carpets, rugs, and upholstery, ensuring saturation without over‑wetting.
- Treat pet bedding, blankets, and sleeping areas by drenching them and allowing thorough drying.
- Lightly mist pet fur only if the animal tolerates it; avoid direct contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
Allow the treated surfaces to dry completely. The volatile compounds continue to act for several days, disrupting the flea life cycle. After 48 hours, repeat the application to cover emerging larvae that escaped the initial treatment.
Complement the botanical method with environmental controls:
- Maintain low indoor humidity (below 50 %) to inhibit egg development.
- Wash all washable fabrics in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Use a flea‑comb on pets daily, disposing of collected material in sealed bags.
Safety considerations are essential. Wormwood oil is toxic if ingested in large quantities; keep children and pets away from freshly sprayed areas until dry. Wear gloves and a mask while handling the powdered herb to avoid skin irritation and inhalation of fine particles.
Monitoring continues for at least four weeks. If flea activity persists, increase the frequency of sprays to every three days for two weeks, then revert to weekly applications until no signs remain. This regimen leverages wormwood’s insecticidal properties while minimizing chemical residues in the home.