Plagued by fleas? When these bugs take over your home, it can feel like a living nightmare. However, as a pet owner, it’s something you will ultimately know well.
While there are many commercial flea treatments on the market, many prefer a more natural solution. There are two major reasons for this; first of all, it’s cost-effective, and secondly, it avoids the use of harsh chemicals. Luckily, there are plenty of options.
How to Get Rid of Dog Fleas Naturally
First things first, let’s talk about your dog and how to rid them of fleas. If they’ve been scratching away, chances are that they have caught the little bugs. It’s something that no pet owner wants to hear but you have to find a solution pronto. So, where should you start? Let’s take a look at how to get rid of fleas naturally on your dog.
1. Rosemary Oil
Do you have some rosemary oil lying around? If so, you may have one of the best ingredients to make a homemade flea treatment for your dog. PETA lists this oil as one of the ways that you can get rid of fleas naturally on your animals and pets.
Getting started couldn’t be easier. Simply mix a few small drops of the oil with some water in a bowl or spray bottle. You can then dab or spray this concoction on your dog in prime areas. Apply this homemade dog flea treatment once every two days and wait for results.
3. Tea Tree Oil
Next up, let’s talk about one of the wonderful ways to use tea tree oil. Not only does this essential oil smell wonderful, but it could also be the answer to your dog flea problem. PETA also lists this as one of the ways you can naturally rid your dog of fleas. To get started, you have to follow the same instructions you used for the rosemary oil mixture above.
It’s crucial that you don’t make the solution too strong as your pet may be sensitive to the oil. Instead, only use a drop or two per 200ml of water. That way, you can ensure that the mixture is not too potent for your beloved pet. Again, you need to make sure that you dab a little of the mixture on your dog in prime places. Repeat this process every two days!
Note: You should not use these methods on cats as they are sensitive to essential oils. Always consult with a vet before using any of the above treatments.
How to Get Rid of Both Cat and Dog Fleas Naturally
While you can’t use the above methods on your cat, there are some natural flea treatments that work for both animals! Whenever you realise that your pet has got fleas, it’s important to act fast. You don’t need us to tell you that these critters can multiply overnight. Fortunately, there are a couple of simple, natural flea treatments available:
3. Flea Comb
Have you invested in a quality flea comb yet? This is something that all pet owners should have. One of the easiest and most natural! ways to rid your pet of fleas is by combing them out. Get your comb and a bowl of water at the ready.
The first step is to give your pet a bath with luke-warm water. Don’t make the water too warm as it may hurt your pet. Some pets (we’re looking at you, cats!) hate having a bath. In that case, you should simply dampen their fur so that it’s easy to comb and get fleas.
Next up, it’s time to brush your pet’s fur with the comb. You will need a firm hand when dealing with this task, especially if your pet happens to have long fur. Comb in the same direction that the fur grows in. After every couple of strokes, dip the comb in the water to get rid of any fleas or pesky eggs. Repeat this process every couple of days!
Pro tip: Fleas like to hide in bushy areas! Pay extra special attention to your behind your pet’s ears, near their tail, and their groin area. Sadly, the fluffier an area is, the more likely there are to be fleas hiding in it.
4. Lemon Balm Mixture
Want to make a quick, natural treatment for fleas? A lemon balm mixture could be the answer. Research in the Parasitology Research Journal found that a mix of lemon balm and warm water was an effective way to treat fleas on pets.
Try it for yourself! You can make this solution using fresh lemon balm leaves and mixing them with boiling water. Leave the concoction to brew for 30 minutes and then strain. Ensure that the water is cool before you use it on your pet. You can then bathe your dog or cat in the solution and rinse. Repeat this process once every couple of days!
Note: Before you use any of the above natural flea treatment methods, consult with your vet. Every animal is individual and you need to make sure that it’s 100% safe!
How to Get Rid of Fleas in Your House
Let’s face it, when your pet has fleas… it’s not just about your pet. These parasites spread like wildfire. It’s estimated that 95% of flea eggs live in your home, rather than on your pet. Whether they set up camp in your fluffy rugs or hide in your cushions, these bugs can get everywhere. Don't worry though, fleas can't live in human hair. So, how can you evict them from your home? Here are two ideas.
5. Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a natural, rock-based material that you can buy easily online or in garden centres. (Note: You need to get ‘natural’ diatomaceous earth, not the type you use in swimming pools.) Believe it or not, you can use it to naturally kill fleas by dehydrating them, according to PETA. With that in mind, it could be a simple way to get rid of them.
You will need to get the diatomaceous earth in powder form to get started. Sprinkle this around your home on both carpets and wooden floors. Leave the powder there for as long as possible and then vacuum it up completely. Repeat this process as often as you need.
Tip: Keep children and animals out of the room during this process. The powder is extremely light so you need to prevent them breathing it in accidentally.
6. Baking Soda
Can’t get your hands on some diatomaceous earth? There is another, more common way to go. You can use baking soda or bicarbonate of soda instead. Follow the same process as with the powdered diatomaceous earth; leave it on the carpet and then vacuum it up. While there is little scientific evidence to suggest that baking soda will kill fleas, it’s widely used to do so.
The underlying theory here is simple: the powder dehydrates the fleas (and their eggs), leading to them drying out and dying. Similarly, you may want to keep animals and children out of the room when you’re using baking soda on your carpets. Give it a go!
FAQs
What scent do fleas hate?
Hoping to repel fleas? Opt for strong scents from essential oils. As we have mentioned in this guide, some aromas naturally repel fleas. These include lemon, rosemary, oregano, and lavender. You can buy essential oils at health shops or online.
How do you make flea spray?
Want to make a flea spray at home? The easiest thing you can do is invest in a small spray bottle. You should be able to get one at a homeware shop or even online. Mix water with a couple of drops of your chosen scent. As we have mentioned, lemon, rosemary, oregano, and lavender work particularly well. Fasten the bottle well. Next, you can use your homemade flea treatment around your home to get rid of the bugs. Simple.
Does salt kill fleas?
Like baking soda, salt dries fleas out and may kill them. For that reason, you can use salt to get rid of fleas in your home naturally. Sprinkling the salt around affected areas, such as carpets and furnishings, is the first step. Leave the salt in place for a couple of days. You should then use a vacuum cleaner to get rid of the excess and, with luck, the fleas.
Does baking soda kill fleas on dogs?
If you have some baking soda in your cupboard, you could use it to get rid of fleas on your dog. Avoid putting the powder directly on the dog’s skin. Instead, you can make a baking soda lather using water and a small amount of the powder. This can be applied to your dog. The solution may be one of the best ways to naturally kill fleas on dogs.
Of course, be sure to avoid the dogs face and mouth when using this mixture. You should also consult with a vet to ensure that it’s safe to use this concoction on your dog’s skin.
Do fleas hate vinegar?
Maybe. There is anecdotal evidence to suggest that fleas are repelled by vinegar. However, as information in Science Based Medicine points out, there is no evidence that vinegar will kill the bugs. While you can rely on the likes of apple cider vinegar to clean down work surfaces and get rid of germs, there’s nothing to say that it will rid them of fleas.
Do you have any tips for getting rid of fleas naturally? Share them in the comments below!
