Do you have a flea infestation in your home? It happens to all people who have pets. If you can't stand the idea of using a pesticide product or spray, you will be glad to know that natural methods are actually very effective. The vacuum cleaner is the most powerful tool against fleas and also the safest, while the most used natural substances, such as baking soda and lemon zest, rank in second place. The best way to get rid of fleas once and for all is to use these simple, chemical-free methods.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Treating Your Furry Friend
Step 1. Make a natural pesticide bath
The first step in treating a flea-infested pet is to wash it. You can take him to the vet for a chemical bath or, if you prefer to solve the problem with a more natural approach, try the following solutions:
- Rosemary bath. Cover 2 1/2 cups full of fresh rosemary sprigs with water and boil for half an hour. Combine the infusion in 4 liters of hot water. Pour the mixture on the animal when it is still warm.
- Soapy water. A mild soap and water solution may also be effective. Bathe your dog or cat using lukewarm water.
Step 2. Use a flea comb after grooming
The solution will have killed some of the parasites, but you still need to remove the eggs. Buy a flea comb at a pet store and carefully pass it through your pet's hair to remove all traces of these parasites.
Step 3. Treat your pet with a natural flea repellent
Fleas can't stand some natural essential oils that you can apply directly to your dog, but which can harm cats, so avoid these treatments on felines unless recommended by your vet. Here are some options:
- Lavender essential oil. Spread a small amount on the dog's back and neck. It is said to kill and ward off fleas.
- Eucalyptus oil. Make a spray by mixing 240ml of water and 5 drops of oil, then spray the solution on the dog to get rid of the fleas. Do not use it on cats.
Step 4. Repeat the treatment until the fleas are gone
In all likelihood, you will have to wash, brush and treat your pet several times before winning the battle. Keep checking for signs of fleas and schedule a parasite bath once a week to get rid of fleas from hatching eggs as time passes.
Part 2 of 3: Treat and Clean the House
Step 1. Wash the kennel with warm water
As soon as you realize there are fleas in the house, immediately wash your furry friend's bed with hot water to kill parasites and eggs. Wash other items it has come into contact with, such as fabric toys, pillows, and so on.
Step 2. Wash the sheets and the rest of the laundry
The fleas are likely to have spread beyond the animal's environment, so keep cleaning everything else. You will need to wash clothes, bed sheets (if your puppy sleeps with you), sofa cushions, and anything else these parasites can lurk in.
Step 3. Vacuum the carpet and upholstery
Using a high-performance appliance, meticulously vacuum the carpet. Don't be in a hurry and pass it all over the surface more than once. You can also use it on the sofa, upholstered chairs and rugs. Use the hose connection to reach even the cracks in the baseboard.
- Vacuuming has been proven to kill fleas. It sucks both the adult ones and the eggs.
- When you are done, empty the bag, otherwise once the eggs hatch, they will come out to infest the house again.
Step 4. Treat carpets and rugs with baking soda
Cover all carpeted surfaces with a layer of baking soda, using different packaging if necessary. Leave it on for at least 4 hours or overnight, then vacuum it. Baking soda dries the eggs laid between the fibers, helping you to eliminate the next generation of fleas before hatching.
- You can use borax instead of baking soda. Make sure you use the vacuum cleaner after the treatment.
- Salt also kills them effectively and is very cheap. Apply it as you would baking soda.
Step 5. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth (or diatomaceous earth) around the rooms
It is a completely natural powder that kills adult fleas (and other insects) by penetrating their exoskeleton when they walk on it. Wear a face mask when applying it to areas where you have seen these adult parasites. Leave it on for 24 hours and then vacuum it.
Step 6. Use a dehumidifier
If your home is rather humid, this is the perfect environment for flea growth. You can make it less hospitable by using a dehumidifier so that the indoor air is drier. You can also turn on the air conditioner, fan or radiators, depending on the season.
Step 7. Do not overgrow lawn grass
If your home is overrun with fleas, they will probably stay in the garden too. They breed in tall grass because it protects them from the sun and creates a humid environment. Exposing them to the sun is the best way to eliminate them. Mow your lawn frequently so that it doesn't become a shelter for these pests.
Step 8. Use borax
Spread it in environments where you have seen adult fleas. Apply it as if it were a carpet deodorant. Leave it on for 24 hours, then vacuum it. With this method, you will be able to eliminate a severe infestation in a matter of days.
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Another Infestation
Step 1. Give your pets apple cider vinegar
Pour a teaspoon into the bowl of water. Vinegar is a natural repellent for fleas and keeps them at bay once the infestation is over. It is a safe treatment for dogs and cats.
Step 2. Sprinkle cedar shavings around the house
Cedar scent is another natural flea repellent. Also spread it near the kennel, near the flower beds and in other strategic places to keep these pests away.
Step 3. Spray eucalyptus oil inside your home
If you have a cat, don't use this method as felines are sensitive to eucalyptus. If not, mix it with water and spray it in interior corners and crevices, on carpets and rugs, in drawers and dog bed to keep fleas away.
Step 4. Vacuum often
Your furry friend will occasionally bring a few fleas into the house, but it won't cause a real infestation. Regular use of the vacuum cleaner will kill them before they have time to reproduce.
Warnings
- Be very careful when trying a homemade flea remedy, especially if you apply it directly to your four-legged friends. Solutions that contain toxic ingredients, such as lemon, are often suggested. Before using them, make sure they are not contraindicated if they come into contact with pets.
- Do not put the flea collar in the vacuum cleaner bag. It can produce toxic fumes inside.
