How to get rid of fleas using home remedies? - briefly
Use a diluted apple‑cider‑vinegar spray on pets and affected areas, sprinkle food‑grade diatomaceous earth on carpets and bedding, and wash all fabrics in hot water while vacuuming daily. This combination eliminates fleas at each life stage without chemicals.
How to get rid of fleas using home remedies? - in detail
Fleas can be eradicated from a home environment without professional chemicals by combining mechanical removal, environmental modification, and natural substances.
First, eliminate adult insects and eggs from pets. Bathe dogs or cats with a mild dish‑soap solution, allowing the soap to contact the skin for five minutes before rinsing. Follow the bath with a thorough combing using a fine‑toothed flea comb; scrape each stroke and drop collected insects into soapy water to kill them. Repeat the process every 48 hours for two weeks to break the life cycle.
Second, treat the living area. Vacuum all carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, and pet bedding with a high‑efficiency vacuum. Immediately empty the canister or bag into a sealed plastic bag and discard it outdoors. After vacuuming, sprinkle diatomaceous earth—food‑grade, fine powder—on carpet edges, under furniture, and in cracks. Leave for 24 hours, then vacuum again. The abrasive particles damage the exoskeleton of fleas and their larvae, causing dehydration.
Third, apply natural repellents. Prepare a spray by mixing one part white vinegar with one part water and adding a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil. Lightly mist the solution on pet bedding, baseboards, and pet‑frequent zones; avoid direct contact with animal skin. For hardwood or tile floors, a solution of one cup of baking soda dissolved in a gallon of warm water can be sprayed; the alkaline environment discourages flea development.
Fourth, address outdoor zones where pets spend time. Trim grass and remove leaf litter to reduce humidity. Distribute a thin layer of powdered neem or citrus oil–based concentrate over the perimeter, reapplying after rain.
Finally, maintain prevention. Wash pet blankets and towels at 60 °C weekly, and repeat the vacuum‑diatomaceous earth cycle monthly. Monitor pets for scratching; if infestations recur, increase the frequency of baths and combing.
By integrating these steps—soap baths, combing, thorough vacuuming, diatomaceous earth, vinegar‑oil spray, baking‑soda solution, and outdoor habitat management—fleas can be suppressed and eventually eliminated without reliance on commercial insecticides.