Sasha CampbellIf you’re like most pet owners, you’ll do just about anything to keep your furry friends safe and healthy. And that includes getting rid of pesky fleas.
There are many commercial products out there that promise to do the job, but they can be expensive.
If you’re looking for an alternative to conventional flea treatments, you’re in luck. This post shares some simple, all-natural ways to treat fleas.
However, please note that natural remedies may help with mild flea problems, but severe infestations may require veterinary care or prescription treatments.
How to Get Rid of Fleas Naturally
Below are some of the best home remedies and natural control methods that you can try.
1. Dish Soap
You’ve probably heard that dish soap is an effective flea remover, and it is.
Mix the soap (Dawn dish soap works well) with water in a spray bottle.
A general recipe is to mix one part liquid soap with three parts water, but you can adjust it depending on the severity of the infestation.
Next, spray it onto your pet’s coat and rub it in, making sure the suds reach the skin beneath the fur.
Dish soap can temporarily trap and drown fleas. But avoid using dish soap too often, as it may dry out your pet’s skin.
Finally, rinse it off.
2. Baking Soda
You can also use baking soda on fleas in your home. Sprinkle it on your carpets, let it sit for a few hours, and then suck it up with the vacuum.
Some people use baking soda to help dry out flea eggs and freshen carpets, though scientific evidence for its effectiveness against fleas is limited.
3. Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
DE can help control fleas by damaging their outer coating and drying them out.
When fleas crawl through it, it sticks to their bodies. It dries them out, which eventually kills them.
You can find diatomaceous earth at a gardening store or online. Make sure it’s food-grade if you’re buying it to get rid of fleas in your house.
Also, avoid breathing in DE dust, and keep pets away during application.
4. Salt
You might not know this, but salt is an excellent home remedy for killing fleas.
Just sprinkle it on your carpet and furniture, then leave it for about 24 hours. Salt may help dry out flea eggs and larvae in carpets over time.
5. Rosemary Water
Some pet owners use rosemary water as a DIY flea rinse for dogs. You only need a handful of fresh rosemary leaves, which you can crush and add to a warm bath.
Use enough rosemary leaves to create a strong herbal rinse. Allow the rosemary water to cool before applying it to your dog’s coat.
You can also dab cotton balls in rosemary oil and place them around your house to repel fleas.
6. Repellent Plants
There are several plants that may help repel fleas naturally.
One such plant is lemongrass. Try planting some peppermint near your house.
The strong scent may help repel fleas. To make a homemade flea spray, add eight drops of lemongrass oil to 16 ounces of water.
Lavender is another excellent plant for repelling fleas. It’s a pretty plant with a sweet smell and one of the best for keeping away certain pests.
Other popular repellent plants include basil, sage, mint, catnip, citronella, and chamomile.
But keep pets from chewing heavily on certain plants, as some herbs and essential oils may be irritating or toxic in large amounts.
7. Essential Oils
Some essential oils may help repel fleas, but many can be toxic to pets—especially cats. Always dilute oils properly and consult your veterinarian before applying them to your pet’s skin or fur.
Commonly used flea-repelling oils include rosemary, cedarwood, lemongrass, clove, and peppermint.
Mix a few drops (one oil or a combination of oils) with water.
If using essential oils on dogs, use only heavily diluted amounts and avoid the eyes, nose, and mouth. Avoid applying essential oils directly to cats unless a veterinarian approves it.
You can also make a gentle flea repellent for humans.
Combine 5 drops of thyme or myrtle oil with a cup of carrier oil, then apply it to your skin. However, always patch-test diluted essential oils on a small area of skin first.
Some people also use diluted rosemary oil in homemade personal repellents. It is commonly used in hair growth oils as well.
8. Lemon Spray
Mix equal parts lemon juice and water in a spray bottle. Then, give it a good shake. You’re ready to start spraying.
Lightly spray the solution over your pet’s fur, making sure to get behind the ears and around the neck. Be careful not to get any in its eyes. Let your pet air-dry.
Again, avoid using citrus sprays on cats unless approved by a veterinarian.
You can use lemons to make a natural flea deterrent for the house.
Cut a lemon into thin slices and add them to a pint of water. Bring it to a boil, then turn off the heat.
Finally, let it sit for about 12 hours before spraying your sofas, pet bedding, and other areas of your home.
9. Coconut Oil
Some pet owners use coconut oil to help soothe skin and possibly discourage fleas. Apply a small amount to your pet’s skin and rub it all over.
10. Vacuuming
Since fleas and their eggs can slip into crevices and small spaces, it is essential to vacuum several times a week during active infestations.
Vacuum all the nooks and crannies—including under furniture, chairs, beds, and the room’s corners.
Also, throw away the vacuum cleaner bag or empty the canister immediately after vacuuming to prevent the fleas from reinfesting your home.
Vacuuming frequently is one of the most effective ways to reduce flea eggs indoors.
11. Clean the House Thoroughly
The first step in getting rid of a flea infestation is cleaning your house as thoroughly as possible. Vacuum and sweep every nook and cranny.
It’s also important to wash your pet’s bedding and toys and bathe your pet with a veterinarian-approved flea shampoo if needed.
You might also want to try using a steam cleaner to kill any adult or larval fleas and eggs hiding deep within the carpet.
12. Get Rid of Damp Areas
Fleas prefer shady, damp outdoor areas. Therefore, remove excess mulch, twigs, and dead leaves from your garden and allow as much sunlight as possible to enter.
You can also use a dehumidifier to eliminate moisture from areas inside your home.
13. Flea Comb
A flea comb is your best friend when it comes to flea removal. Dip the comb in soapy water, then run it through the pet’s fur.
Not only does it help get rid of the fleas, but it also helps keep your pet’s coat healthy and shiny.
14. Apple Cider Vinegar
Believe it or not, apple cider vinegar repels fleas. These pests dislike the smell and taste, so it may help to discourage fleas.
So, add 2 tablespoons of ACV to each quart of water, then mist your pet’s coat with the mixture. Avoid getting the mixture in your pet’s eyes.
15. Beneficial Nematodes
These tiny creatures are microscopic roundworms that can be used to control certain pests, including fleas [1].
Beneficial nematodes can be found online or at most garden stores and are easy to apply. Mix them with water and spray them on the areas where you see fleas.
The nematodes will enter the soil and begin killing flea larvae and pupae.
16. Boric Acid
Boric acid dehydrates flea larvae if sprinkled directly on them. Therefore, sprinkle some on carpeted areas and brush it in.
Leave it for a few days before vacuuming it up. Still, keep pets and children away from treated areas until the powder has been vacuumed up.
Avoid applying boric acid directly to pets.
17. Mow the Lawn
Fleas will hide in tall grass, where they can easily find a host. So, by keeping your lawn mowed short, you’re making it less hospitable for fleas.
18. Dr. Earth Final Stop Pest Control Killer Spray
This organic spray is made with essential oils. It is designed to help kill fleas and other pests on contact.
Use it around your home and garden, but do not spray plants directly; it can cause leaf burn.
19. Enoz® Trap-N-Kill® Flea Trap
The Enoz Flea Trap is a safe and effective way to trap and kill fleas and other crawling and flying insects.
It’s also really easy to use. Just plug it in, and the light and warmth attract the fleas. The glue board will then trap them. Replace the glue board when it is full.
Takeaway
As you can see, there are many ways to eliminate fleas naturally without using harsh chemicals. Try these methods to see which works best for you and your pet.
That said, it’s worth noting that natural flea remedies often work best when combined with regular cleaning, vacuuming, and pet grooming.
For severe infestations or pets with skin problems, contact a veterinarian for more treatment options.
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