Flea infestations are among the most common problems that bother homeowners. These tiny insects jump around the place, attaching themselves to the feet of animals and humans. If not eliminated, they can make people feel itchy and cause discomfort. To get rid of fleas, one must remove them from pets and clean the entire property, including the yard. Home remedies like flea sprays and ingredients like vinegar and baking soda can help achieve this goal.
1. Use diatomaceous earth
A great way to get rid of fleas naturally overnight is to use diatomaceous earth, a powder made from a fossilized aquatic organism called diatom. Sprinkle the earth around the yard, pet resting areas, and other places in the house that are prone to attract fleas and leave it overnight. Vacuum the powder in the morning to eliminate the fleas and their eggs.
2. Sprinkle salt
Salt can dehydrate fleas and destroy flea eggs and larvae. To try this remedy, grind salt and spread it around the areas the pet has visited. Leave the salt for one or two days and vacuum it thoroughly. While repeated salt application can get rid of fleas, homeowners must vacuum thoroughly because traces of salt can harm pets if ingested. Like salt, even baking soda can be sprinkled to tackle the problem.
3. Make a vinegar and dish soap solution
Add some vinegar and dish soap to a shallow tray filled with water and place it on the floor under a light source. Fleas will try to jump towards the light, fall into the dish, and get trapped. This is one of the easiest and best remedies for killing fleas in the house.
4. Groom pets regularly
The best way to prevent fleas from making their way into the house is to have a dedicated place for the pets outside. If that’s not possible, clean the pet regularly and remove the fleas from their fur before they enter the house. Investing in a flea comb may help. Just run the comb through the coat in all the places the fleas likely hide. Then, use any homemade flea spray to kill the fleas as they fall to the ground to get rid of them.
5. Vacuum the house
Since fleas cannot jump high, they usually attach to carpets and low-lying furniture. So, vacuuming is the best remedy for killing fleas in the house. Running the vacuum on furniture, upholstery, curtains, and carpets removes every stage of the flea, including the eggs, pupa, larvae, and adults. Vacuum once a week, or more frequently if the infestation is severe.
6. Wash pet products
The dog’s bedding, toys, and other products are likely to carry fleas, so washing them is important. Use hot water for this purpose, as it can kill fleas instantly. If the washer does not have a heating system, soak the pet products in hot water with detergent for about 30 minutes, empty the load into a washer, and wash it. Exposing pet products to the sun may also help.
7. Make a flea spray
Since chemical pesticides and flea products are toxic to pets, making a homemade flea spray using natural ingredients is a good idea. Homeowners can try different methods depending on their preferences.
- Mix four cups of water with six parts of apple cider vinegar, pour the solution into a bottle, and spray it on the dog’s coat.
- Combine half a cup of fresh lemon juice and two cups of water with the dog’s shampoo and spray it on the pet.
- Mix one cup of apple cider vinegar with half a cup of water and half a teaspoon each of baking soda and salt. Add this liquid mixture into a spray bottle and spray it on the dog. Once the coat is dry, use a comb to get the dead fleas out.
- Essential oil sprays, made by diluting the oil in water, can help with flea infestations. But some of these oils may be toxic to pets, so they are best avoided or used after consulting a vet.
If pet owners notice fleas, there is no need to panic. Simple ingredients can help create a spray to get rid of the insects. That said, while making homemade flea sprays, use organic and certified ingredients, check expiry dates, and clean the spray bottles before and after use. Also, avoid the eyes and ears of the dogs and spray only on their fur. Since the eyes and ears are delicate, even natural ingredients may hurt them. Instead of spraying, wipe around these areas with a cotton ball.
There is no one-size-fits-all remedy to destroy fleas in one day. Experimenting with different methods can help determine what works well. Ideally, a combination of home and natural remedies, periodic vacuuming, keeping the yard clean, and grooming the pets is suggested.