15 Home Remedies for Fleas (Natural & Effective)
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Fleas are a common problem for pet owners, and while there are many commercial products available to get rid of them, they can be expensive and may contain harsh chemicals.
If you’re looking for a more natural way to get rid of fleas, here are 15 home remedies that may help. Some of these remedies are simple and inexpensive, while others require a bit more effort, but all of them should help keep your furry friend flea-free.
So if you’re tired of trying to fight off those pesky critters, give one of these home remedies for fleas a try!
Natural Home Remedies for Fleas
1. Natural Dish Soap and Water Flea Trap
This flea trap is one of the simplest and most effective ways to get rid of fleas in your home. All you need is a bowl of warm water and some dish soap.
To make this flea trap, simply add a few drops of natural dish soap to a bowl of water and place it near where you’ve seen fleas. You can also put it near where your pet sleeps or spends time. Check the trap regularly and empty it as needed.
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This approach is most effective at night when fleas are most active. You may need to do it regularly to get rid of the fleas, but you should cut down on the population each time you try it.
To make the trap more effective, place a desk lamp above the bowl shining down on the bowl. Fleas are attracted to the light, so they will jump into the water, where they will eventually drown.
Your dish soap and water flea trap is an easy option on our natural home remedies for fleas list and will help to get rid of the fleas, but it won’t prevent them. So, you’ll need to combine this with some of the preventative measures that are covered in this article.
2. Lemon
Lemon spray is a natural flea repellent that you can use on your pet and around your home. To make the lemon spray, mix equal parts water and lemon juice and spray it on your pet. You can also use it to spray areas in your home where fleas are present.
This spray will not kill fleas, but it will help to repel them and keep them away from your pet.
You can also use lemon to create a natural flea dip for your dog. Simply add a few tablespoons of lemon juice to a cup of water and use a comb, brush, or sponge to put it on your pet’s fur.
3. Baking Soda
Arm & Hammer Baking Soda
Vacuuming is one of the most effective ways to get rid of fleas, and you can use baking soda to make your vacuuming even more effective. To do this, simply sprinkle baking soda on the carpet where you’ve seen fleas.
Let the powder sit for at least 30 minutes, then vacuum it up. This will help to get rid of the fleas and their eggs. Be sure that you empty the vacuum or bag outside to prevent the fleas from coming back into your home.
You may need to do this a few times to completely get rid of the problem.
Just like the dish soap and water flea trap, this will get rid of existing fleas, but it won’t prevent them. You’ll need to take other steps to keep the fleas from coming back.
4. Salt
Morton Iodized Table Salt
Salt can also be used to get rid of fleas in a similar way as baking soda. To use salt, sprinkle it on the carpet where you’ve seen fleas and let it sit for a few hours. Then vacuum it up. Then empty the vacuum or bag into the trash outside your house.
Again, this method will help to get rid of fleas, but won’t prevent them from coming back.
Related: The Best Vacuum for Fleas
5. DIY Flea Spray
You can make a natural flea spray with water, vinegar, lemon juice, and witch hazel. This flea spray can be used on your pet and around the house.
To make the spray, mix 1 part water with 2 parts vinegar, then add a few drops of lemon juice and witch hazel. Put this mixture in a spray bottle and spray it on your pet, pet bedding, furniture, and carpet where you’re having issues with fleas.
You can repeat the process with this DIY flea spray as needed.
6. Essential Oil Mix
There are many essential oils that can be used to repel fleas. Some of the most effective include lavender oil, eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil, lemongrass oil, and citronella oil. Be sure to avoid essential oils that can be harmful to pets, like pennyroyal and clove.
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Citronella oil is a natural flea repellent that can be used on your pet or around the house, and it works well as the primary ingredient for a blend of oils that works well as a home remedy for fleas. Mix some of the other essential oils listed above with citronella oil, then add them to a carrier oil like jojoba or almond oil and make a spray with it.
Alternatively, you can add the oil blend to a diffuser and put it in the room where your pet spends most of its time. This is another great option on our natural home remedies for fleas list.
7. Cedar Oil
Cedar oil is another essential oil that can be used to repel fleas. It’s also effective against many other pests, like mosquitoes, moths, and ticks.
To use cedar oil as a flea repellent, add a few drops of the oil to your pet’s collar or add it to a diffuser and put it in the room where your pet spends most of its time. You can also make a spray with cedar oil and spray it on areas where you’re having problems with fleas.
8. Lavender and Chamomile
Lavender oil is another natural flea repellent that you can use on your pet or around your home. It’s also effective at repelling fleas, so it can help to get rid of the problem quickly.
To use lavender oil, add a few drops to your pet’s collar or rub it into their fur. You can also put a drop or two on a bandana and tie it around their neck.
You can also use lavender oil to make a flea spray by mixing a few drops with vinegar. Use a spray bottle and spray it on your pet’s bedding, furniture, and carpet.
9. Lemongrass and Rosemary Spray
Lemongrass oil and rosemary oil are other essential oils that can be used to repel fleas. They have a strong citrus (lemongrass) and herbal (rosemary) smell that fleas don’t like, so it’s an effective way to get rid of them.
To make a lemongrass and rosemary spray, mix a few drops of each oil with vinegar. Use a spray bottle to apply it to your pet’s bedding, furniture, and carpet. You can also put a small amount on your pet’s collar.
10. Neem Oil
Neem oil is a non-toxic oil that’s safe for pets and humans, but it has a strong smell that fleas don’t like. It can be used in a few different ways. You can apply a small amount directly to your pet’s coat or fur, use it in shampoo for a bath, or make a spray out of it.
11. Horse Apples
Horse apples, also known as osage oranges, are a natural flea repellent. They contain a chemical called limonene that’s effective at repelling fleas, so they can help to get rid of the problem quickly.
Cut a horse apple in half and put it in the room where your pet spends most of its time. You can also put a few slices in your pet’s bedding or anywhere else you’re having problems with fleas. Spread them around your house and leave them for a while to repel the fleas.
12. Apple Cider Vinegar
Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is effective in a few different ways. You can make a spray with it, or add it to your dog’s drinking water.
To make a spray, mix equal parts of water and apple cider vinegar. Use a spray bottle to apply it to your pet’s fur, bedding, furniture, and carpet.
Adding a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to a bowl of drinking water can also help to get rid of fleas in and around the bowl, where they tend to congregate. The apple cider vinegar also helps to improve the dog’s health, which will help to balance out the dog’s pH. (It’s recommended that you always talk to your vet before adding anything to your pet’s food or water.)
13. Brewer’s Yeast
Brewers Yeast Powder
Brewer’s yeast can help by improving your pet’s immune system and making them less attractive to fleas. It can also help to get rid of the fleas that are already on your pet.
Sprinkle a small amount of brewer’s yeast on your pet’s food or add it to their water bowl. Simply add half a teaspoon to your dog’s food (be sure to check with your vet first).
Brewer’s yeast is made from a fungus and it can serve as an effective natural supplement. Boosting your pet’s health will help to make it less susceptible to fleas. This is one of our natural home remedies for fleas that offers additional benefits.
14. Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a natural substance made from the fossils of algae. It’s safe to use around pets and children, and it’s a very effective way to get rid of fleas (be sure to use the food-grade type).
Unlike many of the other home remedies listed here, diatomaceous earth actually kills the fleas, as opposed to simply repelling them.
To use diatomaceous earth, simply sprinkle it on your carpets, furniture, or anywhere else you’ve seen fleas. Let it sit for about two days before vacuuming it up. It’s best if you can stay off the treated area until it is vacuumed up.
Related: Best Vacuums for Pet Hair
15. Plants
Some plants naturally repel fleas and other pests. Planting them around your home, or keeping them in your house, can help to keep fleas away.
Some plants that repel fleas are pennyroyal, chrysanthemums, and spearmint.
Pennyroyal is a herb that has a strong minty smell. It’s effective at repelling fleas, but it can also be toxic to pets if they ingest it, so be sure to keep it out of reach of animals.
Chrysanthemums contain a chemical called pyrethrin, which is effective at killing fleas. They can be used in a few different ways. You can plant them around your home, put them in vases around your house, or even make a spray out of them.
Spearmint is another plant that contains pyrethrin. You can use it in the same ways as a chrysanthemum.
Using a Flea Comb
BRILLIRARE 4 Pack Flea Lice Comb
While it’s not exactly a home remedy, using a flea comb is an effective way to remove fleas from your pet’s fur. It can also help to prevent flea bites, which can be painful for your pet.
To use a flea comb, start at the head of your pet and work your way down to the tail. Comb through the fur slowly and carefully, making sure to get all the way down to the skin. Fleas tend to congregate around the neck and head, so be sure to pay extra attention to these areas.
As you comb, dip the flea comb in a bowl of soapy water or rubbing alcohol. This will kill the fleas that you catch.
You’ll need to be patient when using a flea comb, as it can take a while to remove all the fleas. But it’s a very effective way to get rid of them without using any chemicals.
Signs of Fleas
Before you start treating your pet for fleas, it’s important to make sure that they actually have them. There are a few different signs that you can look for.
Flea dirt is one of the most common signs of fleas. It looks like small black specks and it’s usually found around the neck and head area.
If you see flea dirt on your pet, wet a cotton ball with warm water and gently rub it over the affected area. The flea dirt will turn red, which indicates that it’s full of blood.
Another sign of fleas is excessive scratching or biting. If your pet is scratching more than usual, or if they seem to be in pain when they scratch, it’s possible that they have fleas.
Fleas can also cause hair loss and hot spots (red, inflamed areas on the skin). If you see any of these signs, it’s important to take action right away.
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Facts About Fleas
Fleas are small, wingless insects that are about the size of a grain of salt. They are dark brown or black in color and they have a hard shell.
Fleas live off the blood of animals and humans. They can jump up to eight inches high, which makes them very good at spreading from one host to another.
Fleas can cause a number of problems for both animals and humans. They can transmit diseases, cause anemia, and trigger allergies. Flea bites can also be painful and itchy.
How to Prevent Fleas
The best way to deal with fleas is to prevent them from infesting your home in the first place. There are a few different things you can do to deter fleas.
First, vacuum your floors and upholstered furniture regularly. This will help to remove any fleas or eggs that might be lurking in your carpets or furniture.
Second, wash your pet’s bedding in hot water every week. This will kill any fleas or eggs that are present.
Finally, consider using a natural flea repellent on your pet, such as the DIY sprays that have been mentioned in this article.
These are just a few of the things you can do to prevent fleas from taking over your home. By taking some simple preventive measures, you can avoid dealing with a flea infestation altogether.
Do I Need Professional Assistance?
In most cases, you won’t need to hire a professional to get rid of fleas in your home. The home remedies and prevention tips in this article should be enough to keep them at bay.
However, if you’re dealing with a severe infestation, or if you’re just not having any luck getting rid of the fleas, it might be time to call in reinforcements.
A professional exterminator will be able to identify the source of the infestation and develop a plan to get rid of the fleas for good. They will also be able to offer advice on how to prevent future infestations.
While professional assistance can be costly, it’s sometimes necessary to get rid of a severe flea infestation. If you think you might need professional help, contact a local exterminator to discuss your options.
Related: How to Clean a Painted Deck Without Damaging the Wood or Paint
Frequently Asked Questions
What do fleas look like?
Fleas are small, wingless insects that are about the size of a grain of salt. They are dark brown or black in color and they have a hard shell.
What do flea bites look like?
Flea bites usually appear as small, red bumps on the skin. They can be itchy and painful, and they often occur in groups of three or four.
What gets rid of fleas quick?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to get rid of fleas will vary depending on the severity of the infestation. However, some quick and effective methods for getting rid of fleas include vacuuming regularly, washing your pet’s bedding in hot water, and using a natural flea repellent.
What can I spray on my dog to keep fleas away?
There are a number of different flea repellents that you can spray on your dog to keep fleas away. Some popular options include DIY flea sprays made with essential oils, as well as store-bought repellents that contain natural ingredients.
Can fleas live in your bed?
Yes, fleas can live in your bed. They are attracted to the warmth and safety that your bed provides. To prevent fleas from taking up residence in your bed, vacuum regularly and wash your sheets in hot water.
Does vinegar get rid of fleas?
Yes, vinegar can be used to get rid of fleas. Vinegar is a natural flea repellent and can be used in a variety of ways to deter fleas.
How do you get rid of fleas in carpets?
The best way to get rid of fleas in carpets is to vacuum regularly. This will help to remove any fleas or eggs that might be lurking in your carpets. You can also treat your carpets with a natural flea repellent, such as vinegar or salt.
Final Thoughts on Natural Home Remedies for Fleas
There are a number of different home remedies that you can use to get rid of fleas. These natural solutions are safe and effective, and they won’t require you to use harsh chemicals or call in a professional.
By taking some simple preventive measures, such as vacuuming regularly and washing your pet’s bedding, you can avoid flea infestations altogether. However, if you’re already dealing with an infestation, there are a number of different home remedies for fleas that can help you get rid of the fleas quickly and effectively.