Homemade Flea-Killing Chemicals

Flea infestations are a common occurrence for pet owners. These tiny, blood-sucking insects can cause itching, irritation and skin infections for both pets and their owners. A number of pesticide products are available, but these contain toxic chemicals that can cause health problems. Natural non-toxic compounds are easy to acquire and provide a good option for making your own homemade flea-killing chemicals.

  1. Dish Washing Liquid

    • Instead of expensive flea shampoo products, pet owners can use simple, household dish washing liquid to work up a good lather when washing their pets. The detergent coats the fleas and smothers them. It is important to leave the detergent on the pet for at least 15 minutes, to allow the liquid to kill the fleas. The liquid is then rinsed out and the pet's coat combed out to remove any remaining fleas. This can be used daily to repel fleas. Avoid using dish washing liquid with grease-cutting ingredients.

    Citrus Oils

    • Citrus oils have natural flea repellent properties called d-limonene and linalool. To make your own citrus flea-killing rinse, soak a thinly-sliced lemon in a pint of boiling water and allow them to soak overnight. In the morning, spray or rub the cooled liquid onto your pet's coat until it is damp; according to MotherEarthNews, this is an excellent flea-repellent.

    Diatomaceous Earth

    • Diatomaceous earth is a compound made from the fossilized skeletons of tiny marine creatures. It works by scratching the exoskeletons of insects, removing the protective coating and causing them to dry out. This ability makes it a good, natural flea-killing chemical to use on carpets and bedding. Lightly dust diatomaceous earth onto your pet, but ensure that the dust does not get into your pet's eyes and nose. Diatomaceous earth is not a good method to use on cats; because they lick themselves for grooming. Diatomaceous earth can cause lung irritation in humans when used in excessive amounts, according to University of Florida entomologists D.L. Richman and P.G. Koehler.

    Herbal Oils

    • Cedar oil has natural insecticide properties that make it a good, natural option for flea control on pets. Cedar oil is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency as a pesticide for the control of fleas. Place a 10 to 15 drops of cedar essential oil into a spray bottle with 1 to 2 ounces of organic soap and fill the bottle with water. Spraying this mixture onto the animal will repel fleas and give your pet relief from flea bites. Eucalyptus, rosemary and wormwood essential oils are also used to repel fleas.