How to kill fleas in the house with wormwood? - briefly
Apply a solution of wormwood essential oil diluted in water (about 10 ml oil per litre) to carpets, upholstery, and pet bedding, then vacuum after it dries. Repeat the treatment weekly until flea activity stops.
How to kill fleas in the house with wormwood? - in detail
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) contains compounds that act as natural insect repellents and larvicides. Proper use can reduce or eradicate a flea infestation within a domestic environment.
The plant material must be processed into a form that penetrates flea habitats. Recommended preparation steps include:
- Dry the aerial parts of the plant in a well‑ventilated area until moisture content falls below 10 %.
- Grind the dried material to a fine powder using a coffee grinder or mortar and pestle.
- Combine the powder with a carrier such as diatomaceous earth at a ratio of 1 part wormwood to 4 parts carrier. The carrier improves distribution and prevents clumping.
- For liquid application, steep 30 g of powdered wormwood in 1 L of hot water (≈80 °C) for 15 minutes, then filter through a fine mesh. Add a few drops of mild dish‑soap to act as an emulsifier.
Application methods:
- Sprinkle the dry mixture in areas where adult fleas rest: pet bedding, under furniture, along baseboards, and in carpet seams. Leave the blend for at least 24 hours before vacuuming.
- Spray the liquid extract onto carpets, upholstery, and cracks where flea larvae develop. Ensure surfaces remain damp for 30 minutes to allow absorption.
- Repeat treatment every 3–5 days for two weeks, covering the full flea life cycle.
Safety considerations:
- Wear gloves and a dust mask when handling the powder to avoid respiratory irritation.
- Test a small, inconspicuous area before full‑scale application to verify no discoloration of fabrics.
- Keep pets and children away from treated zones until the powder is vacuumed or the liquid has dried.
- Store remaining wormwood powder in an airtight container away from moisture and heat.
Effectiveness monitoring:
- Count fleas on a pet using a fine‑toothed comb before treatment and after each application.
- Inspect carpet fibers with a flashlight; a decline in visible larvae indicates successful control.
- If flea numbers persist after two weeks, consider combining wormwood treatment with a conventional insecticide approved for indoor use, following label instructions.
By following the outlined preparation, application, and safety protocols, wormwood can serve as a botanical agent to suppress and ultimately eliminate flea populations in a residential setting.