8 Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Fleas In Your Home
July 17, 2019
source: iStock
No matter how hard we try to treat our pets for fleas, sometimes those pesky critters will make their way inside your home anyways. Although using a professional exterminator is an option, you may not want to expose yourself, your family, and your pets to harsh, dangerous chemicals. Here are eight natural, safe ways to rid fleas from your home.
1. Bathe Your Pets
The first step to ridding fleas from your home is giving your pets a bath. Use a natural pet flea shampoo to scrub your pet before rinsing and drying them. This will help get rid of the majority of the fleas and eggs. Read more on how to remove fleas off your pets.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Mix together equal parts apple cider vinegar and water. Transfer the solution to a spray bottle. Spray the solution on anywhere you think fleas have been hiding. You can spray this solution on your furniture, linens, and even your pet’s bed.
3. Dishwashing Liquid
Mix together dishwashing liquid and warm water. Place the solution in a shallow bowl and place a lamp close to the bowl so that it shines on the solution. The fleas will be attracted to bright light and the liquid. When they jump in the liquid, they will drown and die.
4. Neem Oil
Mix together one tablespoon of cold-pressed neem oil with some warm water and a couple drops of liquid dish soap. Transfer the solution to a spray bottle and spray the solution onto the plants around your home.
5. Water
If you have detected fleas in your outdoor spaces, flooding the area is one way to kill them. Spray your garden hose on full-tilt around your outdoor spaces until it begins to pool. This is one easy, effective way to drown fleas in the area.
6. Garlic
Crush a few cloves of garlic and mix it with some water. Let the solution sit for about eight hours. Add in a teaspoon of natural liquid dish soap. Transfer the solution to a spray bottle, then spritz the solution on any plants around your home where you think fleas might be lurking.
7. Diatomaceous Earth
Food-grade diatomaceous earth is safe for both people and animals, and can be used to dehydrate and kill fleas. Just sprinkle the mixture around your home and garden – it will kill the fleas when they come in contact with it.
8. Deep Clean Your Home
An effective way to remove fleas and their eggs from your home is to deep clean your home from top to bottom. Move the furniture and ensure you vacuum under absolutely everything. Wash carpets, drapes, linens, and anything else that’s fabric. Remember that fleas like to live on things like stuffed animals, so ensure you’re washing them in extremely hot water and drying them on the hottest dryer cycle.