Organic Flea Control

Fleas are tiny parasites that eat the blood of warm-blooded animals and are attracted to heat and movement. By the time you realize you have a flea problem, you have to deal with all four stages of a flea's life, and that can lead to use of a lot of chemicals. The best way to control fleas is prevention, and there are a lot of organic ways to get rid of them if prevention isn't successful.

  1. Geography

    • The best way to prevent fleas from invading your home is to keep them out of your yard. Spread diatomaceous earth, which is crushed up seashells, around your yard. It won't hurt you or your pets, but it cuts and kills fleas. Flooding your yard drowns fleas, and watering often can get rid of flea larvae.

    Types

    • Place different types of plants that repel fleas around your yard and house. It won't kill them, but it can keep them away. Fleas don't like pennyroyal, lavender or mint. Mowing the lawn, removing weeds and debris from your yard, and trimming overhanging plants can help. Get rid of organic matter in your yard that fleas can feed on.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Bathe your pets with a gentle pet shampoo or baby shampoo that won't irritate flea bites on their skin. Comb your pets over a white paper towel with a fine-toothed flea comb. You'll see the fleas when they fall off and you can shake them from the paper towel into a cup of water or alcohol. When you're finished, flush the cup of liquid with the fleas in it down the toilet. Put an herbal flea collar like Petguard on your pet. Spraying your pet's body with the juice of six lemons that have been steeped in half a quart of water for three hours could repel fleas.

    Features

    • The most effective way to get rid of fleas without chemicals after your home has been infested is to vacuum, dust, sweep and mop often, especially in areas where your pets have been. Empty your vacuum immediately and place the contents outside in a sealed plastic bag. Shampoo your carpet to get rid of flea larvae that remain after vacuuming. Wash bedding, rugs, pet beds and clothes in hot, soapy water. Put lavender- and mint-filled sachets in drawers and pet beds. Place cedar chips underneath beds and furniture.

    Considerations

    • Eucalyptus can repel fleas, but it can also harm your pets. Place flea traps around the house. They're like the sticky fly paper or roach pads covered with a grid that fleas fall through. Try a flea zapper comb that has a mild electrical charge that could kill fleas as you comb your pet. Some people place diatomaceous earth inside their homes as well as outside.