What can be used to independently remove fleas from an apartment at home with folk remedies? - briefly
Apply food‑grade diatomaceous earth and a thin layer of table salt to carpets and upholstery, leave for several hours, then vacuum thoroughly; follow with a spray of diluted white vinegar or an essential‑oil solution (e.g., eucalyptus, lavender, or peppermint) on pet bedding and floor surfaces. Repeat the process weekly until flea activity ceases.
What can be used to independently remove fleas from an apartment at home with folk remedies? - in detail
Flea elimination at home relies on thorough sanitation and natural agents that disrupt the insect’s life cycle.
Begin with a complete removal of eggs, larvae and adult insects. Vacuum every carpet, rug, upholstered seat and floor seam daily for at least two weeks; discard the bag or empty the canister into a sealed trash container outside the building. After vacuuming, wash all removable fabrics—bedding, curtains, pet blankets—at 60 °C (140 °F) or the hottest setting the material tolerates.
Apply inorganic powders that desiccate fleas. Sprinkle a thin layer of food‑grade diatomaceous earth on carpets, under furniture and in cracks; leave for 24 hours, then vacuum. An alternative is fine table salt, which absorbs moisture from the exoskeleton; distribute similarly and repeat the process after 48 hours.
Introduce botanical extracts with insecticidal or repellent properties. Prepare a spray by mixing one part white vinegar with three parts water and adding ten drops of eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil. Lightly mist carpets, pet bedding and entryways; repeat every three days. A solution of neem oil (5 ml per liter of water) can be applied to floorboards and baseboards; neem interferes with flea development.
Create a trapping system to capture adult fleas. Fill a shallow dish with a mixture of sugar, water and a few drops of dish‑soap; place under a night‑light. The light attracts fleas, and the soapy surface prevents escape. Check and replace the trap daily.
Control humidity, as fleas thrive in moist environments. Use a dehumidifier or open windows to keep indoor relative humidity below 50 %.
Treat resident animals simultaneously. Comb pets with a fine flea comb after each bath; wash the comb in hot, soapy water. A bath of diluted apple‑cider vinegar (1 part vinegar to 4 parts water) followed by a rinse can reduce adult fleas on the host.
Maintain the regimen for at least four weeks, the period required for a flea egg to develop into an adult, to ensure the population is fully eradicated. Regular cleaning and periodic re‑application of the described powders and sprays prevent reinfestation.