How to prepare ammonium alcohol for flea control? - briefly
Mix a 5 % ammonium hydroxide solution with 70 % ethanol in equal parts, stir thoroughly, and keep the blend in a sealed, dark container. Apply the solution to infested zones, let it dry, and repeat treatment if necessary.
How to prepare ammonium alcohol for flea control? - in detail
Ammonium alcohol, a mixture of ammonium hydroxide and ethanol, can be used as a topical flea treatment when prepared correctly. Follow each step precisely to ensure safety and efficacy.
Materials required
- 95 % ethanol (food‑grade or laboratory grade)
- 28 % aqueous ammonium hydroxide (commercially labeled as ammonia solution)
- Clean, heat‑resistant glass container with a tight‑fitting lid
- Protective gloves, goggles, and a lab coat
- Digital scale (accuracy ± 0.1 g)
- Graduated cylinder or volumetric flask
Preparation procedure
- Measure 100 ml of ethanol into the glass container.
- Add 10 ml of the 28 % ammonia solution slowly while stirring with a glass rod.
- Continue stirring for 2 minutes to achieve a homogeneous mixture.
- Allow the solution to stand for 5 minutes; any phase separation indicates incomplete mixing.
- Seal the container tightly and label with concentration, date of preparation, and hazard warnings.
Safety precautions
- Perform mixing in a well‑ventilated area or fume hood; both ethanol vapors and ammonia are irritants.
- Wear chemical‑resistant gloves and goggles at all times.
- Keep the solution away from open flames; ethanol is flammable and ammonia can increase fire risk.
- Store the mixture in a cool, dark place, ideally below 25 °C, to prevent evaporation and degradation.
Application guidelines
- Dilute the prepared concentrate to a 5 % solution before use: combine 10 ml of the stock mixture with 190 ml of water.
- Apply the diluted solution directly to the pet’s coat, avoiding the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Use a spray bottle for even distribution; ensure the coat is thoroughly wetted but not saturated.
- Allow the pet to dry naturally; do not towel dry immediately after application.
- Repeat the treatment every 48 hours for two weeks to break the flea life cycle.
Disposal and expiration
- Discard any unused stock after 30 days; the efficacy diminishes as ethanol evaporates and ammonia degrades.
- Dispose of the solution according to local hazardous waste regulations; never pour large quantities down the drain.
By adhering to the measured ratios, handling protocols, and application schedule, the ammonium‑ethanol solution provides an effective, low‑cost method for controlling fleas on domestic animals.