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

Almost every person wants that, upon returning home from work, their vacation will proceed in comfortable conditions, and there will be no irritating factors. But parasitic insects that suddenly invade the apartment can interfere with proper rest.

In the Middle Ages, they tried to fight annoying jumping insects with the help of hare skins laid out on the floor, which collected fleas and were subsequently destroyed.

Now the fight against fleas is carried out using strong insecticides that can rid the room of bloodsuckers for a long time.

How to determine whether there are really fleas in an apartment?

Before purchasing targeted insecticidal preparations, you should determine whether fleas have actually occupied the premises. The thing is that different insecticides are created for different parasitic insects, and if you use a product not intended for fleas, it is unlikely that you will be able to achieve the desired result.

In general, about thirty species of bloodsuckers can parasitize a human home, and an unprepared person is unlikely to be able to immediately determine their name. Fleas can be recognized by the following signs:

The color of insects is yellow or brown.
The length of an adult can vary from 1 to 5 millimeters.
Due to its anatomical features, the insect can jump long distances.

Fleas in living quarters

The insect can live for about two years, laying about 2 thousand eggs. The incubation period lasts on average no more than a few weeks, after which mobile larvae hatch from the eggs and after fourteen days they enter the stage of adult insects.

Bloodsuckers mainly live in carpets and other fleecy products, in the kitchen under the sink and baseboards, in upholstered furniture, in linen closets, etc. There is one interesting way in which you can notice the presence of unwanted “guests” in the house. Place a sheet of white paper on the floor and wait a little. Black moving dots will begin to appear on it, then it is urgent to begin exterminating the blood-sucking parasites.

Video

Preparatory work for the processing procedure

These measures make it possible to disinfect any living space without difficulties or any complications. To achieve maximum results, you need to do the following:

process all items made of fabric or with pile;
dry the bedding under the sun's rays;
thoroughly clean all surfaces using disinfectants;
clean the apartment with a vacuum cleaner to collect fleas and eggs;
treat the entire area wearing special protection;
disinfect the area, then close the room for a couple of hours, after which it is necessary to ventilate;
clean those surfaces that are close to the drug.

A well-chosen flea treatment in your home and high quality treatment will allow you to get rid of parasites. It is also important to remember that you should not forget about preventive measures. It is always easier to prevent a problem than to correct its consequences later.

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.

How to choose a flea remedy?

It is worth knowing in advance that there are fewer special means that are used to destroy these parasites than from any other insects. The parasite cannot be eaten with poison; for this reason, you can get rid of it using the following means:

sprays, as well as aerosols containing elements that penetrate the parasite along with air;
anti-parasite products, which are available in powder form;
crayons.

Almost all drugs against these parasites block the receipt of impulses, due to this paralysis occurs.

Classification by type of active components

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

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.
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.
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.
Selamectin is a broad-spectrum agent that has an effect on various types of parasites, including fleas. Refers to semi-synthetic insecticides.
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.
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.

Pay attention!

All insecticidal preparations for bed bugs can also be used in the fight against other parasites. These insect repellents are, above all, easy to use. Pay attention at this point when purchasing flea products, especially if you have small children at home. Consider this moment.

Pyrethroids are special substances that are the active component in various remedies for a wide variety of parasites. These anti-parasite remedies actually have a slightly slow type of action, which guarantees long-lasting results from their use.

Flea remedies:

Insecticides have a special type of effect, which is necessary precisely if these parasites have been present for a long time and are already multiplying. Based on these components, products such as, for example, Dichlorvos are produced. Despite the fact that there are a large number of negative aspects, there are still situations when they are simply irreplaceable. One of the drugs that is used is flea poison in the form of a special chalk.

As a rule, it is used to carry out processing procedures for various surfaces. These drugs are almost safe, but nevertheless have a low degree of toxicity. They are recommended to be used for preventive purposes, thus preventing entry into the living space.

Flea powder is an effective drug that has a very long-lasting effect. This remedy for parasites actually has a slightly slow type of action, which guarantees long-lasting results from their use. In this form it is quite easy to scatter it under the carpet, including in cracks. The drugs have a contact action, so the parasite will be poisoned as soon as it comes into contact with the poison. Various dusts are in greatest demand, such as, for example, Clean House.

The most popular among consumers, according to a large number of reviews, are stronger drugs, which include:

Raptor, available in spray form. This drug is actually very widely used against household fleas. It is considered safe and also has a rather pleasant minty smell. A special type of influence makes it possible to get rid of reappearing larvae, because the result of use lasts about three weeks.

Sinuzan. This drug can be classified as professional, because it is used only by pest control services. This remedy is currently one of the most effective against parasites, because it reliably protects the living space from various uninvited guests. The only downside is that it has a strong and at the same time rather unpleasant odor; there are difficulties with this problem when using it at home.

The flea drug Chlorpyrimark is also considered professional. Its production is located in the Netherlands. The active ingredient is chlorpyrifos.

Biorin. This drug can be classified as a special agent that is very toxic and for this reason is used by special services. The effect of use lasts about two months, but the parasites actually sag almost immediately after use. The active ingredient is deltamethrin. This product has an unpleasant odor for humans, and it is also dangerous for both children and pets. You can purchase it in the form of a special concentrate. In order to use the product, it must first be prepared according to what is written on the package.

The modern chemical industry produces a fairly large number of effective flea preparations, each of which fights blood-sucking insects in a certain way:

"Raid". It is an aerosol that is sprayed in places where insects accumulate. It should be noted that the product is quite popular and effectively copes with the task. To increase the effectiveness of the product, it is advisable to leave the house or apartment closed for some time.

"Get" It is considered the most effective drug for controlling fleas. The manufacturer produces the product in the form of a spray or emulsion, which must be diluted with water to the desired ratio.

There are many more different insecticides, and among them, a special place is occupied by preparations that do not have a strong odor. These products are most suitable for people with a heightened sense of smell:

"Pyrethrum". A completely natural product made from chamomile. Its main feature is that it is completely harmless to children and four-legged pets, and can be used as a prophylactic agent. The drug is placed in all places where parasitic insects are expected to live.

“Varan” drug is odorless and effectively fights pests, which after treatment do not appear in the apartment for quite a long time.

"Butox." An absolutely harmless product, sold in a veterinary pharmacy. Available in glass ampoules. Before use, it must be diluted with water to the recommended proportions. In most cases, one treatment of the room is enough to get rid of fleas for a long time.

If the drug is chosen correctly and all recommended measures are taken, then you will certainly get rid of annoying parasites for a long time.

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.

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.

If the drug is chosen correctly and all recommended measures are taken, then you will certainly get rid of annoying parasites for a long time.

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:

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.
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.
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.
The duration of preservation of the premises is indicated by the manufacturer of the drug. Some remedies last for several days.
After finishing the treatment, you need to ventilate the room for a long time.
Fine suspension settles on surfaces, so it is necessary to clean objects that are often used: door fittings, cabinet shelves, sofa sides, etc.
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.