How to get rid of fleas in the house using folk remedies? - briefly
Spread food‑grade diatomaceous earth on carpets and pet areas, vacuum daily, and wash bedding with a diluted white‑vinegar solution; these steps dehydrate and kill fleas without chemicals. Follow with a mist of water mixed with a few drops of lavender or eucalyptus essential oil to repel any remaining insects.
How to get rid of fleas in the house using folk remedies? - in detail
Fleas thrive in warm, humid environments and can quickly infest a home if not addressed promptly. Traditional approaches rely on natural substances that disrupt the insect’s life cycle without hazardous chemicals.
First, identify and treat the most common breeding sites. Carpets, upholstery, pet bedding, and cracks in flooring retain eggs and larvae. Vacuum the entire area daily for at least a week, discarding the bag or cleaning the canister immediately to prevent re‑infestation.
Next, apply proven folk remedies:
- Diatomaceous earth (food grade). Sprinkle a thin layer on carpets, pet beds, and under furniture. Leave for 24–48 hours, then vacuum. The microscopic silica particles abrade the exoskeleton of fleas, causing dehydration.
- Salt or baking soda. Distribute evenly over rugs and carpets; let sit overnight, then vacuum thoroughly. Both substances desiccate eggs and larvae.
- Lemon spray. Slice one lemon, add two teaspoons of salt, and boil in a quart of water. Cool, strain, and pour into a spray bottle. Lightly mist carpets, pet bedding, and pet collars. The citric acid repels adult fleas.
- Apple cider vinegar rinse. Mix equal parts vinegar and water; spray onto pet fur, avoiding eyes. The acidic environment deters adult fleas from attaching.
- Herbal sachets. Fill small cloth bags with dried lavender, rosemary, or pennyroyal. Place them in closets, under sofas, and near pet sleeping areas. Essential oils emitted act as natural repellents.
To break the life cycle, repeat the above treatments every 2–3 days for two weeks, then maintain a monthly schedule using diatomaceous earth or salt to keep populations below detectable levels.
Finally, improve environmental conditions that discourage flea development:
- Reduce indoor humidity to below 50 % using dehumidifiers or proper ventilation.
- Wash all pet bedding, blankets, and removable fabrics in hot water (≥ 60 °C) weekly.
- Trim pet fur regularly and perform weekly combing with a fine-toothed flea comb to remove adult insects and eggs.
Consistent application of these low‑cost, readily available methods eliminates infestations without resorting to synthetic insecticides, preserving household safety for humans and animals alike.