How to Use Lemons Soaked in Water for Fleas in Your Home

Flea are a pest well-known to many pet owners. They can be carried by dogs, cats and rodents, and they can affect animals and humans alike, causing itching and even carrying disease. There are numerous powders, sprays and pet medications available to kill fleas. Unfortunately, many flea treatments are chemically based, making them unsafe for sensitive animals or children who might come in contact with animals or areas that have been treated. If you are worried about the harmful effects of chemicals on your pets or children, consider an all-natural treatment alternative.

Things You'll Need

  • Water
  • Lemons
  • Knife
  • Stove
  • Pot
  • Bowl
  • Splatter guard or cardboard
  • Bottle
  • Label
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Instructions

  1. Preparation

    • 1

      Score the peel on six lemons. Cut into the peel of the lemon just slightly; the cut shouldn't go through the peel and into the flesh. A proper score will reveal the white inside of the peel, but not the yellow of the lemon, and let off a burst of lemon scent.

    • 2

      Cut the scored lemons into 1/2- to 1-inch thick slices. Cut the lemon width-wise, starting at the base of the lemon and working towards the top, rather than length-wise.

    • 3

      Place the sliced lemons in a pot with 4 cups of water and place the pot on a stove. Bring the water to a boil. Remove the pot from the stove immediately, once the water has begun to boil.

    • 4

      Pour the water and lemon mixture into a bowl and set it aside overnight. Cover the bowl to repel flying insects. Woven metal splatter guards work exceptionally well for this, as they let steam escape while at the same time preventing contamination, but a piece of cardboard will work in a pinch.

    • 5

      Place a pasta strainer over a bowl and pour the water and lemon mixture through it and discard the lemons.

    • 6

      Fill a spray bottle or thoroughly rinsed shampoo bottle with the lemon water. Label the bottle to avoid any possible confusion.

    Use on Pets

    • 7

      Bathe and rinse your dog. Comb your dog's fur to remove any live fleas. Dip the comb in a separate cup of lemon water to kill them.

    • 8

      Spray the lemon water onto your dog's fur or pour the lemon water onto a sponge and sponge the mixture onto your dog's fur. Focus on the scruff of the neck and the back of the dog; those are the areas thickest with fur and oftentimes thickest with fleas. Avoid sensitive areas, such as the groin.

    • 9

      Rub the lemon water into your dog's fur and allow it to sit for 5 minutes.

    • 10

      Rinse your dog thoroughly.

    • 11

      Spray a light coat of lemon water onto your dog's fur every other day between baths.

    Use on Furniture

    • 12

      Use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust, debris and hair from the furniture or pet bed you wish to treat.

    • 13

      Spray the furniture or pet bed with a light coat of lemon water. Do not soak the upolstery; a few spritzes will suffice.

    • 14

      Repeat steps 1 and 2 every other day.