The Best Home Remedy for Getting Rid of Fleas

Fleas can infest your entire home. They can be annoying to your pet, and if there is an allergy to the fleas, your pet can become ill. You could hire a professional exterminator, which is expensive. Or, you could try commercial sprays or foggers, which use toxic chemicals. If you do not want to spend a lot of money and want to avoid chemicals in your home, you can try one of a number of home remedies.

  1. Dish Detergent

    • One effective method of treating fleas is bathing your pet. Pet stores have many flea shampoos that can be used. Flea shampoos are specially formulated to kill and prevent fleas on your pet; however, by adding a little dish detergent to your store-bought shampoo, your treatment will be more effective. Dish detergent creates bubbles that help break the surface tension of the water. Because fleas are able to stay on top of the water when there is tension, the soap will cause them to fall through and drown.

      Dish detergent can also be used to make a flea trap. Dishes or jars can be filled with water and dish detergent and left on the ground overnight near a light source. Fleas will be attracted by the heat of the light source, jump to reach it and land in the dish detergent laced water, which will then drown the fleas.

    Diatomaceous Earth

    • Diatomaceous earth is an effective treatment both inside and outside your home. Diatomaceous earth can be purchased at garden supply stores; however, avoid the type that is sold at pool supply stores because it is not safe for use around pets and children. Diatomaceous earth is plant fossils that have been ground up into a fine powder. The powder, which feels like talc powder to us, is sharp to fleas. It cuts their exoskeletons, killing them. It can be sprinkled on your carpet and left until a future vacuuming or applied in your garden safely. It is safe to use; however, it is recommended not to leave it in your carpet with small children or pets for prolonged periods because it can get into their respiratory tracts and irritate them.

    Food Additives

    • Certain foods can make your pet unappetizing to fleas, discouraging flea bites. One of the more common recommendations is garlic; however, raw garlic should never be fed to a cat. Brewer's yeast will have the same impact. Another option is adding apple cider vinegar to your pet's water. Apple cider vinegar not only makes your pet taste unpleasant but will also boost your pet's immune system. The higher your pet's immune system, the more likely she will be able to fight fleas and other diseases.