Few things are more frustrating than dealing with itchy, scratchy fleas, especially during the hot summer months. If you're dealing with a flea problem inside, this guide will help you know exactly what to do without overcomplicating things.
To adequately address an indoor flea problem, you'll need to come prepared to investigate, do some cleaning, and maybe even hop on a ladder or enter the crawlspace. Things could get dirty, so dress accordingly.
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Click Play to Learn How to Use Vinegar as a Homemade Flea Repellent
Before You Begin
You'll need to gather some tools and supplies if you're going to have success tackling a flea problem.
The first step will be identifying where the flea issue is coming from. We'll go into more detail about this below, but start by asking yourself if fleas are a once-in-a-while issue in your house, or if they are a serious and recurring problem. Naturally, fleas come and go with the seasons—and you're likely to see them here and there if you have pets that go outside—but there are certain flea problems that are much worse than others.
If the fleas in your home are not severe, you probably won't need to go into the attic or crawlspace, and you can skip grabbing a ladder. A bright flashlight or headlamp (300+ lumens) is always a great tool to have around, though, and you can use it for lots of different jobs, not just pest control. If you're shopping for a good flashlight, consider getting one that has a clip on it. This way, you can clip it to the bill of your hat and keep your hands free.
Tip
If you have pets in your home, it's a very good idea to have a high-quality vacuum, but if you're trying to get rid of fleas, you definitely need a good-quality vacuum. Do your research and find which vacuum is best for you, but a HEPA filter is always a great feature to look for.
What You'll Need
Equipment / Tools
- 1 bright flashlight or headlamp (300+ lumens)
- 1 drill
- 1 ladder
- 1 vacuum
- 1 bucket or large jug
Materials
- 1 1/4 inch mesh screen
- 2 screws
- 1 bottle 'Skin-So-Soft' bath oil
- 1 bottle of flea medication (optional)
Instructions
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How to Get Rid of Fleas Naturally
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Identify the Source of the Fleas
This step could be as simple as, "The source is my pet, of course!" If that's the case, you can skip this part for now, but if you've realized that fleas are causing serious issues in your house, it's time to start thinking outside the box.
Pets often bring fleas in from outside. If your yard has a recurring wildlife issue, this could create a recurring flea issue. Look for areas where pests like rodents might hang out, and start by removing any items from along the foundation of your house, including pallets, woodpiles, and dense vegetation. These areas provide cover for rodents right up against the foundation of your home and let's not forget: rodents carry fleas that could spread to your dog or cat.
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Screen Off Gaps and Vents
Around your home's foundation and along the roofline, there are various vents and screens. These screens aren't designed to keep fleas out, but they are designed to keep wildlife out. When damaged, these areas can become entry points for flea-carrying wildlife like:
- Mice
- Rats
- Squirrels
- Raccoons
- Birds
Under your home is an area that is especially appealing to wildlife. When it's hot out, this space provides shade and when it's cold, it provides shelter and warmth. In the summer when fleas are at their peak, accumulations of them can build up in your crawlspace where wildlife could be hanging out in the shade. If your pet is able to access this shade as well, they are likely to pick up fleas while they're at it.
Use your flashlight or headlamp to illuminate vents and screening that might be difficult to see otherwise. Look for knocked-out corners and other holes or damage. These should be repaired or screened off by screwing pieces of 1/4" mesh cut down to size.
(Video) 10 Effective Ways to Get Rid of FleasTip
Avoid sealing gaps with spray foam. Most animals, including rats, can chew through spray foam like it's circus peanuts. Screening off holes is the best way to go, but you could also pack smaller holes and gaps tightly with steel wool.
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Clean Pet Resting Areas
Fleas lay their eggs on their host (your pet), but their eggs do not stick to your pet's hair. Instead, the eggs easily fall off and will pile up most where your pet spends time resting and relaxing.
Wash and dry your pet's bedding regularly and vacuum your pet's resting areas on a frequent basis. Often, dog houses are forgotten, but if you're working hard to get rid of fleas inside and your dog goes out and picks up more flea eggs in their doghouse, that will be a problem when it comes to your flea control efforts.
Flea eggs are especially prone to piling up inside the cracks of sofas. If your dog or cat is allowed on the furniture, it is very important that you vacuum the cushions of your couch, remove them, and then vacuum all the cracks and crevices of your sofa as well.
Tip
If you live in a hot area and there is sand underneath your home, this could be a problem if you're dealing with sand fleas. Animals will often seek shade under homes during hot weather. Dry sand and frequent animal visits creates an ideal environment for sand fleas to take over. If you can't seem to get rid of your flea issue and your dog or cat likes to cool off under your home, consider this possibility.
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Vacuum Thoroughly and Frequently
For flea control, it can't be said enough: vacuum, vacuum, vacuum.
Don't just focus on pet resting areas, either. While these areas should be addressed regularly, flea eggs can fall off your pet and into all kinds of places, especially between the baseboard and the floorboard.
Flea eggs can lie dormant for a long time if a host is not present, meaning eggs can hide out in discreet places until the movement of a new host triggers them to come out and start feeding. The vacuum will help solve this problem, so leave no nook or cranny unvacuumed. Just be sure to dispose of your vacuum bag when you're finished.
(Video) 13 Ways to Get Rid of Fleas in the House Fast | The Guardian's Choice -
Wash Your Pet with Bath Oil
Bathing your pet should be a regular event if you're trying to get rid of fleas inside. While there are medicated shampoos that can be used for fleas, you could also try other products like Skin-So-Soft bath oil.
To use Skin-So-Soft to get rid of fleas on your pet:
- Mix 1.5 oz of Skin-So-Soft with 1 gallon of water.
- Use this solution on your pet during baths.
- Bathe your pet frequently while you are trying to get rid of fleas.
Certain studies showed a 31-62% reduction in fleas when animals were bathed with this solution, but the key is bathing them frequently enough that the fleas are not allowed time to repopulate on your pet. This step will not work well if pet resting areas are not being cleaned and flea sources addressed, too.
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Treat Your Pet For Fleas
Many pet owners want to avoid this step when possible, but in certain cases it's unavoidable and flea treatment will be necessary.
A good quality over-the-counter flea treatment can work wonders if you're comfortable treating your furry friend on your own, or there are flea treatment options your vet can provide. Some of these treatments involve topical application, where others are ingestible and cover a variety of pests including ticks and worms. Talk to your vet about the best options for your pets.
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When to Call a Professional
Whether you call a professional or not, you will want to follow the six steps above if you're dealing with fleas.
A pest professional can help when you cannot identify the source of your flea issue or if you're doing everything right and still can't get rid of them. Avoid companies that are too eager to sell a chemical application. While targeted chemical treatment can be necessary to get rid of severe flea problems, it's a band-aid solution if the source of the fleas isn't addressed.
How to Get Rid of Fleas in Your Home
FAQs
How to Get Rid of Fleas Naturally in 6 Easy Steps? ›
Natural Remedy: Diatomaceous Earth
This talc-like powder is made from silica, the same stuff that makes up sand. You can sprinkle it on carpets, bedding, and furniture. Let it sit for several hours, then vacuum it up. It kills fleas by drying them out.
Natural Remedy: Diatomaceous Earth
This talc-like powder is made from silica, the same stuff that makes up sand. You can sprinkle it on carpets, bedding, and furniture. Let it sit for several hours, then vacuum it up. It kills fleas by drying them out.
Create a flea spray by mixing 4 liters of vinegar, 2 liters of water, 500 ml of lemon juice and 250 ml of witch hazel in a large spray bottle. Before applying the product around your home, you should vacuum properly, emptying the contents into an outside bin, and wash any bedding/cushions that could be infested.
Does Dawn dish soap kill fleas? ›Although Dawn kills fleas, veterinarians say it doesn't repel them or prevent infestations. Think of it as more of a temporary fix than a permanent solution.
What is the easiest way to kill fleas? ›Thoroughly bathe pets with soap and water, then comb them with a flea comb. Pay careful attention to face and neck regions, and the area in front of the tail. Soap will act as a gentle insecticide to kill adult fleas.
What draws out fleas? ›Fleas are attracted to light, movement, heat, and CO2 because these elements help them find suitable hosts to feed on. Being able to use these as tools against them is a good way to help get your flea infestation under control.
What kills fleas in 30 minutes? ›Capstar has a rapid onset of action – starts killing fleas within 30 minutes – and continues to rapidly kill fleas for 24 hours.
What do fleas hate the most? ›Citronella, eucalyptus, peppermint, tea tree, and rosemary will all naturally repel fleas. If your dog doesn't mind a spray bottle, dilute a few drops of your chosen essential oil into a 300ml-400ml of water and spray directly onto your dog's coat.
Will vinegar get rid of fleas? ›While Apple Cider Vinegar does not kill fleas, it may repel them because fleas dislike its smell and taste. One of the most simple ways to use this natural flea repellent is to make a solution out of equal parts apple cider vinegar and water.
What dishwashing liquid kills fleas? ›Although Dawn dish soap can kill fleas, it should not be used as a flea treatment for pets because it could irritate their skin and coat, or be harmful if ingested.
What kills fleas on contact? ›
You can use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar, which is both effective in dealing with pests. Mixing essential oils like cedar or lavender can make the solution powerful. You can damp cloth with a vinegar solution on infested areas and on your pets to ensure that all fleas will be gone for good.
Does baking soda kill fleas? ›Baking soda does not kill adult fleas and will do nothing to protect your pets. It is excellent at absorbing smells and has been suggested by some online pet sites for use as a flea killer because it “may” dry out flea eggs and larvae. But there is no evidence that using baking soda to kill fleas is effective at all.
Does rubbing alcohol kill fleas? ›Rubbing alcohol does kill fleas on contact. However, it's not a good way to tackle a flea infestation. Alcohol can be toxic to animals. It's easily absorbed through their skin, and if they ingest a large enough amount, it could be fatal.
Can I put baking soda directly on my dog to kill fleas? ›By mixing baking soda and salt into a formula you are making a dehydrating agent. This will dry out the fleas, their eggs, and the larvae. This will kill them off so that they do not reproduce and spread. The main point of handling a flea infestation is to stop it from spreading.
What liquid kills fleas instantly? ›Dawn dish soap will drown fleas that are on your pet, killing them quickly.
What is the fastest flea killer? ›Capstar (nitenpyram) is a fast-acting flea treatment tablet for use in dogs and cats that starts killing fleas in only 30 minutes. A single dose of Capstar kills 90% of adult fleas within 4 hours for dogs and 6 hours for cats, ridding your pet of these pesky parasites.
What makes fleas worse? ›Fleas live and breed in warm, moist places, so infestations are usually worse in the summer months. While flea activity does slow down in winter months, it doesn't completely stop. The warmth of your home provides the ideal environment for fleas during the colder months.
What annoys fleas? ›Natural flea repellents such as citronella, eucalyptus, peppermint, and geraniol may naturally repel fleas. If your pet doesn't mind a spray bottle, dilute a few drops of your chosen repellent into 10-13 fl oz of water and spray directly onto your pet's coat.
What eats house fleas? ›Ladybugs are a recognized exterminator of fleas, and not only. Strength: They are known for their healthy appetite of over 50 insects a day and soft bodies bugs like fleas are a typical course in their daily meal.
Does hydrogen peroxide get rid of fleas? ›A 3% hydrogen peroxide solution may just be your answer. Peroxide is a common insecticide used in gardens and other agricultural sites. Not only does it kill fleas due to its toxic nature, but it can also eradicate other pests from your foliage as well.
Can I spray vinegar on my bed for fleas? ›
Can You Use Apple Cider Vinegar as a Homemade Flea Spray? Using a DIY flea spray of apple cider vinegar on a rug or dog bed will not kill fleas of any life stage. That's because the acid in vinegar is not strong enough to penetrate the shell of flea eggs or larvae.
Is vinegar and dawn good for fleas? ›It seems like people use it for everything, but it actually works. I added two cups to her bath water and scrubbed her down with Dawn dish soap, and her fleas dispersed into the bath water. Although fleas can swim, the suds and vinegar kill them.
How did they get rid of fleas in the old days? ›In the past, alum was used, both in the powdered form sprinkled over carpets and rugs and by dipping papers in an alum solution and placing them under the rugs (Bishop 1921). Riley and Johannsen (1915) suggested the thorough sweeping of houses at frequent intervals, and keeping the floors as bare as possible.
How long until Dawn dish soap kills fleas? ›Allow about 5 minutes for the dish soap to completely kill the fleas before you begin rinsing. Use a cup of water or a handheld shower head to wash the soap off. Start from the top of your pet's body and work your way down towards the tail.
Does soapy water attract fleas? ›Put a dish of warm soapy water under a desk lamp and shine the lamp on the water overnight. Make sure all the other lights in your house are turned off. Fleas are attracted to the light and will drown in the soapy water. Be careful not to leave your trap in reach of curious pets or children!
What ingredients in Dawn dish soap kills fleas? ›Dawn contains surfactants, which are compounds that lower the surface tension of water. Fleas will sink and drown when a couple drops of Dawn are added to water. Without a surfactant, fleas won't break the water's surface tension.
What can I spray on my bed for fleas? ›Spray Vinegar and Water Solution Onto Sheets
You can easily make a flea-killing solution at home. Combine equal parts water and vinegar and spray over the fleas. Then, sprinkle salt all over the affected area. This helps keep the area dry, which aids in killing the fleas and larvae.
Lysol can be used to disinfect surfaces and floors in your home, and it may have some insecticidal properties that can kill fleas. However, it is important to note that Lysol is not a product specifically designed for flea control and it may not be as effective as products specifically made for that purpose.
What is the best ingredient to kill fleas? ›The most effective ones contain ingredients such as permethrin, imidacloprid, or dinotefuran that are lethal to the biting adult stage, and an “insect growth regulator” (e.g., methoprene, pyriproxyfen) that halts development of flea eggs and larvae.
How long do you leave baking soda and salt for fleas? ›Make an equal mixture of salt and baking soda liberally on your carpet or affected area, and leave it overnight to dehydrate the larvae and eggs. Vacuum the carpet thoroughly and then clean your canister or bag carefully so you don't accidentally let the fleas out again.
Will vinegar stop fleas? ›
While Apple Cider Vinegar does not kill fleas, it may repel them because fleas dislike its smell and taste. One of the most simple ways to use this natural flea repellent is to make a solution out of equal parts apple cider vinegar and water.
What smell kills fleas? ›Natural flea repellents such as citronella, eucalyptus, peppermint, and geraniol may naturally repel fleas. If your pet doesn't mind a spray bottle, dilute a few drops of your chosen repellent into 10-13 fl oz of water and spray directly onto your pet's coat.
How do you keep fleas away at night? ›Covering skin with long-sleeve clothing and pants will minimize exposure to bites. Flea bites often occur on the lower legs and feet, protect these areas with long socks and pants. Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin.
How do I get rid of fleas at night? ›First, mix dish soap with warm water. Then place a bowl containing the mixture in each room of your house and leave it there overnight. When fleas jump into the solution, the dish soap will cause them to get stuck. Then you can simply throw out the solution in the morning to get rid of the fleas.
What kills fleas and eggs in house? ›Mopping and steam cleaning can help to kill flea eggs, and washing linens, bedding, and pet beds in the washing machine on the hot cycle is also advisable. If possible, declutter your home so it's easier to clean and there are fewer places for flea eggs to hide.
Is Dawn and vinegar good for fleas? ›It seems like people use it for everything, but it actually works. I added two cups to her bath water and scrubbed her down with Dawn dish soap, and her fleas dispersed into the bath water. Although fleas can swim, the suds and vinegar kill them.
How to get rid of fleas in the house fast with baking soda? ›Use baking soda to remove fleas
A fail-safe way to get rid of fleas is to sprinkle baking soda down, give it a rub and then vacuum up any residue. You may have to do this a few times before you remove all the fleas. Pay close attention to the areas where pets sleep, too.