How to get rid of household fleas using wormwood? - briefly
Scatter dried wormwood or a wormwood‑based spray in carpets, pet bedding, and cracks; the plant’s volatile oils repel and kill fleas within days. Repeat the application weekly until no insects remain.
How to get rid of household fleas using wormwood? - in detail
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) contains natural compounds that repel and kill fleas at various life stages. To use it effectively, follow these steps.
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Identify infestation zones
- Inspect bedding, carpets, pet sleeping areas, and cracks in flooring.
- Collect adult fleas with a fine-toothed comb or a sticky trap for verification.
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Prepare wormwood material
- Dry the herb thoroughly; store in an airtight container.
- Grind dried leaves into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder.
- For liquid application, steep 30 g of dried herb in 500 ml of hot water for 15 minutes, then strain to obtain a concentrated infusion.
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Apply powder
- Sprinkle a thin layer of the ground herb onto carpets, rugs, and upholstery.
- Work the powder into fibers with a brush, focusing on edges and seams where fleas hide.
- Leave the powder for 24 hours, then vacuum thoroughly, disposing of the vacuum bag or cleaning the canister immediately.
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Apply liquid infusion
- Transfer the strained infusion into a spray bottle.
- Lightly mist pet bedding, pet carriers, and hard surfaces such as tile or wood.
- Avoid direct contact with pets; allow the sprayed area to dry before re‑introducing animals.
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Treat outdoor perimeters
- Mix 2 parts powdered wormwood with 1 part diatomaceous earth.
- Distribute the blend around doorways, windowsills, and garden borders where fleas may enter.
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Safety precautions
- Wear gloves and a mask when handling powder to prevent respiratory irritation.
- Keep wormwood out of reach of children and pets; the plant contains thujone, which can be toxic in high concentrations.
- Test a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure no discoloration of fabrics.
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Repeat and monitor
- Reapply powder and spray every 5–7 days for three weeks, covering the full flea life cycle.
- Use a flea comb on pets weekly to detect any remaining adults.
- Maintain regular vacuuming and washing of pet bedding to reduce reinfestation risk.
By integrating dried wormwood powder, a concentrated herbal spray, and a combined powder‑diatomaceous earth barrier, an effective, chemically free flea control program can be established for the entire household.
