How to Use Borax to Manage Flea Infestation

Borax is a natural ingredient that draws the moisture out of fleas, killing them. Mixed with salt, another drying agent, and diatomaceous earth, which has sharp edges that also kill fleas, borax is a powerful tool against flea infestations. While these products are natural, it is best to keep them away from pets and children, and special care should be taken against inhaling diatomaceous earth.

Things You'll Need

  • Borax
  • Diatomaceous earth
  • Salt
  • Large glass jar
  • Screw driver
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Instructions

    • 1

      Mix 2 cups borax, 2 cups diatomaceous earth and 1 cup salt in a large glass jar.

    • 2

      Use a screwdriver to make holes in the top of the jar lid. The goal is to turn the jar into a shaker, so make many holes.

    • 3

      Shake the mixture where you have a problem with fleas. Do not put this mixture directly on your animal, however. Sprinkle over your lawn or carpet. You will need to isolate the area from your pets and children for three days, so if you are treating your carpet, keep this in mind. If you are going on vacation, this would be a good time to sprinkle all of your carpets to keep the fleas from moving to another room.

    • 4

      Allow the mixture to remain on your lawn or carpet for three days. After that time, either hose it away or vacuum it up.

    • 5

      Pour some of the borax mixture into your vacuum cleaner bag, if you cannot leave the mixture on the carpet for three days. Vacuum your floors and furniture thoroughly. Any fleas you capture this way will be killed by the mixture in the vacuum cleaner bag. The diatomaceous earth contains tiny sharp particles that will kill fleas by piercing them. The borax and salt dry the fleas out. Repeat this treatment every few days until you no longer have a problem with fleas.