When it comes to household pests, fleas are most annoying pests. They feed on humans and warm-blooded animals. If you have a flea problem then you and your pets are acting as hosts for them. Fleas usually prefer non-human source for feeding but if the infestations are heavy or when the other hosts are not available, fleas will feed on humans. When they bite a person, a skin reaction appears that is slightly raised and red itchy spot. They require humid and warm conditions to develop. There are many pest control or chemicals available for fleas infestation. These chemicals are not good for you and your pet as well. So try some home remedies for fleas.
There are many types of fleas but the most common are the cat flea which feeds on humans and dogs. Fleas are attracted to body heat, exhaled carbon dioxide and movement. They are very tiny and they have no wings. Fleas feed on blood and thus your pets i.e. cats, dogs and even you can be their hosts. The eggs of fleas can be dropped anywhere in your house. These eggs turn into larvae and then turn into fleas. So cleaning your home is important to eliminate fleas.
Best Home Remedies for Fleas:
1.) Horse Apples for Fleas Control
Horse apples are one of the best home remedies for fleas. It has been used for treating fleas infestation. The other names of horse apples are monkey ball, hedge apple, bodark or bodock.
Directions to Use Horse Apples:
- Take whole horse apples and cut them into halves.
- Place the fruit or its pieces all around your house, window sills, in rooms and even in yards.
- Some people think that ripe horse apple will work better and others think that the raw ones work great. For best results, use green horse apple and let them dry out. Because wholly dried horse apple will be more effective.
- Such types of fruits will not only control fleas but also control other insects and rodents including grass, snake, field mouse etc.
2.) Citronella Essential Oil to Get Rid of Fleas at Home
Citronella essential oil is the best natural flea repellent. This is a safe oil therefore, it is used not only for pets but also for human beings. This oil effectively repels insects such as mosquitoes, fleas, black flies etc. Mop your floors with a combination of essential oils and citronella oil as it is one of the best ingredients. This oil will keep fleas away from your house.
Directions to Use Citronella Essential Oil:
- First, vacuum your house properly.
- Take 1 gallon of warm water and mix all the essential oils with this water.
- Use this water to mop the floors of your house.
- Mop your floor daily with this scented water.
- This water will keep the fleas and mosquitoes away from your home.
3.) Homemade Flea Spray to Remove Fleas Naturally and Fast
You will find many flea sprays in the market but they all are packed with the chemicals and thus can be dangerous. So make your own herbal flea spray with such natural ingredients as rosemary, lemons, and certain essential oil.
Directions to Use Homemade Spray:
- Take 6 lemons, cut them into slices and place them into a large bowl.
- Take a handful of rosemary leaves and chop them.
- Now mix these chopped rosemary leaves to the lemon slices into the bowl.
- Add 1-liter boiling water to this mixture.
- Also, add geranium oil to this mixture.
- Cover it and leave it overnight.
- In the next morning, strain the water and fill it in the spray bottle.
- Now use this homemade citrus flea spray and spray it in the solution.
- This is a safe herbal solution and you can also use for your dog’s bedding. Use this spray to repel the fleas.
4.) Dish Washing Liquid to Catch Fleas Fast
Using dishwashing liquid is one of the easiest ways to kill fleas. If you give a bath to your pet with a dishwashing liquid then you will be able to get rid of fleas on its body. A flea trap will help you to clean your entire house of fleas.
Directions to Use Fleas:
- Place a plate or a bowl in your rooms, preferably in the middle of your room.
- Now fill it with warm water.
- Add dishwashing liquid to this warm water.
- Place one tea candle in the middle of each plate or you can place it near the bowl or plate.
- Light the candles and you will see that the fleas will get attract towards the light.
- When they come towards the light, they will get stuck in the soap liquid.
- Now this way, fleas will die.
5.) Herbal Flea Spray to Get Rid of Fleas Naturally
The herbal spray is one of the best and effective home remedies for fleas. This homemade flea spray uses lemon juice and witch hazel which is very effective to eliminate fleas from your house. This spray is safe for your kids and pets.
Directions to Use Herbal Flea Spray:
- Mix 1 gallon of vinegar, half a gallon of water, 16 oz. lemon juice and 8 oz. of witch hazel.
- Fill this solution into a spray bottle.
- Now spray your pet bedding, carpet, furniture, floors and every corner of your house.
- Do it at least for 2 to 7 days to eliminate fleas.
6.) Salt to Get Rid of Fleas Fast
Salt is a very common ingredient that will help you to treat fleas infestation. It acts as a dehydrating agent for fleas and dries out their bodies. Using salt is one of the inexpensive ways to control fleas.
Directions to Use Salt:
- Take some sea salt and fill your spice bottle with this sea salt.
- Sprinkle the salt in each of your room or where you see fleas.
- The salt should cover the area evenly.
- Leave it for 48 hours.
- After 1 to 2 days, clean everything thoroughly.
7.) Boric Acid to Kill the Fleas Fast
Boric Acid is one of the best home remedies for fleas. It works as a dehydrating agent or a desiccant which causes dehydration in fleas due to which they are killed. Sprinkle boric acid wherever you see fleas, their eggs or their larvae.
Directions to Use Boric Acid:
- Fill the bottle with boric acid.
- Vacuum the upholstery, carpets etc. where you want to sprinkle boric acid.
- Now sprinkle the boric acid on the area like on the carpet.
- Use a soft brush and work the acid into the carpet pile.
- Leave it for 12 to 48 hours.
- Now clean the surfaces treated with boric acid.
8.) Diatomaceous Earth to Control Fleas Fast and Naturally
Diatomaceous earth is one of the best home remedies for fleas. It helps to cut through the hard shell of fleas and will dry them out. This will lead to the death of fleas as their larvae. Diatomaceous earth is non-toxic to animals and human beings.
Directions to Use Diatomaceous Earth:
- Brush your carpets and vacuum properly.
- Sprinkle the diatomaceous earth in thin layers or where you see the fleas. After treating your home with diatomaceous earth, fleas start dying.
- Leave the diatomaceous earth for 12 to 48 hours.
- Now vacuum all the powder and discard the vacuum bag.
