Best home remedies to completely get rid of fleas

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Getting rid of fleas can be a challenging task, but several home remedies can help reduce their population and prevent their return. Here are some effective home remedies to consider:

1. Vacuuming

  • Frequency: Regularly vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstery to remove fleas, eggs, and larvae.
  • Aftermath: Dispose of the vacuum bag or empty the canister outside to prevent re-infestation.

2. Salt

  • Application: Sprinkle fine salt on carpets and let it sit for 12-48 hours. Salt acts as a desiccant, dehydrating fleas.
  • Follow Up: Vacuum thoroughly afterward to remove dead fleas and salt.

3. Baking Soda

  • Method: Similar to salt, sprinkle baking soda on carpets and fabrics. It can help dehydrate and kill fleas.
  • Clean Up: Vacuum after letting it sit for at least 12 hours.

4. Diatomaceous Earth

  • Use: Food-grade diatomaceous earth is a natural powder that can kill fleas by dehydrating them.
  • Application: Lightly sprinkle it on carpets and pet bedding, leaving it for a few hours or overnight before vacuuming.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar

  • Solution: Mix equal parts water and apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray on carpets and pet bedding.
  • Effect: The strong smell can repel fleas.

6. Essential Oils

  • Types: Oils like lavender, peppermint, or cedarwood are known to repel fleas.
  • Application: Mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle and lightly spray areas where fleas are present. Always ensure the oils are safe for pets before use.

7. Lemon Spray

  • Preparation: Boil a sliced lemon in water and let it steep overnight. The next day, strain and spray the solution on fleas.
  • Benefit: The citrus acts as a natural flea repellent.

8. Soap and Water Trap

  • Setup: Fill a shallow dish with soap and water and place it in areas where fleas are likely to be. The fleas will jump in and get trapped.
  • Effectiveness: This method works best at night when fleas are more active.

9. Washing Pet Bedding

  • Routine: Wash all pet bedding, linens, and any fabric items that pets frequently come into contact with in hot water.
  • Frequency: Do this weekly during an infestation.

10. Regular Flea Combing

  • Process: Use a flea comb on your pets regularly to capture fleas and eggs.
  • Cleaning: Dip the comb in soapy water to drown the fleas you remove.

Additional Tips:

  • Maintain a clean environment; fleas thrive in dirty spaces.
  • Treat your pets with veterinarian-approved flea treatments to help control the infestation effectively.
  • If the infestation persists despite these remedies, consider consulting a pest control professional.

Though home remedies can be effective, it's essential to be persistent and combine several methods for the best results.