How to prepare a wormwood solution for fleas? - briefly
Combine dried wormwood leaves with water (1 part herb to 10 parts water), simmer 15 minutes, cool, strain, and apply the liquid to the pet’s coat, avoiding eyes and mucous membranes. Repeat every three days for two weeks, monitoring for any adverse reaction.
How to prepare a wormwood solution for fleas? - in detail
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) contains volatile oils that act as a natural flea repellent. When extracted in a water‑based solution, the mixture can be applied to pets, bedding, and indoor surfaces to reduce infestations.
Materials required
- Dried wormwood leaves, 30 g
- Distilled water, 1 L
- Clean glass jar with airtight lid
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- Dark glass bottle for storage
Preparation steps
- Measure 30 g of dried leaves and place them in the glass jar.
- Heat distilled water to 80 °C; do not boil, as excessive heat degrades active compounds.
- Pour the hot water over the herb, ensuring complete coverage.
- Seal the jar and let it steep for 12 hours at room temperature, shaking gently once every 3 hours.
- After steeping, strain the liquid through a fine mesh or cheesecloth into a clean container.
- Transfer the filtrate to a dark glass bottle, label with preparation date, and store in a cool, dark place.
Application guidelines
- Dilute the concentrate 1:4 with plain water before use (250 ml concentrate + 750 ml water).
- Apply the diluted solution to pet fur using a spray bottle, avoiding eyes and mucous membranes.
- Treat bedding, carpet edges, and pet resting areas by lightly misting the surface; allow to air dry.
- Repeat treatment every 48 hours for two weeks, then weekly for maintenance.
Safety and storage
- Conduct a patch test on a small skin area before full application; discontinue if irritation occurs.
- Keep out of reach of children and other animals.
- Use within 30 days; discard any solution that develops an off‑odor or cloudiness.
Following these procedures yields a potent, plant‑derived flea control solution without synthetic chemicals.