Flea repellent for apartments and houses: which is effective and safe?

Fleas always appear at the wrong time, especially if you barely make it to your next paycheck. According to the laws of the genre, it is when there are problems with finances that unplanned expenses arise. Is it possible to get rid of parasites if you only have money in your wallet for inexpensive flea treatments ?

So, suppose we have allocated 200-400 rubles from the budget for this business - what can we count on? It is clear that there is no question of hiring a professional service; we are fighting on our own. There is an abundance of insecticides on the market today, and advertising texts certainly guarantee 100% results. But let's be realistic - if all the advertising were true, no one would read this article.

Tools Overview

To choose effective flea treatments in your apartment, you need to decide on the type of pest.

The following parasites may be found among household fleas:

mouse or rat;
feline, canine;
sandy;
earthen or basement;
bedding

Regardless of the method of entry, they cause a lot of discomfort to all inhabitants of the room. Most often, such parasites are localized on carpets, beds, soft fleecy toys, crevices, baseboards, and sinks.

They may also concentrate in areas where pets live or on certain pieces of furniture.

If you know exactly the secret places of parasites, then it is possible to begin an effective fight and choose the right remedies for household fleas. The chemical industry produces many products against such insects.

However, when selecting an insecticide for treating an apartment, it is important that it meets the following requirements:

it should have a detrimental effect on fleas, but should be safe for people and pets;
when using it, there is no need for special equipment, and the processing could be carried out by anyone without professional skills;
after disinfection, there should be no stains or drips on the furniture;
the effect of the product should be quick so that the owners do not have to leave their homes for a long time;
a complex composition that includes several active components that belong to different groups of insecticides.

The difficulty is that such insects often develop resistance to the most commonly used group of insecticides.

Therefore, to more reliably get rid of fleas in a residential area, it is advisable to use combined products.

Controlling fleas in pets

As a rule, it is pets that bring fleas into the apartment, and therefore it is important to ensure that the pet is protected. The main way to prevent fleas from appearing on an animal is with special collars. Of course, their effectiveness is far from ideal, but this is the best method of prevention at the moment.

Several ways of fighting can be identified:

Flea drops. The drops contain substances that have a toxic effect on fleas, but are relatively safe for animals.
Flea shampoos. Similar to drops, but with the difference that they are used, as the name implies, as shampoo.
Flea sprays. Easy to apply, convenient to use, can be easily used in nature.
Flea tablets. They are often subject to justified (and not so) criticism. And this is logical, since the owners are concerned about the potential load on the liver and excretory system. But here it is worth understanding that before going on sale, all products undergo lengthy testing.

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:

The first stage of the struggle involves thoroughly cleaning the room and throwing out garbage and unnecessary things.
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.
All furniture that is near the walls is moved away.
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.
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.
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:

Raptor. Contains 2 active components at once (cypermethrin, tetramethrin), providing instant action. The product has a pleasant peppermint scent.
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.
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.

The best tablets for fleas and ticks

Various aerosols, collars and shampoos can leave areas of the body that are not protected from ticks and fleas. In contrast, tablets distribute their effects through the bloodstream throughout the body. This ensures complete protection of the animal from parasites. However, their high results can be overshadowed by allergic reactions.

3 Comfortis

The American brand ELANCO specializes in the development and production of medicines for pets. The company's products are safe and effective. Among them are Comfortis tablets. The active ingredient is spinosad, which has a long period of activity. It is classified as an environmentally friendly substance. Once in the body, it is absorbed into the blood, which the parasites drink. Thus, the effect is achieved half an hour after taking the tablet.

Fleas and ticks die in cats after about 10 hours, in dogs - after 3 hours. The drug is quickly eliminated from the blood and is easy to use. Its gentle action does not harm the animal.

2 Frontline NexgarD

Chewable tablets have a pleasant taste and effectively destroy parasites that have infected the animal. Their complete death occurs in two days. After this, the pet is protected for a whole month. The main advantages of the drug include ease of use and quick effect. However, many buyers find the price a little high.

For each specific dog, it is necessary to select a Frontline package that matches its weight, be it a small breed or a massive cable. The tablets are approved for use by puppies from 8 weeks after birth. Long-term use of tablets causes loss of appetite, drowsiness and diarrhea.

1 Bravecto

Bravecto tablets begin to act within four hours after use. The death of parasites occurs after 10-12 hours. The effect of prevention lasts up to three months. Moreover, re-infection is excluded, because blood-sucking insects die before laying eggs. Do not break the shell of the tablets or use them on pets under two months of age. The pet must weigh more than two kilograms.

In very rare cases, dogs have experienced vomiting and bowel movements. Judging by the reviews of the owners, they choose Bravecto tablets for their high and prolonged effectiveness, even despite possible adverse reactions.

Solutions

Special solutions are also actively used to treat apartments in the presence of fleas. These must be non-toxic products so that even children's rooms can be treated with them. Popular liquid flea products include Get Total.

The bottle with the product contains a liquid concentrate that needs to be diluted with water.

After preparing a solution of the required concentration, it is sprayed on the contaminated surface. The product dries after 8 hours, and microcapsules with the active substance remain on the treated surfaces for up to six months.

When new insects enter a living space, running over the treated surface, they pick up poison on their paws. It gradually penetrates the chitinous cover and affects the function of the insect’s nervous system, causing its death.

Get's solution is good because it affects both adult fleas and nits of fleas. The main condition is the presence of contact with the treated surface. The effect of such a solution is not immediate. It may take up to 2 weeks to completely eliminate pests.

An interesting feature: 3-5 days after treatment, fleas may become more active, and it may also seem that their number has increased.

But this is a good indicator. This means that the insecticide has worked and in 2-3 days they will all die.

How to recognize a parasite?

Before you start exterminating fleas, you need to make sure that it is the fleas in your apartment and not other parasites, such as bedbugs. This must be done for a simple reason - different insects need to be fought with different methods.

Fleas are distinguished by:

Characteristic color (from brown-black to wheat-yellow);
Size (length – 1-5 millimeters);
Body structure.
In the flea it is flattened on the sides, there are numerous spines and bristles with which it can attach itself to various surfaces;
Jumping. Fleas have three pairs of legs, thanks to which they can jump distances many times greater than the length of their body.

Folk remedies

Home remedies for fleas include the following:

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Flea and Tick Collars

Special collars for pets are popular due to their effectiveness and ease of use. They are especially suitable for animals that are often walked outside the home.

3 Doctor Zoo

Antiparasitic remedy from the Doctor Zoo brand is made based on geranium oil. With its constant release, the animal is protected from ticks, fleas, lice and even mosquitoes. The product must be worn constantly. Its use does not in any way affect the activity and health of a cat or dog.

The collar is made in Russia and is quite affordable. Pet owners choose this product for its good effectiveness and safe use. However, in their reviews they note a short-term effect. After four months, the product must be replaced with a new one. The product is not suitable for cats under two months of age, and is also not recommended for use in weakened and sick animals.

2 Hartz

Among the best anti-parasite collars again. The brand is considered one of the leaders in the production of such products, which are the standard of quality. The collar helps eliminate ticks and fleas in a short time. Its effectiveness is not lost even after exposure to moisture. It is a thin device with an adjustable clasp. Made from polyvinyl chloride.

A wide range of products allows you to choose the best option for any cat or dog. However, the company does not produce collars for kittens and puppies under 6 weeks of age. The product is not suitable for lactating and pregnant animals. Buyers choose Heartz for its affordable price and high results, which last up to seven months.

1 Beaphar "Flea and tick"

The collar is produced by a Dutch company in two lines: for cats and dogs. They differ in length and are used for pets older than six months. They should not be used on puppies and kittens, lactating or pregnant animals. The effect lasts up to 5 months. Thanks to the versatility of the product, fleas, ticks, lice and other insects die.

Sensitive pets may experience side effects such as increased salivation, itching, and watery eyes. Judging by customer reviews, the product has a slight chemical smell, although the manufacturer assures that it is completely absent. The use of additional antiparasitic agents is not required.

Why are fleas dangerous?

Of course, fleas jumping all over the apartment are not a joyful sight, but there is not only an aesthetic side. There are many reasons why you need to get rid of fleas as soon as possible, including:

Flea bites are painful. The parasites feed on blood, and during the bite they do not inject any anesthetics, “thanks” to this bite they are so painful. As a rule, fleas bite a person's legs.
Fleas are carriers of many diseases. Of course, now they are no longer factors leading to epidemics of typhoid or plague as before, but even now, fleas can carry infections that lead to infection or suppuration of wounds.

It can be argued that today fleas do not pose a mortal threat as in the Middle Ages, but they can bring a lot of unpleasant moments into your life and the lives of people close to you.

Clean house

Manufactured in Russia.
The form of the product is a grayish dust powder with a faint insecticide odor.
Bag weight – 50 g.
The active composition is cypermethrin (0.3%), malathion (0.7%), synergist piperonyl butoxide (0.5%).
Application - sprinkle the powder over all places with a fleecy or loose surface, as well as where fleas can hide - cracks in door hatches, under wallpaper, in the seams of upholstery of upholstered furniture, in a cluster of soft toys, and so on. It is also important to treat places where fleas can climb over from neighbors - ventilation shafts, gaps between sewerage, water supply, heating pipes and the floor, ceiling, walls.
Rules for processing at home - the powder can easily be inhaled through negligence, so you need to work in a mask, and after processing you need to leave the room for a day
Toxicity – medium class (III).
Approximate price – 35-65 rubles.

Review of Clean House:

Natalya, Novorossiysk. My daughter brought home a kitten from the street, covered in fleas like I don’t know what! We decided to keep the kitten, otherwise our daughter would have a lot of tears! I ran to the veterinary pharmacy (it’s good that it’s close to the house), bought all sorts of anti-flea products for kittens, and on the way I also stopped at a department store and bought “Clean House” powder there, because I knew that fleas would start jumping all over us if you'll start poisoning them from the kitten. In general, I decided not to use the powder as a prophylactic right away, I thought I’d see how things went. After treating the kitten for fleas, we did not immediately discover that fleas had moved to live on the carpet and baseboards. This is where “Clean House” comes in handy. I scattered the powder over baseboards, rugs, carpets, upholstered furniture - in the lower part. And they went to visit their grandmother for two days, along with the kitten, who, by the way, no longer had fleas visible. When we arrived, I vacuumed everything and washed it with bleach. We never saw such bloodsucking “guests” in our apartment again.

Where do parasites live?

When planning the fight against fleas, you need to immediately determine which surfaces require particularly careful treatment (how to get rid of fleas on pets will be discussed separately).

Household fleas usually spread throughout the home, and at a level of up to one and a half meters from the floor level. Consequently, the fight is usually carried out at approximately this height. The most comfortable places for them are baseboards, cracks, soft toys, rugs, and beds.

Of course, they “love” pets, but they do not hesitate to live on furniture, especially soft ones, but you can also find them on kitchen sets. In addition, they can be found in natural carpets, items made of wool and other materials, between floorboards, in cracks, behind baseboards and in many other places. Consequently, you will have to carefully treat the entire apartment, because it is difficult to find a place where parasites cannot settle.