How to use wormwood for fleas in the house? - briefly
Place dried wormwood leaves in breathable sachets and distribute them in corners, under furniture, and near pet sleeping areas; alternatively, steep the leaves in hot water, let the infusion cool, and spray the liquid onto carpets, rugs, and bedding to repel fleas. Use the sachets and spray regularly, replacing the herb every few weeks to maintain effectiveness.
How to use wormwood for fleas in the house? - in detail
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) contains natural compounds that repel and kill fleas. Effective use in a domestic environment requires preparation, controlled application, and safety precautions.
First, select a dry, aromatic form of the herb—loose leaves, powdered material, or pre‑packed sachets. Fresh foliage loses potency quickly; dried material retains the active sesquiterpene lactones longer.
Preparation of a spray solution
- Measure 30 g of dried wormwood leaves.
- Add the leaves to 1 L of boiling water.
- Simmer for 15 minutes, then allow the mixture to cool.
- Strain through a fine mesh, discarding solid particles.
- Transfer the liquid to a spray bottle; add 5 ml of white vinegar to improve adhesion to surfaces.
Application procedure
- Vacuum all carpets, rugs, and upholstery to remove adult fleas and eggs.
- Spray the wormwood solution lightly on carpets, under furniture, and along baseboards. Avoid saturating fabrics; a mist is sufficient.
- Treat pet bedding, pet carriers, and any cloth items that cannot be washed at high temperature.
- Allow the treated areas to dry completely before re‑entering the room.
Safety considerations
- Keep the solution out of reach of children and pets; ingestion can cause gastrointestinal irritation.
- Test a small, inconspicuous area of fabric before full application to prevent discoloration.
- Use gloves and a mask while handling powdered wormworm to avoid inhalation of fine particles.
- Ensure adequate ventilation; open windows for at least 30 minutes after spraying.
Supplementary measures
- Place sachets of dried wormwood in closets, drawers, and under pet crates; replace every two weeks.
- Combine wormwood treatment with regular washing of pet bedding at 60 °C and routine vacuuming with a HEPA filter.
- Monitor flea activity for 2–3 weeks; repeat the spray cycle if new signs appear.
By following this protocol, wormwood acts as an eco‑friendly flea deterrent while minimizing reliance on synthetic insecticides. Regular maintenance and adherence to safety guidelines sustain long‑term control.