How to Kill Fleas Naturally

Co-authored by Scott McCombe

Last Updated: August 10, 2023 Approved

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.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Treating Your Pet

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1
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]
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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]
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3
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]
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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]
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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.

Part 2

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Cleaning and Treating the House

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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]
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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]
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3
Vacuum the carpet and upholstered furniture.^{[7]
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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]
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- 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]
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  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.
4
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.
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]
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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]
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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]
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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.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Making Sure the Fleas Stay Away

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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]
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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]
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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.
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.

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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]
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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.

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Avoid placing flea collar in a vacuum cleaner, as commonly advised. The flea collar can create toxic fumes inside the vacuum bag.^{[16]
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