How to get rid of fleas in an apartment using improvised means?

How to get rid of fleas in an apartment using improvised means? - briefly

Vacuum carpets and upholstery thoroughly, then immediately dispose of the bag or empty the canister into a sealed bag; wash all bedding, curtains, and clothing in hot water and dry on high heat. Sprinkle food‑grade diatomaceous earth or coarse salt on floors and pet areas, leave for several hours, then vacuum again, and treat pet fur with a mild dish‑soap solution to suffocate remaining insects.

How to get rid of fleas in an apartment using improvised means? - in detail

Fleas thrive in carpets, bedding, and pet‑friendly zones. Eliminating them without commercial products relies on thorough cleaning, environmental manipulation, and inexpensive household items.

1. Preparation

   • Remove all pets temporarily; place them in a clean, isolated area.
   • Wash all pet bedding, blankets, and removable upholstery covers in hot water (≥ 60 °C) for at least 30 minutes.
   • Vacuum every floor surface, paying special attention to seams, under furniture, and baseboards. Immediately empty the vacuum bag or canister into a sealed plastic bag and discard it outdoors.

2. Improvised insecticidal agents

   • Baking soda: Sprinkle a thin layer on carpets and rugs, let sit for 12 hours, then vacuum. The powder desiccates fleas and their eggs.
   • Salt: Apply coarse salt to carpet fibers, leave for 24 hours, then vacuum. Salt abrades the exoskeleton of larvae, reducing survival rates.
   • Diatomaceous earth (food‑grade): Lightly dust carpets, cracks, and pet sleeping areas. The microscopic silica particles puncture the exoskeletons, causing dehydration. Leave for 48 hours before thorough vacuuming.
   • Vinegar solution: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist carpet edges and upholstery; the acidic environment deters adult fleas from settling.

3. Environmental control

   • Reduce indoor humidity to below 50 % using a dehumidifier or open windows when weather permits; low humidity impairs flea development.
   • Increase temperature in the affected rooms to 30 °C (86 °F) for 48 hours using portable heaters; heat accelerates the life cycle, causing mortality of eggs and larvae.

4. Mechanical removal

   • Place shallow dishes of soapy water near pet zones; adult fleas attracted to moisture will drown. Refresh the solution daily.
   • Lay black‑light traps (DIY using a UV lamp covered with a sticky surface) in dark corners; fleas are phototactic and become trapped.

5. Follow‑up regimen

   • Repeat vacuuming and powder application every 3–5 days for two weeks to capture emerging adults.
   • Wash pet bedding weekly and maintain a regular cleaning schedule.
   • Re‑introduce pets only after the environment has been treated for at least one full flea life cycle (approximately three weeks).

By combining these low‑cost, readily available measures with disciplined cleaning, a flea infestation can be suppressed and eventually eradicated without reliance on commercial insecticides.