The best means for getting rid of fleas in an apartment yourself

Classification of flea products

If parasites are found in the house, bites constantly appear on the legs, and signs of activity (jumping small insects) are noticed at a level of 1-1.5 m from the floor, you can remove them yourself. For this purpose, drugs based on toxic substances are used.

Such products are classified according to the form of release:

• powders or dusts;
• crayons;
• aerosols;
• sprays.

The products of the first group are the least effective compared to analogues of other types. This is due to the fact that during the processing process no poison enters the body of insects. Parasites come into contact with the poison only if they end up on the surfaces where it is applied. In other places, fleas may continue to exist.

Powders do not emit unpleasant odors. They do not contain volatile components that are released during processing. Such remedies only work in contact with parasites. Particles of dry matter corrode the chitinous covers, the poison penetrates the body, destroys the nervous system, which leads to paralysis and difficulty breathing. If you sprinkle the powder in areas where fleas are rare or do not live at all, the infestation of the apartment will continue.

The crayons are on the same level as the previously discussed products. With their help, stripes are drawn on surfaces. This is done in areas where parasites may occur. It is not advisable to apply stripes too often, as this increases the consumption of the substance and makes it difficult to move around the apartment.

The advantage of bulk products and crayons is the absence of a pronounced odor. Thanks to this, you can be in the apartment during processing.

Aerosols are more effective drugs. The poisonous substance is contained in a sealed container and is released through a sprayer. At the same time, tiny particles in the form of suspension enter the air. Gradually they settle on the surface where the treatment is carried out.

This method allows you to kill fleas faster, since the toxic substance penetrates the respiratory system of the parasites and at the same time settles on the chitinous integument. This is how the remedy works if you direct a stream of insecticide at jumping fleas when your home is heavily infested.

If the parasites were hiding at the time of spraying the substance, they will still have to come into contact with the poison, since the fine suspension gradually settles on all surfaces and continues to act for some period after release.

The advantage of aerosols is the possibility of penetration into the body of insects through the respiratory system and chitinous integument. In addition, the suspension covers the entire surface, and not part of the area, as is the case with crayons and powders. The disadvantage is the threat of poisoning people and pets.

Sprays are similar in principle to aerosols. However, unlike the latter, such preparations must be prepared independently. Purchase a concentrated liquid containing a large amount of insecticide, dilute it, and then use it to treat surfaces using a spray bottle. The disadvantage of the spray is its high toxicity. In addition, this treatment method releases a larger suspension than from an aerosol dispenser.

How to prevent re-infestation after flea treatment

Knowing how to properly treat fleas in your apartment should help you cope with the parasites yourself. But that is not all. It is necessary to ensure that insects no longer enter the house. After all, no matter what type of flea treatment an apartment is carried out, and no matter what quality product is used, the residual activity of any of them will sooner or later expire. This means the fleas may return. Therefore, within a year from the date of treatment, try to:

• At least once a week, carry out high-quality sanitary cleaning of the premises, clean the floors and carpets from dust and dirt;
• contact specialized services in a timely manner to carry out deratization in basements;
• after flea treatment has been successfully completed, do not remove flea collars from animals for some time;
• Make sure that there is always dry wormwood or tansy in the house.
• periodically lubricate the ventilation hole and door frame with insecticidal pencils or crayons - “Agrometrin”, “Mashenka” or others;
• ventilate the apartment every day;
• From time to time, expose pillows and mattresses to the sun.

If you still haven’t managed to get rid of fleas completely, you can always turn to professionals for help, who will clean your house of insects and provide a guarantee for the service.

Classification by type of active components

Determination of pyrethroids.
The following groups of toxic substances are distinguished:

1. Pyrethroids are synthetic analogs of pyrethrins (natural insecticides). Substances of this group affect the nervous system of parasites, resulting in paralysis. Insects lose the ability to breathe, internal organs cease to function. Parasites in this state cannot reproduce. Death soon follows. The most effective substance in this group is cyhalothrin. Other insecticides often used are permethrin, deltamethrin, cypermethrin, tetramethrin.
2. Organophosphorus compounds. These are substances containing a phosphorus-carbon bond. Insecticides belong to the group of nerve-paralytic poisons. After treating the premises, the death of insects occurs within the first hours. When poisons enter the body, they help replace enzymes involved in the transmission of nerve impulses. This leads to the development of paralysis. The parasite cannot reproduce, breathe, and soon dies. The organophosphorus insecticide differs from its analogues in its ability to penetrate the respiratory and digestive systems and the outer integument.
3. Pyrethrins are natural insecticides. They are obtained from plants of the aster family, genus Pyrethrum. The most powerful remedy is made from Dalmatian chamomile flowers. This is a conditionally safe substance; it is better tolerated by the human body in case of poisoning. The disadvantage of these compounds is their ability to act on parasites only through direct contact with the outer integument. In this way, the poison enters the body, disrupts the functioning of the nervous system, and provokes paralysis. Another disadvantage of pyrethrins is their low efficiency.
4. Selamectin is a broad-spectrum agent that has an effect on various types of parasites, including fleas. Refers to semi-synthetic insecticides.
5. Neonicotinoids. From this group, imidacloprid is often used. The mechanism of action is based on the ability to bind to nicotinic receptors of the nervous system. As a result, paralysis develops, fleas lose the ability to reproduce, breathe, digest food, and soon die.
6. Phenylpyrazoles. Fipronil is isolated from this group. This insecticide also destroys the nervous system of insects, which is achieved by blocking GABA-gated and glutamate-gated chloride channels.

Review of the best drugs

Some of the existing products are used more often, due to their high effectiveness.

Aerosols should be considered first. With their help you can get rid of fleas faster.

Aerosol selection

Rating of effective remedies:

1. Get. Available in the form of a concentrate, it is used to prepare a solution, which will subsequently be sprayed over various surfaces. A spray bottle is used for this. The advantage of aerosols is the ability to treat vertical and horizontal surfaces. The drug Get contains lambda-cyhalothrin from the group of pyrethroids. The product is produced in the form of a microencapsulated liquid; thanks to this structure, the period of action of the active component increases, since it is released gradually. Average price – 590 rub.
2. Sinuzan is a drug based on chlorpyrifos from the group of organophosphorus compounds. It is often used by professional services to control insects. In domestic conditions, this product should be used with caution due to its high toxicity. After treatment, a pronounced unpleasant odor remains, so you should not stay in the room. Price – 600 rub.
3. Xulat Micro. This 3-component product contains cypermethrin, tetramethrin, piperonyl butoxide. The last of the substances enhances the effect of the first insecticides, which represent the group of pyrethroids. The advantage of this drug is the low risk of parasites developing resistance to the active components. Average price – 750 rubles.
4. Executioner. The product contains fenthion from the group of organophosphorus substances. It is produced in small containers, which allows you to treat individual areas of the apartment without the risk of losing the properties of the active component. Cost – 85 rub.
5. Combat is an aerosol; the kit includes a nozzle with a small diameter hole. Thanks to this, it becomes possible to better treat remote and hidden corners of the room. Contains imiprotrin, cyphenothrin. The advantage of the product is its pleasant smell, which makes getting rid of parasites much easier. The price varies between 280-370 rubles.
6. Digital. Contains cypermethrin. Available in the form of a concentrate, the product must be diluted with water, and the finished solution is sprayed using a spray bottle. Average cost – 790 rubles.
7. Raid. This is a multi-component universal product that can destroy any insects, including fleas. Ingredients: cyfluthrin, imiprotrin, prallethrin. The advantage of the drug is its pleasant aroma, which makes processing easier. Cost – 350 rub.
8. Dichlorvos. There are different types: Varna, Neo, Killer, etc. Some of them are odorless, other products of this brand are more harmless to children and animals. The price varies from 50 rub. and higher.
9. Raptor. The composition includes cypermethrin, tetramethrin. The product emits a relatively pleasant aroma. With its help you can fight against various insects.

Get flea spray.

Powders, dusts, crayons

Effective remedies:

1. Chalk Clean House. You can buy it for 20 rubles. This method of control allows you to get rid of parasites only in combination with other drugs. It should be used to prevent flea infestation of an object. Use crayons to treat the planting areas and habitats of parasites. You can apply the product in different ways: draw lines on surfaces, grind a pencil to a powder, prepare a solution (the drug is soaked in water).
2. Chalk Mashenka. The drug has been used for a long time and helps get rid of various insects. In terms of effectiveness, it is on the same level as the previously discussed product. Cost – 20 rubles.
3. Frontline M. Contains fipronil, methoprene. The drug protects the premises from parasites for 6 months. It can be used in different ways: scatter on surfaces in areas where fleas are likely to live, dissolve in water, spray the room. You can purchase the product for 50 rubles.
4. Clean House in powder form. The composition includes cypermethrin, malathion, piperonyl butoxide. The advantage of this substance is the simultaneous use of insecticides of different groups: pyrethroids, organophosphorus compounds. Price – 30 rub.
5. Super FAS. Contains thiamethoxam, zeta-cypermethrin. The product can be dissolved in water or used dry. Efficiency is ensured in both cases. Price – 55 rub.

Recommendations for identifying fleas in an apartment

Before choosing insecticidal products for fleas, you need to make sure that these are the parasites that have occupied the apartment. After all, there are certain drugs to combat different insects. According to experts, up to thirty different types of bloodsuckers can settle near a person. You can distinguish fleas from other parasites if you know their characteristic signs:

• insects have yellow and brown-black color shades;
• the length of the parasite ranges from 1 to 5 mm;
• the beetle's body is slightly flattened on the sides and equipped with many bristles;
• Due to the presence of three pairs of legs, the insect is capable of jumping over long distances.

Fleas
Their lifespan is approximately 2 years. During this time, the female can lay up to two thousand eggs. After a few weeks, mobile larvae appear, after 14 days they turn into adult insects. Household fleas most commonly found within human habitation include:

• mouse and rat;
• canine and feline;
• sandy;
• basement and earthen;
• bedding

Having entered the apartment in one way or another, they cause a lot of trouble to all the inhabitants of the premises. Favorite habitats for insects are carpet, crevices, beds, soft fleecy toys, baseboards, kitchen sink, furniture, pet habitats and others. Knowing all the nooks and crannies of their placement, you can begin an effective fight at home.

Interesting! A clean sheet of white paper can be used as an indicator for identifying fleas. It should be placed on the floor and observed carefully. If after some time black moving dots appear on it, you must urgently purchase a flea control product in your apartment.

Preparing an apartment for disinfestation and processing rules

Regardless of the type and form of release of the insecticide, it is first recommended to carry out a general cleaning of the room. This will provide access to the active components to insects.

Other recommendations:

• furniture is moved away from the walls, because it is important to get access to the back walls of the cabinets;
• woven materials should not be treated with insecticides, so bedspreads, bedding, clothing and other coverings should be removed;
• there should be no personal belongings, hygiene items, or food in the room;
• the room is cleared of animals and the aquarium is removed;
• Before treatment, close the windows; while spraying the insecticide, the doors should also be closed.

It is recommended to wash woven materials in a machine, first setting them to a high temperature setting. This is done to kill flea eggs. You can take bed linen, blankets, and pillows outside. However, this measure is effective if there is a lot of sun in the yard. Things should be left in direct sunlight; fleas die at high temperatures. A steam generator can be used for this purpose.

Places where fleas can hide.

Instructions for treating a room with an aerosol:

1. The product is sprayed over surfaces at a distance of 20 cm. It is necessary to spray the walls to a level of 1-1.5 m, since parasites jump to this height.
2. Places that receive the most attention: window sill, baseboards, door jambs, hidden corners, cracks on surfaces, a pet's sleeping area, the area under the sink, behind flowerpots.
3. After finishing work, you need to close the windows. This makes it possible to increase the effectiveness of the insecticide, since the parasites are exposed to a concentrated toxic substance.
4. The duration of preservation of the premises is indicated by the manufacturer of the drug. Some remedies last for several days.
5. After finishing the treatment, you need to ventilate the room for a long time.
6. Fine suspension settles on surfaces, so it is necessary to clean objects that are often used: door fittings, cabinet shelves, sofa sides, etc.
7. After 2-3 weeks, re-treatment is performed. This is due to the fact that insecticides do not affect flea eggs. As a result, the parasites will continue to multiply. Then you will need to do some general cleaning. This measure is necessary if there are children and pets in the house. In other cases, it is not necessary to completely clean all surfaces of the insecticide. Thanks to this, the apartment or house is protected for many months.

When processing with bulk or fine substances, the procedure is simplified. There is no need to leave the room; the product is applied to different surfaces.

Powder and chalk do not emit an unpleasant odor or volatile components, therefore they are considered relatively safe. More stringent rules for treating premises at facilities where there are children and pets, as there is a risk of contact with a toxic substance.

Aerosols

Homemade flea treatments are often available in aerosol form. Most commercially available insecticides target not only fleas, but also other crawling and flying insects.

The general principle of action of such drugs is damage to the nervous system, which causes paralysis and leads to the death of pests.

When choosing an aerosol, it is important to pay attention to the active components in the composition. It is good if there are organic phosphorus compounds or substances based on pyrethrum (insecticides of the pyrethroid group), which have a detrimental effect on fleas.

In order for the purchased flea remedy to fully meet your expectations, you must proceed as follows:

1. The first stage of the struggle involves thoroughly cleaning the room and throwing out garbage and unnecessary things.
2. If there are carpets in the living space, they are removed from the walls or floors and sent to dry cleaning or taken out into the fresh air to fry in the sun or freeze.
3. All furniture that is near the walls is moved away.
4. All people and pets living in this premises must leave. If there is an aquarium with fish, then cover it with glass and turn off the compressor pumping air into the water.
5. The drug is sprayed or applied to all surfaces in the room: the floor, baseboards, corners of rooms, doorways or any other secluded places where such insects can hide.
6. The apartment is left for several hours with all windows closed. After this, the room is thoroughly ventilated, wet cleaning is carried out, and traces of the insecticide are removed.

As a rule, aerosols are recommended to be used twice.

To destroy new individuals or survivors after the initial treatment, the procedure is repeated after 7 days.

The following aerosols have proven themselves to be effective:

1. Raptor. Contains 2 active components at once (cypermethrin, tetramethrin), providing instant action. The product has a pleasant peppermint scent.
2. According to many consumers, this is the best remedy for fleas in the apartment. It contains 3 active ingredients at once: cypermethrin, imiprothrin, prallethrin. Does not contain ozone-depleting refrigerants. Has a pleasant lavender scent.
3. Dutch insecticide containing: piperonyl butoxide, methoprene and pyrethrum extract. Can be used both for treating apartments and for treating pets (cats, dogs). Its effectiveness remains even after wet cleaning of the room.

Aerosols can be an effective means of controlling fleas and are quite safe for humans, provided personal safety rules are followed.

Security measures

When sprayed, the concentrate gets on the skin and mucous membranes, so work should be done while wearing gloves, a respirator, safety glasses, a headscarf and a closed uniform. Precautionary measures help prevent poisoning.

When certain types of insecticides enter the human body, nausea, dizziness, diarrhea, and weakness in the body occur. The doctor should prescribe symptomatic treatment. You can also purchase medications yourself at the pharmacy: sorbents in tablets or powder.

Processing should not be carried out near open flame sources. This is due to the fact that some products (usually aerosols) contain flammable substances. After the procedure, you need to wash your hands, face with soap, and eyes with clean water. You should also rinse your mouth.

Preventive measures

To prevent re-infection of an object with parasites, you need to follow simple rules:

• carry out wet cleaning regularly; if eggs get into the house on animal fur or along with shoes, it becomes possible to destroy the offspring of parasites;
• periodically ventilate the rooms;
• fleas prefer dampness, so you should maintain a normal level of humidity in the house;
• throw away old, unnecessary things in a timely manner; cluttering the room is a common cause of flea infestation;
• Regularly treat your pet for parasites;
• protect ventilation shafts with chalk (draw lines around the perimeter of the hole); door jambs should also be treated in this way;
• install mosquito nets on the windows of the first floors;
• Periodically clean the animals' sleeping place from fleas: wash (prevention method for woven materials), expose to hot steam (for hard or large materials).

Flea remedies.

Folk remedies

Home remedies for fleas include the following:

1. Infusions of medicinal herbs. Their effectiveness is associated with a specific, pungent odor that repels insects. A popular mixture is wormwood, tansy and eucalyptus. Treat the room with the prepared infusion using a spray bottle, paying special attention to the floor and carpeting. Such infusions can also be effective prophylactic agents.
2. Pine sawdust. They are used to fill the beds on which pets sleep. This is a good solution to the problem if fleas were brought into the house by cats or dogs.
3. Cold or sun. It is recommended to periodically take pillows, mattresses, and carpets out into the fresh air. Fleas die when the air temperature becomes too cold or too hot.
4. Soda. The combination of baking soda and salt allows you to get rid of pests in small enclosed spaces. Having combined these two components (1:1), it is recommended to sprinkle the mixture on the floor. And the next day, cleaning will need to be done using a vacuum cleaner.
5. Wormwood and pine sawdust. It is recommended to scatter this mixture in front of the entrance to the living space of a private house. It will repel fleas and they will not attempt to enter.
6. Garlic and brewer's yeast. The floor is treated with this anti-insect composition and left for 10 hours. After this time, the room is thoroughly vacuumed.

If you have pets at home, you should definitely choose a product to kill fleas on them.

The best traditional methods

Effective remedies:

1. Boric acid. Only pure powder is used. Baits based on it will not attract fleas. The substance is scattered around the apartment in places where parasites are likely to live. Upon contact with the product, insects gradually die.
2. A decoction based on Dalmatian chamomile. Prepare a concentrated composition and leave to infuse after boiling. When it has cooled completely, treat all surfaces: baseboards, floors, walls, furniture, etc.
3. Tar soap is used to clean animal fur.
4. Table salt, preferably fine-grained. Small particles are more effective because they damage the chitinous integument of fleas that crawl on the treated surface more strongly. Salt is scattered around the apartment in places where parasites are likely to live.
5. Sagebrush. You can use a freshly picked plant - lay it out around the apartment. A decoction based on wormwood also works effectively. Prepare a concentrated solution, then treat all surfaces with it.
6. Pine sawdust. Fleas cannot tolerate the smell of coniferous trees. Sawdust can be used as litter for an animal; they are scattered under the sofa and in hidden corners of the apartment.

Adviсe

Before purchasing this or that insecticidal product, it is worth analyzing the situation in the house. So, if there are children and pets in the apartment, it is better to use means that will not entail any consequences. And in general, even if you decide to use a product that is safe for the human body, it is still advisable to send the children, for example, to their grandmother during the treatment period.

Pets also deserve special attention. After all, if you don’t take care of them, cats and dogs are where blood-sucking parasites mainly multiply. To protect them from fleas, it is recommended to use insecticides from domestic manufacturers, because imported analogues do not have a very good effect on local parasites. To protect cats and dogs, you can use special anti-flea collars, drops on the withers and sprays produced by the Russian company Api-San. You can also use the more traditional “Creolin” product. To rid a small kitten or puppy of fleas, it is better to try using traditional methods.

In general, there are quite a lot of flea remedies available and it is simply not realistic to consider them all in a short article. Therefore, when purchasing any insecticidal drug, first of all pay attention to safety for the human body and your four-legged friends.