Can Peroxide Kill Fleas?

The flea is parasitic insect most known for infesting our beloved pets: cats and dogs. Fleas actually belong to the order Siphonaptera, an order of wingless insects that live off of the blood of other, host animals. The two most common flea species in the United States are Ctenocephalides felis (cat flea) and Ctenocephalides canis (dog flea). There are several ways to rid fleas from your pet and home and one might find a suitable remedy under the sink: peroxide.

  1. Hydrogen Peroxide

    • Hydrogen peroxide is chemical composed of two hydrogen atoms and two oxygen atoms. It is waterlike in form and composition; however, the extra oxygen atom makes it toxic to ingest. Hydrogen is one of the most powerful oxidizers available to the public, and because of its chemical formulation, it kills bacteria, viruses and mold, and it can kill fleas.

    Pet Cleaning

    • Fleas can cause pain and illness in your pets. Using hydrogen peroxide to clean your dog or cat can both help rid your pet from infestation and also kill flea-born viruses and bacteria from your animal's skin.

      For an extreme flea infestation, put your pet in a large sink or tub and rinse him with warm water. Then, stop up the sink and pour peroxide directly on your pet. Let the peroxide sit for a minute before rinsing the pet again. For less severe infestations, put 1 cup peroxide and 3 tablespoons of dish soap in a spray bottle. Fill up the rest of the bottle with water. Spray your pet two times a week. This will kill existing fleas and prevent new fleas from plaguing your pet.

    Fleas in Fabric

    • Fleas can also invade carpeting and fabric. Spray a fifty-fifty mixture of peroxide and water on carpets to kill fleas and to prevent further invasion. Sheets, comforters, pillowcases and clothes can be washed in a peroxide solution. Bleach, a highly effective killer of fleas, is harsh on fabrics and can only be used on whites. Mixing one part detergent with one part peroxide will help kill the fleas in fabrics and will not fade the colors.

    Caution

    • Hydrogen peroxide can be purchased at any grocery store or convenience store; however, this is a non-commercial grade. It is 3-percent hydrogen peroxide in a mixture. Commercial-grade peroxide is extremely powerful and is not safe to be used on pets or fabrics. Make sure to use non-commercial-grade peroxide.