Free Home Remedy for Killing Fleas

Once fleas find their way deep into your animal's coat, it takes hard work and perseverance to draw them out and exterminate them. Fleas have the ability to lay 20,000 eggs within three months, according to EarthClinic.com. These eggs can lie dormant for as long as a year and hatch once the conditions are conducive for it. You can imagine the proportions to which the problem can swell if you don't take steps immediately.

  1. Is It Really a Flea?

    • Apart from the obvious sign of a flea or two playing hide and seek on your dog's coat, there are other tell-tale signs that indicate the presence of fleas. Examine your pet's skin. Do you notice small, black substances similar to dirt? Its' probably flea dirt. To make sure that it is, rub a wet tissue paper on it. Flea dirt will dissolve and appear red.

    Prevention is Better than Cure

    • The best solution to the problem is to prevent it from ever happening. Add garlic to your dog's meal to keep fleas away. Dogs that weigh more than 50 pounds can have two teaspoons of garlic; smaller dogs should not be given more than ½ a teaspoon a day. Sulphur can also be given once a week. Adding vinegar to the drinking water will also act as a flea repellent. These are not instant remedies. You need to wait about four to six weeks before you see them taking effect.

    Combating Flea Problems with Essential Oils

    • Once you know for sure that you are dealing with a flea problem, there are a number of things you can do to fight them off, both on the dog front and home front.

      While there are several products you can buy from the market, you can use home remedies that work just as well, maybe even better. You can mix essential oils with water and spray your animal with this mixture. You can use rosemary, cedar, eucalyptus, lavender, citronella, citrus oil extracts, and pennyroyal. Essential oils should never be applied undiluted on your pet. You should mix 10 to 20 drops of essential oil in a pint of water.

    Secure Your House Against Fleas

    • On the home front, there are several things that can be done to fight the problem and to secure the perimeter in order to prevent future infestation.

      Begin by mixing food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE) and natural borax in equal quantities. Do not confuse food-grade DE with pool-grade DE. The latter is poisonous and not meant for this purpose. If you have a pound and a half of each, add one cup of salt to the mixture. Work this mix of powders into the carpets, under the furniture, behind the curtains and all those nooks and crannies where fleas might be taking shelter. Wear a mask during the entire procedure; inhaling this powder can be dangerous.

      Leave the powder for two to three days for maximum effect, and if possible, arrange to be out of your house during this time. It is not advisable for children and pets to be exposed to this mixture. Once you are back, vacuum your house from top to bottom thoroughly.