Q&A for How to Kill Fleas With Dawn Dishsoap

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Question

Can I use peppermint oil against fleas?

Chris Parker
Founder, Parker Eco Pest Control
Chris Parker is the Founder of Parker Eco Pest Control, a sustainable pest control service in Seattle, Washington. Since 2016, Chris has been specializing in Integrated Pest Management and doesn’t use any chemicals for pest removal. He offers removal services for ants, rodents, fleas, spiders, wasps, and more. Chris is a certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator in Washington State and received his bachelor’s from the University of Washington.

Chris Parker

Founder, Parker Eco Pest Control

Expert Answer

Yes, but rather than buying a bottle of any peppermint oil, it is better to find a blend of essential oils that is specifically formulated as an insecticide. Make sure to only use it on your carpet or baseboards, not on your pet! Essential oils can be toxic to animals.

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Question

Does Dawn dish soap dry out the dog's skin?

Community Answer

Yes, but only if you wash them every day. It's best to alternate days and use a regular dog shampoo.

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Question

What is the Dawn-to-vinegar ratio for household applications?

Community Answer

Fill a squirt bottle with half water and half vinegar and add 2 table spoons of Dawn dish soap.

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Question

Does the color of the dishsoap matter?

Community Answer

Yes, use the blue Dawn dish soap. It is the most effective and gentle on your pets.

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Question

What color or kind of Dawn detergent should I use for a dog bath?

Community Answer

Use blue; this is the original formula and is the most gentle and effective. It is the same soap used on wildlife after oil spills.

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Question

Is it true that putting some lavender on the inside of my dog's collar will help to keep fleas away?

Community Answer

No. Permethrin works best in deterring fleas away from your dog.

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Question

Can I use the Dawn dish soap on my dog daily for his fleas?

Community Answer

Using soap on a dog every day could potentially dry out the dog's skin and hair. It would be best to make space between days to clean your dog for fleas.

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Question

How do I prevent my dogs from getting fleas?

Community Answer

Keep them on a monthly preventative. If you can afford vet visits they can prescribe one of the many new pills. If your funds are limited I strongly suggest ADVECTA3. It runs about $33 for 4 monthly doses at Walmart. I use the Advecta on my dog in south GA and have had excellent results. It also repels biting flies and mosquitoes extremely well. So for $8 a month you get all that and no vet exam bills.

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Question

What color of Dawn should I use?

Community Answer

Use the blue Dawn. The other colors are too harsh, and not quite as effective.

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Question

Can I use Dawn to get rid of fleas on young puppies?

Community Answer

Yes, our vet advised us to give repeated Dawn baths when our 4-week-old puppy was infested.

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Question

Should the trap be placed near a light or dark spot?

Community Answer

Fleas can sometimes be drawn to the light, so a light spot would be best.

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Question

Will Dawn hurt my cat if she is bathed with it?

Community Answer

No, it won't hurt your cat. Some vets actually recommend bathing cats with Dawn dish soap.

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Question

How do I get them out of my bed if my pillows don't allow washing?

Community Answer

I lightly mist the bedding with blue Dawn dishsoap and vinegar. If you can't get the pillows wet at all, sprinkle with baking soda. That will smother the fleas.

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Question

How do I get rid of fleas in my house?

Community Answer

Use a vinegar and Dawn dish soap mix in a spray bottle and spray furniture, beds, rugs, curtains, etc -- anything with fabric or where fleas can breed.

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Question

Will washing my dog with Dawn kill flea eggs too?

Community Answer

No. You can dip your flea comb in rubbing alcohol and comb the dog to kill the eggs.

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Question

Can I use Sniper roach control to kill fleas on my dogs?

Jeri Lynn Fortune Horn

Community Answer

No, as that will harm your pet. Use blue Dawn dish detergent and apple cider vinegar. Bathe the dog in it, and also mix a 50/50 solution to spray on your dog and in your home. The dawn kills the fleas and the vinegar repels them.

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Question

Is this a good yard spray? What proportions do I use?

Community Answer

Yes, it is. Use the vinegar and Dawn solution. Put it in one of those weed killer spraying thing and spray your yard. It's safe for grass and plants.

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Question

How do I get rid of fleas in my home when I have no pet?

Community Answer

Sprinkle flea powder like you would carpet deodorizer and vacuum it up. Any fleas picked up will be killed. Simply wash anything that's washable. You should have a flea free home!

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Question

If I use a flea comb, how will I know if the fleas are eliminated?

Community Answer

Use Dawn dish soap until all the ones you can see are dead. Then comb your pet (they should fall out). Repeat until you are no longer seeing any fleas when you comb.

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Question

Will fleas die if left untreated?

Community Answer

Yes, but fleas lay eggs, and new fleas will hatch and lay more eggs, etc.

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Question

Where does my pet get fleas? She is an inside/outside dog and there are no other animals close by. Is it true that fleas will not cross species?

Community Answer

Your pets can get them from wild animals such as squirrels or wild mice. They do cross species. Planting rosemary helps prevent them.

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Question

Will bowls full of water and Dawn placed around the house, attract and kill fleas?

Community Answer

Yes. Put a little bowl of water and Dawn under a nightlight in a wall socket. Fleas jump at the bulb, land in the water and die. Keep it there all the time, it works well.

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Question

Are fleas black and tinier than the head of a pin?

Community Answer

No, they are brown, and you will be able to see them. You may, however, be seeing what is called flea dirt (flea feces). Actual fleas are about the size of a very small ant, and they jump very well. Get a flea comb if you suspect your pet may have fleas. The moving stuff you brush out are fleas.

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Question

What can I do if my dog is still scratching after a Dawn bath and Frontline? He is a Bichon and has hot spots.

Community Answer

You may have a different problem, entirely, like a food allergy. Wheat and corn are common allergens. Switch your pet's food, and give it a good couple of weeks to see if there is an improvement.

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Question

How do I get rid of fleas in the yard and under the house?

Community Answer

You can spray the yard with Talstar. It's an insecticide that you dilute with water.

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Question

Can I put dish liquid directly on the back of my cat's neck to kill fleas?

Community Answer

You can, but after you do, it is best to rub it in to produce a lather. Then be sure to rinse all of the soap off without getting any in your pet's eyes.

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Question

Does flea larva look like big piece of rice? Can I wash what they are on?

Community Answer

No, the eggs are really, really small -- about the size of the head of a pin -- and white. If you are seeing something that looks like a grain of rice, you are most likely seeing tapeworm segments. Lift your pet's tail; usually you can find more in and around the anus. These can be easily treated with medication from the vet. They come from tapeworm eggs, which fleas carry.

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Question

Can I use a different kind of dish soap?

Community Answer

No. Even other colors of Dawn are either not gentle enough or less effective in killing the fleas. This specific brand and color is the only one you should use.

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Question

Can you put the cedar chips in the house?

Community Answer

Yes. Put some chips wrapped in cotton under your pillow, inside your bed sheets or anywhere in the home.

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Question

Where can I buy Dawn soap?

Community Answer

You should be able to find Dawn dish soap in any grocery store. It's usually found on the same aisle as the laundry and cleaning products.

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