How to make a flea trap in the house? - briefly
Place a shallow dish of water with a few drops of dish soap beneath a bright lamp; fleas drawn to the light hop into the soapy water and drown.
How to make a flea trap in the house? - in detail
A flea capture device can be assembled with items commonly found in a household. The goal is to lure adult fleas and their larvae into a moist environment where they cannot escape, allowing you to eliminate them without chemicals.
Materials required
- A shallow tray or shallow plastic container (approximately 2‑3 L capacity)
- Warm water, enough to fill the tray to a depth of 2 cm
- Dishwashing liquid (a few drops)
- A bright light source (lamp or LED flashlight)
- Optional: a small piece of fabric or paper towel for additional landing surface
Procedure
- Fill the tray with warm water, ensuring the temperature is comfortable to the touch but not scalding (about 30‑35 °C).
- Add 2–3 drops of dishwashing liquid; this reduces surface tension, causing fleas that land on the water to sink.
- Place the tray on the floor in an area where fleas are most active, typically near pet sleeping spots or carpeted zones.
- Position the light source directly above the tray, about 30 cm away, and turn it on. Fleas are attracted to heat and light, so they will move toward the illuminated surface.
- Leave the trap in place for 12–24 hours. During this period, fleas will be drawn to the light, land on the water, and drown.
- After the exposure time, remove the tray, discard the water, and clean the container. Repeat the process nightly for 3–5 days to catch newly emerging fleas from eggs and larvae.
Additional recommendations
- Reduce humidity in the home; low humidity hampers flea development.
- Vacuum carpets and upholstery before setting the trap; immediately empty the vacuum bag or canister into a sealed bag and discard.
- Wash pet bedding, blankets, and any fabric the animals use in hot water (≥ 60 °C) to destroy eggs and larvae.
- Maintain regular grooming of pets with a flea comb to remove adult fleas and prevent re‑infestation.
Safety considerations
- Keep the trap out of reach of children and pets to avoid accidental drowning.
- Use a non‑slip mat under the tray if the floor is smooth, preventing spills.
By following this method, you can control a flea problem using a simple, non‑toxic trap, reducing the population gradually without resorting to chemical treatments.