How to treat an apartment for fleas with vinegar? - briefly
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, thoroughly mist carpets, upholstery, and cracks, then vacuum and discard the bag. Repeat the application weekly until flea activity ceases.
How to treat an apartment for fleas with vinegar? - in detail
Vinegar, particularly white distilled vinegar, possesses acidic properties that disrupt the exoskeleton of fleas and deter their larvae. Its low toxicity makes it suitable for indoor use where pets and occupants are present.
To prepare an effective solution, mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Adding a few drops of essential oil such as peppermint or eucalyptus can enhance repellency without compromising safety.
Application proceeds as follows:
- Spray all hard surfaces – floors, baseboards, window sills – thoroughly, allowing the liquid to remain damp for several minutes before wiping with a clean cloth.
- Generously mist carpeted areas, rugs, and upholstery; let the spray settle, then vacuum once dry to remove dead insects and eggs.
- Treat pet bedding, crates, and sleeping areas with the same mixture, ensuring complete saturation and subsequent laundering if possible.
- Apply the solution to cracks, crevices, and under furniture where flea larvae may hide, using a fine‑mist setting for better penetration.
Safety measures include ventilating rooms during and after application, testing a small inconspicuous area for material compatibility, and wearing gloves to protect skin from prolonged acidic exposure. Repeat the process every 48‑72 hours for at least two weeks to break the flea life cycle, then maintain a monthly preventive spray if infestation risk remains high.