Things You Can Do to Get Rid of Fleas on Pets Without Toxins

Fleas are a big nuisance to pets, causing much discomfort and even allergic reactions for some animals. Many options are on the market today that promise to get rid of fleas on your pets, but not all of them are safe. Many contain toxic chemicals and can harm or even kill your pet. However, there are some nontoxic options available to get rid of fleas.

  1. Diatomaceous Earth

    • Diatomaceous earth is made from tiny fossilized water plants. It is a natural compound, but to fleas and other pesky insects, it's a very lethal dust. When ingested by insects, diatomaceous earth shreds their insides. When insects are dusted with DE, or it is applied as a powder spray, its microscopic sharp edges cut through the insects, drying out their protective coverings and killing them. It can be found in plant nurseries and can be applied to the yard, carpets, furniture and even the animal's fur coat, since it is nontoxic to pets.

    Flea Combs

    • For short-haired pets, a flea comb may be all you need to get rid of the fleas and is, of course, nontoxic. The teeth of flea combs are smaller than the body of a flea, so the fleas are easily caught on the teeth as the comb is run through the pet's hair. Once caught in the teeth of the comb, fleas can be disposed of by applying pressure with your thumbnail to kill them or by wrapping them in a tissue and flushing them down the toilet. Another way to help kill the fleas by using a flea comb is to dip the comb into a bowl of soapy water, which will kill the fleas.

    Evolv Spray

    • Evolv is a nontoxic spray solution that kills fleas and ticks on contact and has no nasty side effects on the pets. This spray not only kills the fleas on contact but also dissolves any flea eggs and larvae that may be present, and repels them from coming back in the future. It's safe to use around children and nursing mothers, and safe for animals of all ages, even kittens. It is safe for the environment, and it's 100 percent biodegradable.

      The aroma of cedar in this product is deadly to insects. According to the Wondercide website and the website Bella's Pain Relief, insects breathe through their bodies, and when they detect the cedar aroma in this spray, they close their breathing pores. The cedar aroma works in killing the insects by causing a pheromone interruption, and while trying to escape the spray, the insects suffocate and die. Because the aroma of cedar stays on the pet for some time afterwards, it repels insects from reinfesting the pet, all while remaining completely harmless to pets and humans.