How to prepare wormwood for fleas at home? - briefly
Steep dried wormwood leaves in hot water for 15–20 minutes, strain, cool, and apply the liquid to the pet’s fur and surroundings using a spray bottle. Repeat the treatment every 2–3 days until fleas disappear.
How to prepare wormwood for fleas at home? - in detail
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) contains natural compounds that repel and kill fleas. Preparing it for household use requires careful handling to preserve potency and ensure safety for pets and humans.
First, obtain fresh or dried wormwood leaves from a reputable source. If using fresh material, spread the leaves on a clean screen and allow them to air‑dry in a well‑ventilated area for 3–5 days, turning them periodically to prevent mold. Dried leaves can be stored in an airtight container for later use.
Grind the dried foliage into a fine powder with a coffee grinder or mortar and pestle. The powder should be uniform to facilitate extraction. Measure 30 g of powdered wormwood for a standard 1‑liter preparation.
For a spray solution, steep the powder in 1 L of boiling water for 15 minutes, then let it cool to room temperature. Strain the liquid through a fine mesh or cheesecloth, discarding the solid residue. Add 10 ml of vegetable glycerin or a few drops of mild liquid soap to improve adhesion to fur and surfaces. Transfer the mixture to a spray bottle, label it, and store it in a cool, dark place. Use within two weeks.
If a concentrated oil is preferred, macerate 50 g of powdered wormwood in 500 ml of carrier oil (e.g., almond or jojoba) for 2 weeks, shaking the jar daily. After the infusion period, filter the oil and store it in amber glass. Dilute the oil 1:10 with additional carrier oil before applying a few drops to the pet’s coat, avoiding the eyes and mucous membranes.
Safety precautions: wear gloves when handling raw wormwood, as the plant can cause skin irritation. Test a small area of the animal’s skin for adverse reactions before full application. Keep preparations out of reach of children and avoid contact with open wounds. Do not use wormwood on pregnant or nursing animals without veterinary guidance.
Regular application—once daily for the first week, then every other day for two weeks—helps break the flea life cycle. Combine the wormworm preparation with routine vacuuming and washing of bedding for optimal control.