Download Article
Download Article
Got a case of the fleas? It happens to all pet owners from time to time. If the thought of using flea bombs and sprays to get rid of these pests gives you the jitters, you'll be happy to know that using natural flea control methods can also be effective. Your vacuum is the most powerful tool you can use against fleas, and safe, natural household supplies like baking soda are close runners up. Using these easy, chemical-free methods is the best way to get rid of fleas for good.
Steps
-
Give your pet a natural flea bath. The first step to treating your flea-infested pet is to give it a bath. You can take your pet to the vet to get a chemical bath, but if you'd prefer to address the problem with a natural approach, try the following flea bath solutions:- Make a rosemary dip. Cover 2 1/2 cups of fresh rosemary sprigs with water and boil for 1/2 hour. Add the rosemary water to a gallon of warm water. While the water is still warm, pour it over your pet.
- Use soapy water. It may also be effective to use a solution of water mixed with a gentle foaming soap. Bathe your cat or dog carefully using warm water. [1] X Research source
-
Use a flea comb after the bath. The dip solutions will have killed some of the fleas, but you still need to remove the eggs. Purchase a flea comb from your pet store and use it to carefully comb your pet's fur to remove all traces of fleas. [2] X Research sourceAdvertisement -
Treat your pet with a natural flea repellant. Fleas are repelled by a few natural scents and oils that you can apply directly to your dog. Cats, on the other hand, can be harmed by certain oils, so avoid treating your cat unless a certain substance has been recommended by the vet. [3] X Research source Here are a few options for treating your pet:- Lavender essential oil. Rub some on your dog's neck and back. This is said to both kill and repel fleas.
- Eucalyptus oil. Make a spray by mixing 1 cup of water and 5 drops of oil, then spray your dog thoroughly to repel fleas. Do not use this treatment on cats. [4] X Research source
-
Repeat until the fleas are gone. In all likelihood, you'll have to dip, comb, and treat your pet several times before the battle is over. Keep an eye on your pet for signs of more fleas, and plan to dip your dog or cat once every week or so to kill the fleas that hatch over time.
Advertisement
-
Wash your pet's bedding in hot water. As soon as you realize your house has fleas, immediately wash your pet's bedding in very hot water to kill all of the fleas and their eggs. Wash other items your pet has touched, such as cloth toys, pillows, and so on. [5] X Research source -
Wash your sheets and other linens. It's likely that the fleas have spread beyond your pet's domain, so go ahead and wash everything else, too. You may need to wash your clothes, your bedding (if your pet sleeps with you), your couch cushions, and anything else where fleas could live. [6] X Research source -
Vacuum the carpet and upholstered furniture. [7] X Expert Source Scott McCombe
Pest Control Specialist Expert Interview. 19 November 2019. Using a heavy-duty vacuum, vacuum your carpet thoroughly. Take your time, and go over the entire area more than once. You can also vacuum your sofa, upholstered chairs, and rugs. Use the hose attachment to vacuum the cracks in your baseboards, too. [8] X Research source- Vacuuming has been proven to kill fleas. It sucks up adult fleas as well as their eggs.
- After you vacuum, empty the vacuum bag. [9]
X
Expert Source
Scott McCombe
Pest Control Specialist Expert Interview. 19 November 2019. Otherwise, the fleas will hatch from their eggs and climb out of the vacuum to re-infest your home.
-
Treat your carpet with baking soda. Cover the entire carpet with a layer of baking soda. Go ahead and use up several boxes. Let the baking soda sit on the carpet for at least 4 hours or overnight, then vacuum it up. The baking soda dries out the eggs in the carpet, helping to kill the next round of fleas before they hatch.- You can use borax instead of baking soda to treat your carpets. Be sure to vacuum it thoroughly after the treatment.
- Salt is another cheap and effective flea killer. Use it the same way you'd use baking soda.
-
Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around your rooms. This completely natural powder kills adult fleas (and other insects) by piercing their exoskeletons when they walk over it. Wear a mask as you sprinkle it in areas where you have seen adult fleas. Leave it for 24 hours, then vacuum it up. [10] X Research source -
Use a dehumidifier. If your home is on the humid side, you're providing the perfect climate for fleas. You can make your house less hospitable by using a dehumidifier to make the air drier. You could also turn on the AC, your fans, or a heater, depending on the season. [11] X Research source -
Keep your lawn short. If you have fleas in your house, they're probably in your yard, too. They thrive in tall grass, which shades them from the hot sun and keeps their environment moist. Exposing them to the sun is the best way to kill them. Mow your lawn frequently so that the grass won't get tall enough to shelter the fleas. [12] X Research source -
Use borax. Sprinkle it in areas where you have seen adult fleas just as you would any carpet deodorizer. Leave it for 24 hours, then vacuum it up thoroughly. This method will kill a full blown infestation in just days.
Advertisement
-
Give your pets apple cider vinegar. Put a teaspoon of ACV in your pet's water dish. The vinegar is a natural flea repellant, and will help keep fleas at bay once the infestation is over. This is a safe treatment for both dogs and cats. [13] X Research source -
Place cedar chips around your house. The smell of cedar is another natural flea repellant. Placing some cedar chips near your pet's bedding, outside in your flower bed, or in other strategic areas can help keep fleas away. [14] X Research source -
Spray your house with eucalyptus oil. If you have a cat, don't use this trick, since cats are sensitive to eucalyptus. Otherwise, spray your home's nooks and crannies, the carpet, your drawers, and your dog's bedding with a mix of eucalyptus oil and water to keep fleas out. -
Vacuum often. Your pet will probably bring in a flea or two from time to time, but it doesn't have to become a full-blown infestation. Vacuuming regularly will kill fleas before they have the chance to reproduce.
Advertisement
How Do You Get Rid Of Fleas On Cats?
Join the Discussion...
I'm mortified to be here asking this but I'm desperate at this point: I have fleas in my house and I dont' know how to get rid of them. They seem... Read More
I assume you've done this already but if not, start with a DEEP clean, and of your entire house - not just the couch or anywhere the dog goes (bu... Read More
I highly recommend taking your pet to the vet if you suspect fleas in the home. That's always the first step. The next step is to wash all of the... Read More
Expert Q&A
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Tips
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Warnings
- Exercise caution when trying homemade flea remedies, especially when applying them directly to your pets. Many commonly suggested remedies often contain toxic ingredients, like lemon. [15] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Always verify that each ingredient in the remedy is pet-safe before use.Thanks
- Avoid placing flea collar in a vacuum cleaner, as commonly advised. The flea collar can create toxic fumes inside the vacuum bag. [16] X Research sourceThanks
Advertisement
References
- ↑ https://thefreerangelife.com/control-fleas-naturally/
- ↑ https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/how-to-get-rid-of-fleas-naturally/
- ↑ https://thefreerangelife.com/control-fleas-naturally/
- ↑ http://www.caninejournal.com/getting-rid-of-fleas#warm-light-and-soapy-water
- ↑ https://housewifehowtos.com/clean/how-to-get-rid-of-fleas/
- ↑ https://housewifehowtos.com/clean/how-to-get-rid-of-fleas/
- ↑ Scott McCombe. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview. 19 November 2019.
- ↑ https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/how-to-get-rid-of-fleas-naturally/
- ↑ Scott McCombe. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview. 19 November 2019.
- ↑ https://housewifehowtos.com/clean/how-to-get-rid-of-fleas/
- ↑ https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/how-to-get-rid-of-fleas-naturally/
- ↑ https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/how-to-get-rid-of-fleas-naturally/
- ↑ https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/how-to-get-rid-of-fleas-naturally/
- ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/natural-flea-control-with-ordi-62829
- ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/lemon
- ↑ https://www.chagrinfallspetclinic.com/2013/09/13/how-to-make-natural-dog-flea-home-remedies/
About This Article
Article Summary
X
To kill fleas naturally, start by giving your pet a natural flea bath using warm water mixed with essential oils or dish soap. Next, use a flea comb to thoroughly comb through your pet's fur and remove all traces of the fleas and their eggs. Then, wash your pet's bedding in hot water and vacuum all rugs, carpets, and upholstered furniture to get rid of any fleas nesting there. You can also use a dehumidifier in your home to deter fleas, since they prefer humid environments! For tips on treating the area around your house for fleas, read on!
Did this summary help you?
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 587,284 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "Haven't had fleas in the house for so many years that I was not certain what to do. Using your tips has helped much, primarily borax applied and vacuuming up. This has primarily stopped the flea issue. Also, thanks for the tip to place a flea collar inside the shopvac bag, to kill the fleas clinging to the inside fabric of the shopvac bag. Next, I will treat the lawn outside." ..." more
Advertisement
100%
of readers found this article helpful
.
Click a star to add your vote
% of people told us that this article helped them.
"Haven't had fleas in the house for so many years that I was not certain what to do. Using your tips has helped much, primarily borax applied and vacuuming up. This has primarily stopped the flea issue. Also, thanks for the tip to place a flea collar inside the shopvac bag, to kill the fleas clinging to the inside fabric of the shopvac bag. Next, I will treat the lawn outside."
..."
more
"It's very informative and thorough, and my favorite part is that it link words that take you deeper into the learning experience then most other articles that deal with information sharing and knowledge expanding sites. I'd recommend to anyone looking for knowledge expansion and information."
..."
more
"It's great to read that there are so many natural options that are also easy to find in most stores. This is great, as we have found fleas rescuing abandoned kittens and finding them a home. Now we have a three-month-old child and need to be flea-free!"
..."
more
"All the tips were very useful. My pets were my late partners and I don't know how to deal with these matters and don't like to use chemicals as they are very small toy breeds. Thanks for the useful info! "
..."
more
"I have several adopted cats, and two of them are extremely sensitive to flea meds. Baking soda on the furniture and the lemon spray has been a lifesaver. No more fleas, and especially no more seizures."
..."
more
