How to Get Rid of Fleas With Peroxide

Fleas are six-legged creatures that feed on warm-blooded animals, including your pets, and cause an allergic reaction known as flea-allergy dermatitis. This reaction is the cause of the characteristic itching, gnawing and irritation associated with flea bites and will not only drive your pet crazy, it could also lead to a possible infection. Treating your pet for fleas with hydrogen peroxide is a safe and effective way to kill the insects before they have a chance to jump on other pets, or on your family.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 lemons
  • Sharp knife
  • 2 gal water
  • Large cooking pot
  • 1 cup hydrogen peroxide
  • 1/4 cup tea tree oil
  • 1 tsp. lavender essential oil
  • Cheese cloth
  • Plastic bucket
  • Unwanted plastic cup
  • Treat or cheese cube
  • Flea comb
  • Towel
  • Blow dryer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Slice two lemons into eight wedges each with a sharp knife. Choose lemons that are ripe and slightly firm.

    • 2

      Pour 2 gallons water into a large cooking pot. Bring the water to a boil over high heat and add 1 cup hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup tea tree oil, 1 tsp. lavender essential oil and the lemon wedges to the pot.

    • 3

      Stir the ingredients until they are well incorporated. Allow the mixture to boil on high for an additional five minutes, stirring occasionally.

    • 4

      Remove the pot from the heat, set it on the kitchen counter and allow it to steep for at least eight hours. Cover the pot with a piece of cheese cloth to protect it from dust and insects.

    • 5

      Pour the mixture into a plastic bucket and keep an unwanted plastic cup on-hand.

    • 6

      Set your pet into the bathtub. Use a treat or a cheese cube to help lure the pet into the bathtub.

    • 7

      Scoop a cup of the mixture from the bucket and pour it over your pet. Be careful to avoid your pet's eyes, nose and mouth.

    • 8

      Continue to scoop and pour the mixture over your pet until you have used all of the mixture. Work the mixture into the pet's fur with your hands.

    • 9

      Brush your pet with a flea comb. This will remove any remaining fleas and their eggs from your pet's coat.

    • 10

      Rinse away the mixture with warm water. Do not allow the mixture to remain on your pet's fur as the hydrogen peroxide may slightly lighten the coat's coloring.

    • 11

      Towel-dry your pet and place it into a warm, dry area to finish drying. If your pet will allow it, use a blow dryer to speed up the process.

    • 12

      Repeat treating your pet with the hydrogen peroxide flea dip once a week.