How can you get rid of fleas using lemon? - briefly
Slice a lemon, simmer the slices in water, let the mixture cool, then spray it onto pet bedding, carpets, and other infested surfaces to repel and kill fleas. Repeat the application weekly until no flea activity is observed.
How can you get rid of fleas using lemon? - in detail
Lemon contains citric acid and essential oils that act as insect repellents and disrupt the life cycle of fleas. The acidic environment interferes with the exoskeleton, while limonene and other volatile compounds deter adult insects from host animals and breeding sites.
To prepare an effective flea‑control spray, follow these steps:
- Wash a fresh lemon thoroughly; slice into quarters.
- Place the slices in a pot containing one litre of water.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for fifteen minutes.
- Remove from heat, allow to cool completely, and strain to eliminate solid particles.
- Transfer the liquid to a spray bottle; optional addition of a few drops of neem oil enhances efficacy.
Application guidelines:
- Spray the solution onto pet bedding, carpets, and upholstery, ensuring thorough coverage without saturating fabrics.
- For direct use on animals, dilute the spray further (one part lemon solution to three parts water) and apply sparingly to the neck and base of the tail, avoiding eyes and mucous membranes.
- Reapply every 48 hours during an active infestation; repeat for at least three weeks to break the reproductive cycle.
Precautions:
- Conduct a patch test on a small fabric area to confirm colourfastness.
- Observe the animal for signs of skin irritation; discontinue use if redness or itching occurs.
- Keep the solution out of reach of children and avoid ingestion.
Complementary measures increase overall success:
- Vacuum carpets and furniture daily; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately.
- Wash pet bedding in hot water (minimum 60 °C) weekly.
- Maintain a clean yard by removing leaf litter and tall grass where fleas may develop.
Combining the lemon‑based spray with rigorous hygiene creates an environment hostile to fleas, reducing the need for synthetic chemicals while preserving the health of pets and occupants.