How to Kill Fleas?

These six-legged insects can be very irritating and their bites can be painful. Fleas are small and wingless creatures that live on the blood of their host. They often target the legs of the human and the full body of animals such as dogs and cats. Though these creatures are not very harmful but still they can cause some allergic reactions and can interrupt in your peaceful life. This article will solve your problem by suggesting natural ways to kill fleas. Save your time and money and try the ways given below.

Natural Ways to Kill Fleas:

1. Dish Washing Liquid to Catch Fleas:

The high viscosity of dish washing liquid will catch the fleas. It is one of the easiest methods to get rid of fleas. Try this cheap method to catch fleas. You just need a candle, a plate, and some soapy water. The washing liquid will act as a glue and the fleas will get stuck to it.

What to do:

• Take a big round plate and fill it with warm water.
• Add the dishwashing liquid in the water.
• Place a candle in the middle of the plate.
• Light the candles. The light from the candles will attract the fleas. When they come near it, they will fall in soapy water due to its viscosity and will die.
• Keep the plates in every room and try to keep it in the middle.
• Do this for a few nights to kill fleas completely.

Note: If are trying this method, then do not sleep until the candle gets extinguished. Take extra care if there are small children and pets in your home.

2. Make Your Own Herbal Flea Spray:

Fleas are very common and can irritate you a lot. You can make your own herbal spray to kill fleas rather than spending money on harsh chemicals that can be harmful to your health and environment. This herbal spray will be 100% safe and natural.

What to do:

• Vacuum your house properly. The sucking properties of vacuum will eliminate all the germs and insects. Do this every corner of the house.
• Take a spray bottle and add a half gallon of water.
• Mix one gallon of vinegar and 250 ml of witch hazel.
• Add 400 ml of lemon juice.
• Mix all the liquids well.
• Spray the liquid in every corner of your house and in every room.
• Some important areas where you have to spray is furniture, pet bedding, carpets and your bedding.
• Spray daily for the complete elimination of fleas.

3. Baking Soda to Kill Fleas:

This is an affordable and effective treatment to kill fleas. It will eliminate the eggs, which in turn will help you to get rid of fleas. To check the activeness of baking soda pour some white vinegar on it. If the bubbles are formed quickly then continue using it otherwise replace it with the new one.

What to do:

• Vacuum your house properly before using this method.
• Sprinkle baking powder in the affected areas like the carpets, furniture and in all the possible areas of the house.
• Use a brush to rub it into the fabric.
• Leave it for a few hours.
• Vacuum the house to remove the bodies of the fleas and discard the vacuum bag.
• Do this on a regular basis to kill fleas.

4. Rosemary to Repel Fleas:

This perennial herb has antiseptic properties that help to get rid of fleas. It acts as a natural flea repellent. You can use it in powder form or as oil. This is a 100% safe and natural method. This is a good way to control the flea problem in your home.

What to do:

• Take equal parts of rosemary, fennel, peppermint and rue in a jar.
• Grind them to make a powder.
• Spread this herbal powder in every corner of your room including carpets, furniture and on the bedding of your pet.
• Do this daily for a few weeks.

5. Salt to Get Rid of Fleas:

This common ingredient is found in every kitchen. It not only adds taste to your food but also offers other advantages like killing fleas. This is a safe method and is not harmful to the environment. Salt kills the fleas by drying out their body.

What to do:

• Take some fine salt.
• Spread it in all the rooms of your house.
• Try to cover all the areas and corners of the house, including the furniture and window panes.
• Let is stay for at least 24 hours.
• Clean your house properly using a vacuum.
• Do this on a regular basis for encouraging results.

6. Boric Acid to Kill Fleas:

Boric acid is a dehydrating agent that dries out the body of fleas due to which they are killed. It is also used to kill other parasites such as ants, cockroaches, termites and beetles.

What to do:

• Vacuum your house properly and remove all the stuff from the affected area.
• Use a soft brush to apply a layer of boric acid on the carpet.
• Spread it under the furniture.
• For spreading a layer on upholstery you can use a hard brush.
• Let it stay for 24 to 48 hours.
• Vacuum your house regularly to kill more and more fleas.
• Boric acid can discolor the fabrics so before using it do try it on a little patch.

Precaution: Boric acid is toxic in nature, so it should be kept away from the reach of children and pets. Don’t spread it on the kitchen counter tops.

7. Lemon to Get Rid of Fleas:

This is a safe method without any side effects. It does not contain any chemicals which may be harmful. Lemon juice repels the fleas and keeps them away from your house. It kills the flea eggs.

What to do:

• Take a pot of water.
• Add thin slices of lemon.
• Boil it for about 20 to 25 minutes.
• Fill the solution in a spray bottle.
• Use the spray in all the infested areas.

8. Apple Cider Vinegar to Eliminate Fleas:

The enzymes present in apple cider vinegar eats the exoskeleton of fleas due to which they die. It creates an unpleasant environment for the fleas due to which they leave the place. It is a safe and effective method.

What to do:

• Mix equal amounts of vinegar and water.
• Fill this solution in a spray bottle.
• Spray it in all the areas like under the furniture, on the carpets, the bedding of your pet.
• Do this on a regular basis to eliminate fleas.

9. Citronella Oils to Get Rid of Fleas:

It is from the lemongrass family with a strong smell. The smell of citronella which is liked by humans is the same smell that is loathed by the fleas. It also repels certain insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, and black flies.

What to do:

• Take one gallon of hot water.
• Add 20 drops of citronella oil and 5 drops of geranium oil.
• Add 10 drops of each tea tree oil and lemongrass oil.
• Vacuum your house properly before trying this method.
• Clean the floor, carpet, rugs and every corner of your house with this solution.
• Do this daily for a first few weeks.

10. Diatomaceous Earth to Kill Fleas:

It is made up of the remains of fossilized algae, diatoms. The wall of the diatom is made up of silica, which is a component of glass. Now, when you use this fine powder which looks like flour it destroys the exoskeleton of fleas due to which they die. The best part is that it is not toxic to human beings and animals.

What to do:

• Clean your house properly by using a vacuum.
• Spread a thin layer of diatomaceous earth on the affected areas such as carpets, furniture, the bedding of your pet.
• Leave it for 24 hours.
• Use a vacuum for a thorough cleaning to remove the bodies of fleas.
• Throw the vacuum bag.
• Do this every week to eliminate fleas.

Tips to Prevent Fleas:

• Vacuum your house regularly and properly. Clean all the carpets and rugs, the cushion and bed covers, the bedding of your pet. Empty and discard the vacuum bag after you are done with the cleaning.
• Allow a lot of sunlight in the rooms of your house. Hang all the bed covers, clothes, and carpets in sunlight.
• Fleas survive in warm and moist areas. Try to keep the air of your room dry.
• Maintain proper sanitation.
• If you are having a pet give them a bath regularly and take proper care of their hygiene.
• Call for a professional pest control from time to time.