What Are Some Natural Remedies for Killing Fleas?
Some home remedies for killing fleas include using diatomaceous earth, using a baking soda and salt combination, combing infected pets with a flea comb and applying flea nematodes to the yard. Individuals may also use essential oil sprays on dogs and cats to deter fleas.
Diatomaceous earth is a porous rock made up of diatom shells that kills fleas by dehydrating them. Individuals can dust food-grade diatomaceous earth on the carpet, floors and infected pet’s bedding, but they should not apply too much because this can clog vacuum cleaners. Individuals can also apply equal amounts of salt and baking soda to dry carpet, leave it overnight and vacuum it in the morning to achieve the same effect.
Pet owners should use a fine-toothed flea comb over the pet’s body to snag adult fleas, being careful not to injure the animal with the comb’s sharp teeth. After running the comb through the fur, they should shake the fleas into a bowl of soapy water and flush them down the toilet. To decrease flea populations in the yard and garden, individuals can release flea nematodes, which are microscopic roundworms that consume flea larvae. Nematodes can be applied using a lawn sprayer. Additionally, essential oil sprays such as citronella, lavender, peppermint, geranium and lemongrass can be applied to cats and dogs to repel fleas and other parasites.
