How to get rid of fleas in an apartment using folk remedies

Description of earthen fleas

Ground fleas got their name because of their habitat. They live in the ground, in the summer - in the upper soil layers, in the winter they descend deeper to lay eggs. The color of the parasites has dark brown shades, the body length is no more than three millimeters. They are quite difficult to detect with the naked eye. If you suspect that fleas have settled in the house, place a white sheet of paper, for example, on a chair or other upholstered furniture. Soon small black dots appear on the leaf; these are parasites.

Earth fleas are offensively jumpy. A height of 50 cm is not an obstacle for them. Parasites easily jump onto the body of an animal or person and are held on to it with the help of a huge number of bristles.

Fleas are considered long-lived among household insects. They live up to two years and produce up to five hundred offspring over the course of their life.

The adult female lays eggs only after feeding on blood. About 48 hours after the meal, 40-50 eggs appear. On the tenth day (possibly earlier, depending on conditions and environment), a larva is born from each egg. The larvae hide in dark crevices and corners because they are afraid of daylight. After one to two weeks, the larva creates a protective cocoon around itself, in which it stays for up to two hundred days. Then a young flea emerges from the pupa.

Why are earth fleas dangerous?

Earth fleas can cause a lot of inconvenience, bordering on danger. They turn regular home life into hell, especially at night. A person cannot get enough sleep because he is constantly exposed to flea bites. This leads to stress, irritation, decreased performance and overall quality of life.

Pets infected with fleas begin to suffer from the consequences of bites, constantly itch, and bring fleas into the house on their fur.

Fleas bite because of their parasitic lifestyle, and only females do this. It is the females who need to receive a large amount of blood protein, which she needs to bear and feed new offspring of fleas.

Apple vinegar

Owners who intend to learn how to get rid of fleas with vinegar should familiarize themselves with the principle of operation of this remedy. Apple cider vinegar for fleas does not kill fleas.

The likelihood that the body will die when inhaling a natural component is extremely low. The sour smell of the ingredient only destabilizes the pest’s nervous system.

Having smelled an unpleasant aroma, the insect tries to change its location. The pet’s thick fur becomes a real obstacle for individuals. It is for this reason that after treating parasites with vinegar, it is recommended to comb out the delayed insects with a brush.

Attention! During the combing process, some organisms can literally “jump” out of the animal’s fur, so it is recommended that you scratch your pet in the bathroom, where the insects can be immediately washed off.

Vinegar has long been used as a remedy against parasites also because it is safe for warm-blooded animals. This means it is safe for people too.

How do fleas get into a house or apartment?

Uninvited guests enter the house from attics and basements. If these parts of the house are in poor sanitary condition, then infestation with parasites is simply inevitable. Dust and high humidity are the best conditions for fleas to live and reproduce.

Often fleas are “picked up” in public places, for example, at a train station, and brought into the house on clothes or shoes.

So, the ways fleas enter the house:

• on the fur of pets;
• on a person’s shoes and clothing;
• from unsanitary places at home;
• from neighboring houses and plots;
• on the body of rodents (mice, rats).

Fleas are happy to stay in such hidden places where it is warm and humid. This is their native element and they find it under baseboards, in carpets, in upholstered furniture, under linoleum, in plush toys.

Banal

No matter how trivial it may sound, daily cleaning of the apartment is very helpful in preventing the appearance of fleas, as well as getting rid of them if they have appeared recently. Moreover, this should be the same cleaning that is usually called “general”: with a vacuum cleaner, with a damp cloth, with airing of all rooms and knocking out dust from the carpets. Fleas love warmth and most often live inside carpets, in the corners of a room, and in any places that are difficult to reach. Fresh air, cool room temperature and thorough cleaning are their main enemies.

Earth flea bites: what they look like, why they are dangerous

Fleas bite and cause a lot of problems. A red spot with a diameter of up to 2 cm forms at the site of the bite. Depending on the reaction of the human body, the spot may have a swollen appearance.

The bite site is very itchy. Fenistil gel or its analogues will help eliminate itching. It is especially important to quickly help children because, unlike adults, they cannot cope with the strong desire to scratch an itchy bite.

To avoid infection from strong scratching, it is necessary to treat the skin with an antiseptic. Miramistin and chlorhexidine are suitable.

Multiple bites can cause anaphylactic shock. Therefore, if fleas attack, you need to urgently consult a doctor for medical help.

Allergy

In people prone to allergies, flea bites can cause pulicosis. Children are especially susceptible to allergic reactions. Severe irritation and itching occurs at the site of the bite. If the child has white skin, then you can notice purple - a reaction to a flea bite in the form of subcutaneous hemorrhage.

Inflammation

If the flea was a carrier of some disease, then inflammation and an abscess occurs at the site of the bite. It should be immediately treated with iodine and consult a doctor for medical help.

Diseases transmitted through a bite

Earth flea bites are dangerous. They carry:

• encephalitis (inflammatory disease of the brain);
• plague (an acute infectious disease affecting almost all organs, accompanied by the development of sepsis);
• typhus (an intestinal infection accompanied by fever and mental disturbances);
• hepatitis (viral liver disease);
• salmonellosis (intestinal infection).

Fleas are able to “reward” even helminths (Toxocara, tapeworms).

How to get rid of earthen fleas: folk remedies

It is quite possible to cope with an invasion of earthen fleas using folk remedies. The main thing is to treat all suspicious places where they might be hiding. These are cracks, cracks, places in the house where daylight does not reach, where there is a lot of dust, dirt, and high humidity. You should not lose sight of the land, especially if there is a dog kennel on it.

You can do a simple test to determine if there are fleas outside. You need to wear white high socks and walk along the same route that the dog always walks. If a couple of fleas appear on your socks, then the area definitely needs to be treated for parasites. Including the dog kennel.

The fight against fleas in a private home should start from the basement. This is a source of breeding for earth fleas and it urgently needs to be cleaned of debris and dirt, ventilated and treated with special means. After the basement, you need to take care of the apartment. Fleas are afraid of cleanliness, so it is important to clean thoroughly:

• remove dust in crevices, cracks, behind baseboards;
• vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, toys, mattresses;
• wash pet bedding and beds;
• Wipe off dust from all surfaces (cabinets, window sills, shelves).

Salt and soda

The simplest ingredients that are in any home are salt and soda. From them you can prepare a universal remedy for fighting parasites. Mix salt and baking soda in equal proportions and sprinkle the resulting mixture on all soft surfaces with pile (carpets, bedding, upholstered furniture). After ten hours, vacuum the treated surfaces, thereby removing the mixture and dead fleas. The procedure is repeated after two days.

The smell of pine

The needles have a strong specific aroma and you may be lucky that fleas cannot stand it. Place sprigs of pine needles throughout the house and change them as they dry. The smell of pine needles can drive out parasites, but it is better to use a more reliable product.

Decoction of tansy and wormwood

No plant is used as often in the fight against parasites as wormwood. And in the company of tansy, they form a confident weapon against “uninvited guests.” Not only fleas, but also other insects (ants, flies, cockroaches) cannot stand the strong smell of wormwood. In villages, caring owners hung bunches of wormwood in the premises where livestock was kept and thereby saved them from annoying insects.

In its stems and flowers, wormwood contains volatile essential oils, which repel parasites.

It is important to understand that herbal tinctures do not destroy insects, but only repel them. Herbal remedies are good for preventing parasite infestation at home and for treating pet hair.

A decoction of tansy and wormwood is prepared as follows: place two tablespoons of crushed wormwood and tansy in a glass jar, add two glasses of water and bring to a boil in a water bath. Then the liquid is infused for four hours and cools. After this, it can be used to treat open surfaces.

Turpentine

There is no point in trying to poison fleas. Their oral apparatus is adapted only for the absorption of blood. Therefore, the only way to fight parasites is through odors. Turpentine, like kerosene, has been showing its effectiveness in killing fleas for many years. This is a contact chemical and needs to be sprayed generously on areas of infection. Turpentine is flammable, so you need to remember safety when working with it.

Repelling with plants

Mint, thyme, wormwood, and tansy repel fleas very well. Parasites cannot stand the strong smell of these plants and leave the room.

Place the herb brooms indoors. For humans, their aromas are pleasant and create a feeling of a fresh summer meadow in the house. It is important to use freshly picked herbs; limp plants are of no use.

Wormwood tincture

One form of wormwood is a tincture, which is mostly used to treat pet hair. It is not dangerous to their health, but it successfully drives away fleas that have attached themselves to the hairs of their fur. Wormwood tincture is sold in pharmacies and veterinary clinics. The tincture is based on alcohol and wormwood extract.

Ammonia

Ammonia is considered another effective means of combating parasites. Ammonia is very toxic to fleas, and its incredibly pungent smell simply paralyzes them. Options for using ammonia:

• pour into cracks and crevices;
• add 20 drops of ammonia to 5 liters of water and treat all surfaces (floors, furniture, walls, furniture);
• wash pet bedding in water with a couple of drops of ammonia.

All procedures using ammonia must be carried out wearing a protective mask and in the absence of children and animals.

Essential oils

When turning to essential oils for help, you need to remember that cosmetics will not destroy parasites. They will only create an uncomfortable environment for the parasites and, perhaps, they will leave the room. The use of essential oils is more suitable for preventing insect infestation in your home.

Essential oils from these herbs have shown greater effectiveness compared to others:

• Lavender. Successfully expels parasites. Lavender should not be used in a home where people with low blood pressure live.
• Sagebrush. Classic flea repellent.
• Melissa. Paralyzes the nervous system of parasites. Owners spray their dogs with lemon balm before going into the forest to protect them from parasites.
• Carnation. Clove oil contains eugenol. It has a pungent odor that can drive away not only fleas, but also cats.

Brewer's yeast with garlic

Another incredibly fragrant product that is destructive to fleas. Many centuries ago it was noticed that parasites cannot stand the smell of garlic and yeast. Garlic and yeast are mixed in a ratio of ten to one. In large quantities, garlic is poisonous to pets, so they should be taken to a safe place during treatment.

The product is prepared as follows:

• chop the garlic cloves;
• add brewer's yeast to the garlic pulp;
• spread the mixture in places where pets often walk;
• wait a day;
• Remove the dry mixture with a damp cloth or vacuum cleaner.

Borax, botanical dust

Borax is a salt of weak boric acid that appears as a dust of colorless or gray crystals. Borax is considered a safe cleaning agent. For it to cause harm, a huge dose must enter the human or animal body.

Brown is sprinkled on areas where fleas may be found, especially on the area where the dog sleeps.

Botanical dust is an effective antiseptic substance. It is sprinkled on carpets, under the mattress, and the fleas themselves carry it to hard-to-reach places, after which the parasites die.

Kerosene

Kerosene is a classic remedy for fighting flea infestations. Its effectiveness has been known since the invention of this substance. For parasites, the strong, persistent smell of kerosene, which is used to treat carpets and floors in the house, is so unbearable that they leave their homes in a matter of hours.

When working with kerosene, you should adhere to the following safety precautions:

• do not use near fire;
• do not smoke during processing;
• After 24 hours, rinse the treated surfaces with water;
• leave the house for the duration of the remedy;
• Do not use kerosene on animals or people.

other methods

Many people are disturbed by just one phrase - “earthen fleas in the house.” How to get rid of it without chemicals is the main topic that interests people. The use of various herbal tinctures is quite effective. After all, they all have a specific smell, which contributes to the complete destruction of all parasites. The prepared broth needs to brew for at least 12 hours. Otherwise it will not have such an effect. The liquid should be poured into a spray bottle, and then thoroughly sprayed all the secluded places in the house.

Persian chamomile contains pyrethrins, which quickly kill all insects. The stems and leaves of the plant can be used for disinfection. But it must be borne in mind that the effectiveness of chamomile is maintained only if it is used fresh. It must be laid out in places prone to dust. Every few weeks it is necessary to replace the plant with a new one.

Another good remedy for fleas is pine sawdust. Therefore, your pet’s bedding should be filled with them. It is especially important to adhere to this advice in the spring, when flea activity increases. In addition, pine shavings or wormwood are used to repel parasites. It must be scattered just before entering the room.

Garlic and brewer's yeast are also effective ways to control pests. This combination does not affect the health of pets in any way. Both ingredients must be mixed and the resulting preparation rubbed onto rugs, carpets or other floor coverings. The treated surface should be left for approximately 10 hours. During this period, all parasites should die. After this time, you can vacuum the surface. Fleas die because the smell is too strong. But you need to keep in mind that the smell of garlic may not disappear immediately. The flooring may even need additional cleaning.

Source

Professional pest control

If you have not been able to cope with the parasites on your own, then you should contact a service whose professional activity is specifically aimed at combating fleas, bedbugs and other harmful insects.

Exterminators treat the premises with agents of toxicity classes 3 and 4, which are not sold in stores. They work in special protective suits, glasses, respirators, and use spray generators (fog generators) for their work.

Precautionary measures

When working with any solution containing a toxic substance, you must follow safety precautions. Since the treatment is carried out with a flammable substance, it is better not to smoke or light matches, and also not to use gas appliances in the immediate vicinity of the substance.

Since the kerosene smell is very persistent and toxic, after the procedure it is necessary to ventilate the room and carry out regular wet cleaning, but not earlier than 1 day after treatment.

It is worth noting that kerosene vapors, when entering the human body, can have a negative effect, which, with a small amount of the substance, manifests itself as clouding of the mind. In small quantities it is not dangerous, but if poisoning occurs in a large volume, it can lead to dangerous liver damage.

When using this anti-flea liquid at home, you must follow the safety rules:

• when processing, it is necessary to wear rubber gloves and a respirator, since diluted kerosene still does not lose its toxicity;
• it is also necessary to protect the skin of the body from contact with the mixture;
• it is important to protect the mucous membranes and eyes from getting the product into them;
• There should be no people or animals in the room during processing;
• treatment should be carried out exclusively on the surface of hard pieces of furniture, since upholstered furniture and carpets absorb odor very well;
• It is not advisable to treat pets with the product;
• During the procedure, all windows and doors must be open so that while a person is in the room, fresh air can flow in.

If the concentrate enters the body, it is necessary to rinse the stomach and seek help from a doctor. In addition, medical assistance must be provided if the person who carried out the treatment feels weak, dizzy and nauseated.

Thus, kerosene for exterminating fleas is an effective and affordable remedy. But if its use in the apartment does not bring the desired result, then you need to contact a special service to carry out professional disinfestation.

Chemicals

In their work, exterminators use chemicals:

• Xulate C25;
• Fendon;
• Eslandez;
• Avefors.

Insecticidal powder

Powder with an insecticide kills not only adults, but also larvae, and this is especially important when ridding a home of parasites. The powder penetrates into small cracks, between carpet fibers and other places where females lay eggs. The Russian insecticide Phenaxin has gained popularity among the population. It is non-toxic, economical, easy to use and quite effective.

Aerosol

Substances based on organic phosphorus are considered more effective. Aerosols are able to penetrate hard-to-reach places, but they are powerless where the number of fleas is too large.

Carrying out wet treatment with insecticide

Wet treatment with an insecticide is carried out as a preparatory measure before carrying out pest control.

Flea sprays

Dichlorvos and Karbofos are already outdated, but successfully continue their fight against parasites. Karbofos contains dust powder, so you need to work with it strictly wearing gloves. Aerosol Raptor based on tetramethrin and cypermethrin is completely safe for humans. Once in the body, these substances are broken down by enzymes without causing harm.

Solutions against parasites

Liquid solutions look like small capsules with concentrated poison inside. They must be diluted in water and wet cleaned with this product.

Treatment of animals in the apartment

The pet store offers a large number of anti-parasite medications. These include shampoos, drops on the withers, sprays, and collars. You don't have to make do with just one product.

It is better to combine washing the animal with antiparasitic shampoo with spray treatment or wearing a collar.

A tablet form of flea medication is available. This is convenient for those who find it difficult to wash an animal or treat it with a spray.

Among the effective drugs against parasites:

• tablets – Simparica, Frontline Nexgard;
• drops on the withers - Rolf, Stronghold, Vectra, Advantage;
• shampoos – Bars, Rolf, Celandine, Barsik-Eco;
• collars – Beafar, Dana Ultra, Rainbow;
• sprays – KRKA Fiprist, Bars, Rolf.

How to get rid of earthen fleas: rules

All products used to combat fleas have a strong pungent odor, are toxic, poisonous, and often flammable. When working with them, precautions should be taken. Especially if there are children or pets in the house.

Preparing the premises for disinfestation

Before you begin pest control, you need to prepare the room. Parasites are afraid of cleanliness, so you need to clean thoroughly, throw out trash, remove dirt, vacuum carpets, wipe dust on all surfaces, including cabinet tops and chandelier shades, which are rarely reached by a damp cloth.

How to remove fleas from the house if you have children?

The products used for disinfestation are dangerous for people. Therefore, it is advisable to leave the room in which the treatment is carried out for a couple of days. This is especially true for children. In addition, all toxic substances must be stored out of the reach of children.

How to treat pets

A flea infestation in a cat or dog is easy to spot. The pet becomes restless, constantly itches, and bite and scratch marks are visible under the fur. You need to treat the entire coat, spreading it with your fingers so that the product gets under the base of the hairs.

Natural, safe products are used to treat pets. For example, wormwood, tansy, eucalyptus. The solution is applied to the withers and the entire coat is sprayed.

It is important to ensure that the solution does not get into your pet’s mouth. After bathing with flea treatment, you can treat the fur with tar soap. To prevent infection, you should put an anti-flea collar on your pet, and also periodically drip drops onto the withers to repel parasites.

Where to start treating your home

Even the most effective product will not give the desired result if used incorrectly.

To get rid of parasites, you should treat your home following the following algorithm:

1. baiting the premises begins with identifying the habitat of fleas. Most often, pets' beds and sleeping places, cracks between floorboards, carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, and closets serve as temporary shelters for these bloodsuckers.
2. Spread the chemical in an even layer around the perimeter of the room, paying great attention to the habitats of parasites.
3. Leave the insecticide on the surface of the furniture for at least a day.
4. They carry out general cleaning: first they walk around the apartment with a vacuum cleaner, collecting insecticide and dead insects, then wipe the surfaces with a damp cloth to remove any remaining substance.
5. The apartment needs to be re-treated after 1-2 weeks - during this time, new individuals will hatch from the surviving eggs, which should be destroyed before they begin to reproduce.

It is important to remember that treatment of a sick pet and disinfestation of the premises should be carried out simultaneously. It is known that fleas do not live on pets; they climb onto the victim only to get enough blood.

This is why you can come across parasites anywhere in the house - adult parasites jump far, and larvae and eggs can easily be carried with clothing.

Experts recommend cleaning the apartment before starting disinsection: wiping off dust, vacuuming, throwing out large debris. It would be a good idea to clear out closets and closets - often old textiles and rags serve as a refuge for parasites.

Safety precautions when removing fleas

All antiparasitic agents are toxic, so when working with them you need to wear a respiratory mask and gloves. Kerosene and turpentine are flammable and should be used strictly away from fire.

If there are children or pregnant women in the house

Pregnant women and small children may be seriously harmed if they are in the pest control area. Therefore, it is better for them to leave the premises for a couple of days to avoid respiratory poisoning and skin burns.

If there are animals in the house

If pets are infested with fleas, they should be taken to a veterinarian for treatment. During this time, all places in the house where the animal was should be treated. This can be done using folk or chemical means.

Cardinal

If the previous methods did not help, you should act in the harshest way. First, get rid of all carpets. Yes, yes, just get rid of everyone. Even from that memorable Persian that would have been given by my cousin for my mother’s twenty-year wedding anniversary. Carpets are a favorite habitat for fleas, so sometimes it is much easier and better to buy a new carpet for your house than to have such unpleasant neighbors in the old one.

After all the carpets in the house have been mercilessly thrown away, you should return to the first point and start cleaning the apartment. Pay special attention to the corners and floor where the carpet was - insect eggs may remain there, waiting for their new home.

After the apartment has been thoroughly washed and cleaned, you can start purchasing new carpets. And don’t forget to put wormwood under them to avoid unwanted proximity in the future.

Preventing the appearance of fleas in the house

To avoid “unexpected guests” in the form of fleas, cockroaches and other unpleasant creatures, you need to keep your home clean, constantly clean and ventilate.

Make small brooms from wormwood, lavender, and tansy and place them inside the house. They serve not only as a flea repeller, but also decorate the interior and saturate it with the pleasant aromas of a fresh meadow.

It is important to remember one thing - you need to treat the entire room, and not just the part where the fleas were found. Any untreated centimeter is a chance for parasites to escape. When processing, you need to take precautions; children and pregnant women are better off leaving the house for at least a day. To prevent earth fleas from returning, it is important to keep your home clean.