What scent do fleas dislike in an apartment and how to use it to get rid of them at home? - briefly
Fleas are repelled by strong citrus aromas such as lemon or citronella. Mix a few drops of lemon‑ or citronella‑essential oil with water, spray the solution on carpets, furniture and pet bedding, then vacuum and repeat daily until activity ceases.
What scent do fleas dislike in an apartment and how to use it to get rid of them at home? - in detail
Fleas are highly sensitive to strong, volatile compounds that interfere with their sensory receptors. The most effective repellent odor in a residential setting is the essential oil of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) combined with a secondary note of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus). Both oils contain linalool and eucalyptol, substances that fleas find intolerable and that disrupt their ability to locate hosts.
Application method:
- Dilute 10 ml of lavender essential oil and 5 ml of eucalyptus oil in 1 liter of water.
- Add 2 tablespoons of white vinegar to increase penetration of the solution into fabrics and cracks.
- Transfer the mixture to a spray bottle.
- Lightly mist carpets, upholstery, pet bedding, and baseboard crevices twice daily for a week.
- After each application, vacuum thoroughly and discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister to remove dislodged insects and eggs.
Additional measures:
- Place cotton balls soaked in undiluted lavender oil inside closets and under furniture legs; replace every 48 hours.
- Use a diffuser with a few drops of eucalyptus oil in rooms where pets spend most time; maintain a low, continuous scent.
- Wash all washable fabrics in hot water (minimum 130 °F/54 °C) with a cup of white vinegar added to the rinse cycle.
These steps create an environment that fleas avoid, reduce existing populations, and prevent re‑infestation without relying on chemical insecticides. Consistency over the full life cycle of the flea (approximately three weeks) ensures complete eradication.