For such tiny critters, fleas can do a whole lot of harm to both pets and pet owners. Aside from being plain annoying and gross, they can also cause anemia in small animals and allergic reactions in humans and their furry friends alike. And with adult female fleas laying 40 to 50 eggs per day, you could have an infestation on your hands within the week. So what’s an animal lover to do? Many of us are understandably hesitant when it comes to harsh chemical medications and bug bombs, so here’s a list of natural options for preventing and killing fleas.
Conquer the Laundry
When you choose to avoid strong chemicals to get rid of fleas, many of your options will involve a little more labor than applying medicine or setting off a bomb. To keep your home flea-free, you need to handle the places fleas hide and breed. Piles of laundry are a huge culprit, which means you have no choice but to get them done. The great thing about this method is that as long as you use hot water and soap, you’ll kill any fleas or flea eggs hiding in the clothes and linens—bringing you one step closer to a pest-free environment. To be sure you’ve eradicated the fleas, wash clothes in water that’s at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes or more. Then use the highest, hottest setting on your dryer that’s safe for your laundry.
Vacuum Floors and Furniture
Once your carpets, couches, and chairs are cleared of laundry, make a point to vacuum your home multiple times a week, disposing of whatever debris you pick up in a trash bin or dumpster—outdoors. You don’t want the eggs you just sucked up hatching in the house after all the work you did to get them off the floor and furniture.
Keep Grass Mowed
If your pet plays outdoors, it’s important to keep your yard mowed. Much like the laundry in your house, tall grass provides ample ground for fleas to multiply. Tending to the lawn is especially important in spring and summer, when both grass and the flea population grow at alarming rates.
Use a Flea Comb
When opting out of conventional flea treatments, your main line of defense between fleas and your pet is the humble yet effective flea comb. You will also need a large cup or bowl filled with warm, soapy water to kill the fleas you drag out with the comb. (Something unbreakable is best in case your pet gets a little antsy.) If possible, do this outside. Remember, fleas do jump, but even if a few get away, you’re still taking a big step to control their population. For best results, groom your pet with the flea comb every day.
Give Your Pet a Bath
As mentioned before, hot, soapy water does a great job of killing fleas on the spot—so giving your animal a bath is an obvious solution for some relief from those crawling, biting parasites that cause so much discomfort. A big advantage here is that you can choose any pet shampoo you’re comfortable using, including gentler, more natural products. Note, however, that dogs should only be bathed once every one to three months. And while it may be appropriate to bathe your cat if it has fleas or is dirty, felines don’t usually need our help to stay clean. Most cats don’t enjoy assistance with grooming, and some will protest or outright refuse with voices or claws. It can get ugly, so you might be better off just sticking with the comb.
Sprinkle Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth (also known as D.E., silica, or ground aquatic fossils) is one of the most commonly used natural flea combatants around. This popularity is because while D.E. is nontoxic to both people and pets, it does a good job of killing fleas at all stages of their short but numerous lives. Diatomaceous earth dries out the adult, larvae, or egg while simultaneously busting the flea open with its microscopic, jagged edges. Sprinkle some in your vacuum bag or canister, or let it sit on carpets, furniture, and in corners for 30 minutes to an hour. Then vacuum up the silica and dispose of it—again, outdoors. Diatomaceous earth can also be bought in large quantities from outdoor supply stores for use in the yard.
Spray Pets With Vinegar Solution
While vinegar does not kill fleas, many people claim apple cider vinegar works as a repellent when applied to your pet’s fur regularly, especially before going outside. You’ll want to dilute the vinegar with an equal amount of water, then use a spray bottle or rag to apply the mixture.
There are no miracle solutions, but a consistent combination of these methods will save you and your pet from resorting to harsh pesticides. And though you may have encountered the recommendation to use lavender oil for flea control, the ASPCA points out that lavender is toxic to cats and dogs. This treatment may be natural, but keep in mind that “natural” does not always mean non-toxic.
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