Natural Ways to Kill Fleas

Fleas are annoying parasites that can be difficult to kill. They survive from the blood of mammals and birds leaving annoying bites that itch. A female flea can lay over 500 eggs during her lifetime. The eggs hatch between 2 days and 2 weeks depending on conditions. These attributes make fleas difficult to eradicate. The fleas’ saliva can cause allergic reactions in people and animals that may include rashes. Here is how to get rid of fleas in a natural way.

Things You'll Need

  • Flea comb for pet
  • White vinegar
  • Lemon juice
  • Vacuum cleaner
  • 20 Mule Team Borax
  • Diatomaceous Earth
  • Eucalyptus oil
  • Fennel
  • Mint oil
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use a flea comb to remove fleas from pets and dip it frequently into white vinegar or lemon juice to kill the adult fleas. Pour down the drain or toilet when finished.

    • 2

      Sprinkle 20 Mule Team Borax powder onto your carpets and floors. Leave it on for 24 hours and then vacuum thoroughly. Borax kills fleas by causing dehydration. You may want to put a small amount of Borax powder into your vacuum whenever you are vacuuming your carpets. Then, any fleas you vacuum up will be exposed to the powder and will dehydrate. If you have a bagless vacuum, empty it outside after each use and tie the contents shut in a plastic bag.

    • 3

      Lift cushions from furniture and sprinkle Borax powder under the cushions. You may leave it there for ongoing protection unless you have young children who play with the cushions. You can also sprinkle small amounts under pet bedding, in crevices, and corners that are not easily accessible to people or pets.

    • 4

      Spread Diatomaceous Earth around the outside of your house near basement walls. If you do not use your basement, you can also spread some around the perimeter. Diatomaceous Earth kills fleas by dehydrating them.

    • 5

      Bathe indoor pets or any pets that come into the house. Make a homemade shampoo to bathe your pets that will kill or repel fleas. Some natural products you may want to include are eucalyptus oil, fennel, lemon juice, mint oil and wormwood. Wash your pet with the homemade shampoo and leave it on for several minutes before rinsing. Pick any fleas you see on your pet off by hand and drop them into the bath water. After rinsing your pet and wrapping him in a towel, rinse your tub out allowing fleas and water to go down the drain together.