How to Eliminate Fleas Naturally

Are fleas bothering you? Every pet owner has likely faced a flea infestation at some point. If you're hesitant about using flea bombs or chemical sprays, you'll be pleased to learn that natural flea control methods can be highly effective. A vacuum cleaner is one of the most powerful tools to combat fleas, followed by safe household items like baking soda and lemon peels. Using these simple, chemical-free methods is the best way to permanently eliminate fleas.

Give your pet a flea bath naturally. The first step in treating a pet with fleas is giving them a bath. While you can take your pet to a vet for a chemical bath, if you prefer a natural approach, you can try these flea bath solutions:

• Rosemary water. Boil 2 1/2 cups of fresh rosemary sprigs for 30 minutes. Pour the rosemary water into 4 liters of warm water and pour it over your pet when the water is still warm.
• Lemon water. Boil the peel of 2 lemons in 2 cups of water for about 30 minutes. Pour the lemon water into 4 liters of warm water and pour it over your pet while it’s still warm.
• Soapy water. Mixing gentle, foamy soap into water is also an effective solution. Be careful when giving your dog or cat a bath with warm water.

Use a flea comb after the bath. Bathing solutions can kill some fleas, but you will still need to eliminate the eggs. Purchase a flea comb from a pet store. Carefully use the comb to remove all traces of fleas from your pet's fur.

Use natural flea-repellent ingredients for your pet. You can fight fleas with certain scents and natural oils that can be applied directly to your dog. However, some oils may be harmful to cats, so avoid using them unless recommended by a veterinarian. Here are some options for treating your pet:

• Lavender essential oil. Apply a small amount of the oil to your dog’s neck and back. Lavender oil both kills and prevents fleas.
• Eucalyptus essential oil. Make a spray solution by mixing 1 cup of water with 5 drops of eucalyptus oil. Spray your dog to repel fleas. Do not use this method for cats.

Repeat until fleas are gone. You will likely need to bathe your pet, use a flea comb, and apply flea-repellent ingredients multiple times before you see results. Keep an eye on your pet for any signs of fleas and plan to bathe your dog or cat once a week to gradually eliminate fleas from the eggs up.

Wash your pet's bedding with hot water. As soon as you notice fleas in your home, wash your pet's bedding with hot water immediately to eliminate all fleas and their eggs. Be sure to clean other items your pet has come into contact with, such as fabric toys, cushions, etc.

Wash your bedding thoroughly. Fleas can spread beyond your pet's living space, so it's important to wash everything. This includes clothes, bedding (if your pet sleeps with you), throw pillows on the couch, and any other items where fleas could hide.

Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture. Use a powerful vacuum to clean your carpets thoroughly. Make sure to vacuum the area multiple times. You can also vacuum your sofa, upholstered chairs, and rugs. Use the hose attachment to clean cracks along the walls.

• Vacuuming has been proven to kill fleas. The vacuum will suck up both adult fleas and their eggs.
• After vacuuming, clean the vacuum bag. If you don’t, flea eggs will hatch and re-enter the vacuum, allowing them to breed in your home.

Treat carpets with baking soda. Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over your carpets. Act quickly and use multiple boxes of baking soda. Leave it on the carpet for at least 4 hours or overnight, then vacuum it up. Baking soda dries out the eggs on the carpet, helping to eliminate the next generation of fleas before they hatch.

• You can use borax powder instead of baking soda to treat the carpet. Be sure to vacuum thoroughly after treatment.
• Salt is another inexpensive and effective ingredient for killing fleas. Use it in the same way as baking soda.

Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the room. This all-natural powder helps eliminate adult fleas (and other insects) by piercing their exoskeletons as they walk through it. Wear a mask when sprinkling diatomaceous earth in areas with adult fleas. Let it sit for about 24 hours, then vacuum it up.

Use a dehumidifier. Damp conditions are ideal for fleas. You can make your home less hospitable by using a dehumidifier to dry out the air. Depending on the season, you can also use an air conditioner, fan, or heater to help reduce humidity.

Trim the grass in your yard. If you have fleas inside your home, they may also be in your yard. Fleas thrive in tall grass, which provides them with shade from the sun and helps maintain a humid environment. Exposing fleas to sunlight is one of the best ways to eliminate them. Regularly mow the lawn to prevent it from growing tall enough to shelter fleas.

Use borax powder. Sprinkle a bit of borax powder on areas where you notice adult fleas, just like when using carpet deodorizer products. Let it sit for about 24 hours, then vacuum it up. This method will kill the developing fleas in just a few days.

Give your pets apple cider vinegar. Add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to your pet's water dish. Vinegar is a natural flea repellent that helps keep fleas from returning. This method is safe for both dogs and cats.

Spray lemon water on your pets. Safe for both dogs and cats, homemade lemon water spray helps keep fleas off your pets. Apply the lemon spray once every few days to repel fleas and keep your home flea-free.

Spread cedarwood shavings around your home. The scent of cedarwood is another natural flea repellent. Sprinkling some cedarwood shavings near your pet's bed, your own bed, or other strategic spots can help prevent fleas.

Spray eucalyptus essential oil throughout your home. If you have a cat, avoid using this method as cats are sensitive to eucalyptus. However, if you don't have a cat, spray a mixture of eucalyptus essential oil diluted with water in all corners, carpets, cabinets, and your pet’s bed to prevent fleas.

Vacuum frequently. While your pets might occasionally carry a few fleas, don't allow them to multiply. Regular vacuuming will help eliminate fleas before they have a chance to reproduce.

• Be cautious when using at-home flea remedies, especially those applied directly to your pets. Many recommended remedies may contain toxic ingredients, such as lemon. Always verify the ingredients in any products to ensure they are safe for your pets before use.
• Avoid placing flea collars in your vacuum cleaner bag as commonly suggested. Flea collars can release toxic fumes inside the vacuum bag.