Fleas are wingless, blood-sucking insects that appear in the house for various reasons. They are often brought in by pets. Parasites can appear in a home if sanitary treatment has not been carried out in the attic or basement, and in these places there could be street animals and birds that are carriers of pests.
There are chemical and folk remedies for getting rid of fleas in an apartment. The first gained popularity due to their high efficiency and quick impact. Traditional methods are in demand because they are considered safer, can be used as a means of preventing insects, are affordable, and do not require large expenses.
- Folk remedies
- Wormwood for fleas in the house
- Boric acid
- Ammonia
- Tar soap
- Salt
- Soda
- Essential oils for fleas in the apartment
- Vinegar
- Pyrethrum
- Bleaching
- Chamomile
- Hellebore water
- Tansy for fleas
- 5 flea remedies that are not recommended for use Creolin for fleas
- Kerosene
- Garlic
- Laundry soap
- Alcohol
Folk remedies
Fleas in the house cause discomfort to people living in the room, as well as to pets. They are carriers of serious diseases and contribute to the development of allergic reactions. You can get rid of parasites using folk remedies, which are sold everywhere at a low cost. When used correctly, folk remedies help eliminate parasites and also prevent their appearance in the future.
Most folk remedies for fleas in the apartment do not pose a danger to people and are not toxic. Now there are many proven ways to remove parasites without chemicals, which allow you to remove bloodsuckers from your apartment on your own.
Why are flea bites dangerous?
The flea's body is flattened laterally and consists of an abdomen and a small head. The color of the insect can be light brown, dark brown or almost black. Thanks to three pairs of strong limbs, fleas move by jumping.
The flea's type of mouthparts is piercing-sucking, which allows the insect to bite through the host's skin, expanding the wound and releasing saliva, which prevents blood clotting. The flea's stomach can swell greatly when it fills with blood.
The lifespan of fleas depends on the type of insect and the ambient temperature. If conditions are favorable, fleas can live in an apartment for up to 2 years. They are able to go without food for a long time, while reducing physical activity and losing the ability to reproduce.
Fleas are carriers of dangerous diseases such as:
- plague (including bubonic);
- anthrax;
- tularemia;
- encephalitis;
- relapsing and typhus.
These insects are also dangerous because their bites cause a sharp response from the body, which manifests itself as:
- allergies, swelling or fever;
- inflammatory processes in the bite area;
- enlargement of regional lymph nodes.
Rat fleas are considered the most dangerous to humans. They were the cause of the most terrible pandemic of the Middle Ages, which claimed the lives of more than 15 million inhabitants - the bubonic plague. The spread of the disease was the southern rat flea, which parasitizes the fur of gray rats.
Wormwood for fleas in the house
This plant is used to exterminate parasites. You can hang this grass in a private house or apartment; its smell repels adults. Wormwood essential oil or tincture, which has a more pungent odor, is also effective.
The folk remedy does not kill black fleas, it only repels parasites. It can be used to prevent the appearance of parasites, for example, on the first floor, if wingless carriers may live in the basement. Used to prevent the appearance of insects in the house after initial treatment.
A decoction of wormwood is used to treat areas where insects accumulate in the greatest numbers. The plant should be used with caution, as it can cause allergies.
Preparing the room for processing
Before you start treating a room for fleas, you need to prepare it. If an animal lives in the house, its bedding is washed in hot water or thrown away. Do the same with the blanket on chairs and sofas if your pet likes to lie on it. All tile and wood floors, linoleum and carpeting are thoroughly vacuumed and wet cleaned.
Upholstered furniture is vacuumed or cleaned with detergent, carefully treating the locations of the sofa cushions. After cleaning is completed, the replacement bag is removed from the vacuum cleaner, placed in a plastic bag and thrown outside into a container. It is also recommended to treat the animal for fleas.
If there is an aquarium in the apartment, it is necessary to cover it tightly with a lid and turn off the artificial air aeration compressor. If even one drop of insecticide gets into the water, all the fish will die. When preparing the room, toys and other things are removed from the floor. Animals that are kept in a cage (hamsters, reptiles, birds) are taken out of the apartment. Dishes and food are carefully packed in film or hidden in a closet.
If it is necessary to treat the courtyard area of a private house, it is necessary to remove all objects located there. The bedding in the dog house is thrown away or washed in hot water. It is recommended to mow the tall grass and clear the yard of various rubbish.
Boric acid
The folk remedy has low toxicity, however, it is part of many insecticides. Boric acid from fleas causes dehydration in parasites, which leads to the destruction of blood-sucking ones.
How to use the product:
- Remove all foreign objects from the floor and carpets; children and animals should not be present during processing.
- Vacuum carpets to remove dust.
- Sprinkle the powder on carpets and around baseboards.
- Using a brush, distribute the powder over the carpet pile.
The folk method is effective in the fight against larvae; it does not have such a strong effect on adults. After treatment, 1-2 days later, clean the treated areas with a vacuum cleaner. It is necessary to carry out the processing procedure several times.
How to remove age spots on the face
Seborrheic keratosis
Due to the existing likelihood of malignancy, consultation with an oncologist or dermatologist-oncologist is necessary about the possibility of removing the formations.
The method of correction is surgical removal.
Senile lentigo
Correction is possible by prescribing cosmetics - the treatment regimen corresponds to the classic treatment of pigmentation and includes 3 points:
- Exfoliants
- Lightening agents
- Antioxidants
Prevention of the recurrence of lentigo is the regular application of sunscreen with SPF and preparations with antioxidants to the skin, because there is a failure of the skin's own antioxidant defense system.
IMPORTANT! If, over the age of 55 years, there are pigment spots and formations on the skin, the clinical picture of which does not correspond to that described above, a face-to-face consultation with an oncologist is necessary. Prescribing lightening procedures and medications without consulting this specialist is undesirable!
After consulting a dermatologist, lightening drugs are prescribed and retinoids are preferred.
Ammonia
One of the frequently used remedies is ammonia for fleas in the house. This substance has a pungent odor. Before treating the premises, children and animals should be removed for the duration of the procedure.
How to perform disinfestation:
- Pure alcohol can be poured into cracks and baseboards. The manipulation is carried out using a respirator.
- To obtain a solution, dilute 10-30 milliliters of ammonia in 3-4 liters of water. The resulting solution should be used to treat furniture, walls, and wash floors.
- Cabinets and other furniture should be wiped with the solution inside and out.
Along with ammonia, ammonia is used for fleas. The folk remedy repels individuals with its smell and is used to prepare a solution for washing floors and walls.
FAQ
During the processing process, questions arise that require an immediate response. To avoid them taking you by surprise, familiarize yourself with the most frequently asked questions in advance.
How long after treatment will vinegar kill fleas?
The vinegar will begin to act immediately after application. The remaining representatives and larvae disappear completely for 3-4 days. It is then that re-processing needs to be done.
Is it dangerous for humans to treat a house with vinegar?
No, it is not dangerous if you follow precautions, including the following:
- Wear gloves, goggles, and a protective mask during processing.
- Remove food and utensils from the premises.
- Ventilate after the procedure.
- Remove any remaining acetic acid with a damp cloth.
Salt
To kill fleas that live in carpets, this affordable and safe folk remedy is used.
How to treat the room:
- Sprinkle carpets in every room.
- Rub salt into the pile with a brush.
- Leave the surfaces for a couple of days.
- Vacuum the carpets.
It is advisable to carry out the treatment several times to avoid the appearance of new individuals from previously laid eggs.
Essential oils for fleas in the apartment
Insects cannot tolerate strong odors; the aromas of essential oils repel them. Aromatic oils are often used to prevent insects from returning after pest control.
What oils help in the fight against fleas in the house:
- Eucalyptus.
- Peppermint.
- Sosnovoe.
- Lavender.
- Flea streaks.
- Cedar.
- Tea tree.
First you need to clean it, dilute 10-20 ml of oil with several liters of water. Use the resulting solution to wipe the surfaces. Oils are effective as long as they smell. This method is not recommended for allergy sufferers.
Vinegar in the fight against fleas in animals at home
Since animals are the source of fleas in the house, you need to pay attention to them when treating. Vinegar will also help rid your pets of pests.
How to determine if an animal has fleas
First of all, it is important to determine that the animal has fleas and not other parasites. The following are considered alarming signals:
- The pet begins to itch sharply and frequently. He bites his teeth into the skin.
- Scratch wounds appear.
- The animal behaves restlessly. Over time, the condition only gets worse.
In order to accurately verify the presence of fleas, carry out the following procedures:
- Place one or more sheets of paper near your pet. Comb it. On a white background, you will immediately notice small black or brown dots moving quickly. These are fleas.
- Review the animal's fur by hand. To do this, spread the undercoat in several places. If you can't see the insects themselves, you will definitely notice their presence - excrement. They will look like black dust.
At the first symptoms, it is better to consult a specialist for diagnosis.
In cats
Apple cider vinegar for fleas on cats is an effective remedy. However, the pungent smell will repel not only pests, but also the pet itself. Therefore, you will have to be patient and persistent.
To process, dilute vinegar and water in equal proportions. Add a few drops of ammonia and regular cologne. Coat the cat with the resulting solution and wrap it up so that only its head remains. Keep in this state for 5-10 minutes. Afterwards, rinse with regular warm water and comb. Repeat the procedure after 5-6 days.
In kittens
Kittens can be treated in this way after 3 months. Apply in the same manner as for adult cats. Until this time, it is recommended to use other methods without acetic acid.
To learn how to get rid of fleas in small kittens, watch the following video below:
Acid allows you to fight various pests without harm and is often used in everyday life. Find out in what cases its use is especially relevant. We present a recipe for how to quickly clean a microwave using vinegar. This is a very simple method that does not require any money. Take note.
Vinegar
Vinegar essence is one of the most accessible remedies. To use flea vinegar, you need to make a solution to treat your home. Water and apple cider vinegar are poured into the container in a 1:1 ratio. The resulting solution can be sprayed onto furniture, walls, and floors.
Then you need to clean the surfaces with a vacuum cleaner and carry out wet cleaning. When working with the substance, it is important to take precautions to avoid damage to the skin, respiratory system, and eyes.
Bleaching
The main advantage of the substance is its strong disinfectant and antiseptic effect. The folk remedy has a smell that repels insects; chlorine fumes have a negative effect on insects, which leads to their death.
The disadvantage of using bleach is that the substance has a negative effect on humans and domestic animals; its high concentration leads to poisoning. The substance is a bleach - as a result of use, there is a risk of damaging furniture upholstery, carpets, and finishing surfaces in the apartment.
How do retinoids work?
Retinoids are a group of vitamin A derivative substances used by dermatologists and cosmetologists for a number of indications. Due to its physiological effect on the skin, it effectively rejuvenates, eliminates acne and brightens the skin.
- Inhibit tyrosinase
- They inhibit the transport of pigment in the skin - the process of transferring melanin into the pigment cells of melanocytes
- Normalize cellular renewal and stimulate timely exfoliation of pigmented horny scales from the surface of the skin.
- Activate keratogenesis - the appearance on the surface of the skin of cells with a normal, genetically programmed amount of pigment, i.e. normally colored.
- They work as conductors for other active ingredients, ensuring their deep penetration.
Knowing the principles of operation and rules of application, you can achieve a true correction of existing skin problems.
Tansy for fleas
The plant is used to prevent the appearance of insects. It is a repellent and repels bloodsuckers, but does not kill them. Fresh plants, oils or decoctions of tansy have virtually no effect on the larvae of individuals.
The oil of this plant can cause paralysis in fleas; in addition, tansy is relatively safe for people, but can cause allergies. Used if single individuals or localization points of parasites have been detected.
5 flea products that are not recommended for use
Not all traditional methods are effective in controlling insects or preventing their appearance in the apartment. For example, kerosene, creolin, turpentine against fleas are not only ineffective, but also dangerous folk methods that are not recommended for use in the home.
Creolin for fleas
The substance has an oily consistency and brown color. It smells strong. Helps fight microbes, is a disinfectant, and an insecticide, but it is not recommended to use it indoors. The drug is toxic and causes adverse reactions.
Kerosene
In the last century, kerosene for fleas was a popular option for getting rid of insects. However, this method is dangerous for pets, since the toxic substance causes vomiting, damage to mucous membranes, and breathing problems. In high concentrations it leads to severe poisoning and death.
In addition, kerosene is a fire hazard and has a persistent odor. Upholstered furniture and carpets absorb the smell of kerosene, which is then difficult to remove, so it can only be used on hard surfaces.
Garlic
Garlic has a strong odor that repels insects. However, the product is not the most effective compared to some herbs and essential oils. In addition, it is not recommended to treat soft surfaces and fabrics with garlic, as the aroma of garlic is difficult to remove.
Laundry soap
Using laundry soap, surfaces are cleaned of dirt. It has an antimicrobial effect. The advantages of the product are that the soap does not cause allergies and is low cost.
However, the product has a strong smell, which is unpleasant not only for insects, but also for people. Soap does not kill insects; it repels them with a strong odor, so it is not popular for fighting parasites.
Alcohol
Alcohol is used in combination with other folk remedies. It has a pungent odor and has a disinfecting effect, but evaporates quickly, which reduces its effectiveness. It should be used with caution, as the substance is toxic to animals.
Some folk remedies for fleas in the apartment are effective when used correctly and repeatedly. However, most of them are used as a preventive measure against insect damage to the home, but not as an option to combat existing parasites.
Causes of parasites
The first reason that comes to mind for insects is dogs and cats. Indeed, most often it is pets who become the source of infection. But there are many other ways to bring bloodsuckers into your home.
- Basement of the house. Fleas in the basement of an apartment building both quickly appear and quickly begin to multiply. Residents of the first floors suffer from them especially.
- Shoe sole. Sometimes people themselves bring eggs of earthen species to their homes on the soles of their shoes. And they cannot always be detected immediately. Parasites are usually noticed when they have already actively begun to reproduce.
- Rent or sale of an infected apartment. Apartment owners may not completely get rid of pests before selling or renting. If you are unlucky enough to encounter such hosts, prepare for a long and persistent struggle with insects.
- Neighbours. It happens that not the most clean neighbors contribute to the spread of parasites not only in their apartment, but throughout the house.
Having discovered an infestation of blood-sucking insects, it is advisable to find out where they came from, otherwise all efforts to destroy them will be in vain.
Of course, the main reason why parasites linger in your home is the presence of favorable conditions. Lack of fresh air, uncleanliness, dirt in the house, dampness, clutter - all this contributes to their active reproduction.
Flea
Indoor fleas feed on blood, so the inhabitants of the house become an excellent source of food for them. This is the main danger, because they can carry various dangerous, sometimes even fatal diseases, as well as helminth eggs.
Pests leave painful bites. The skin at the bite sites is irritated and itchy, and the points themselves are located on the same line. Sometimes bites can cause severe allergies, especially in children.
