How to Kill Fleas You Pull Off

Fleas have a hard body and are very difficult to squash. Even if you think you’ve killed them, the moment you release pressure on them, they may leap away and go right back to your pet, carpet or furniture. Fleas on a flea comb will also remain alive and can crawl off the comb, defeating the purpose. You can kill the fleas you’ve pulled off by hand or with a comb; you just have to know what to use.

Things You'll Need

  • Cup
  • Water
  • Dishwashing liquid
  • Spoon
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fill a cup (about the size of a coffee cup) with hot water, as recommended by the EPA. If you are using a flea comb, the cup should be large enough that you can fully submerge the teeth of the comb.

    • 2

      Add at least a teaspoon of liquid dish detergent. Stir it in with a spoon. Water alone will not work as quickly to kill the fleas. The soap makes them drown faster.

    • 3

      Submerge each flea under the water, flicking it quickly off of your fingers (be careful not to burn yourself). If you are using a flea comb, place the comb, the toothed end, into the soapy water. Keep the comb submerged for at least five minutes to drown the fleas (or pull them off of the comb with your fingers so you can withdraw the comb, leaving the fleas to drown in the soapy water).

    • 4

      Dump the contents of the cup in the toilet and flush it when you are finished removing fleas.