Everyone knows that getting rid of fleas can be a nightmare. Because of this, some people resort to the strongest, chemical-laden solutions they can find. However, there are more gentle ways to approach the problem. Getting rid of fleas naturally is easier than you may think!
How to Get Rid of Fleas Naturally on Your Dog
Rub a dub dub, time to put Fido in the tub! Wondering which doggie shampoo will do? Remember, we are talking about natural remedies here, so let’s skip over those chemical flea-killing doggie shampoos, and go straight for the organic versions.
Look for an organic dog shampoo that contains ingredients that are known to naturally repel fleas. These ingredients include rosemary, eucalyptus and cedar. You can even mix up your own homemade, flea-killing pet shampoo by combining the following ingredients: ½ cup of water, ½ cup of distilled white vinegar and ¼ cup of dawn dish liquid.
After thoroughly wetting down your dog and applying the shampoo, don’t immediately just rinse it off. Massage it into their coat for 3-5 minutes. Now you can rinse all those little black corpses down the drain. To learn more tips & tricks about grooming your pooch click here.
Apple Cider Vinegar
I’m sure you have heard of apple cider vinegar before. Apple cider vinegar is well-known for its many different uses for humans. As it turns out, it can be just as helpful for pets. After bathing your dog, follow up with a rinse of this not-so-good smelling stuff, which will work to balance your dog’s pH.
Combine the following in a spray bottle: 6 ounces of apple cider vinegar, 4 ounces of warm water and ¼ teaspoon of sea salt. Shake well. Avoiding the eyes, spray all over your dog, particularly paying attention to his or her belly.
After your dog’s coat has dried, comb through her fur with a flea comb. This will help get rid of any little critters that are left behind.
Getting Rid of Fleas Naturally in Your Home
Clean, Clean, Clean
Logically, if you have clothes and clutter lying around everywhere, there are plenty of places for these nuisance creatures to the hideout. They love dark places. It is time to pick up the excess stuff lying around and clean up!
Begin by gathering all of the fabrics that your pet lays on, such as their bedding, blankets and the like. Wash them in hot water, and if possible, toss them in the dryer on the highest heat.
Wiping down surfaces will help to remove flea dirt and larvae. However, one of the most important things you can do to get rid of fleas in your home is to vacuum on a very regular basis, ideally every other day. Each time that you are finished vacuuming, either throw away the vacuum bag or wash out the vacuum canister with warm, soapy water. This will ensure that they won’t find their way back out of your vacuum cleaner into your home again.
Steam cleaning your carpets and furniture monthly will also help the situation.
Treat Your Carpeting
There are several things you can try spreading on your carpet, to naturally kill fleas in your home. Have you ever heard of diatomaceous earth?
Diatomaceous earth is a fine powder, created from the fossilized remains of diatoms, which are basically, tiny, aquatic organisms. It is a natural substance and is not poisonous in any way. It kills insects by causing their exoskeletons to dry out and die, as all of their oils are absorbed.
This makes diatomaceous earth a particularly helpful agent against fighting fleas in your home. Here is what you need to do. Spread it all over your carpeting, and leave it there for 48 hours. Be sure to choose a human-grade variety, as opposed to a pool grade version. During this time, keep your pets off of the carpeting. Vacuum your carpets well, after the 48 hours have passed.
If you don’t have any diatomaceous earth on hand, you can even use baking soda or coarse salt, which may work just as well.
Dish Soap
Here is a simple trick you can do to trap them in a particular room of your house. First, you will need to choose a room that you can close off from your pets and children for the night. Now, take a shallow pan and fill it with water and several drops of dish soap. Next, plug in a lamp, and shine it over the pan of soapy water. When you come and visit the pan in the morning, you are likely to find their drowned corpses, who were attracted to the heat emanated from the lamp.
Getting Rid of Fleas Naturally in Your Yard
Perform Simple Lawn Maintenance
Hopefully, your lawn isn’t overgrown and there aren’t piles of leaves covering your yard. If so, take care of the situation. This is because if there are fleas living on your dog, chances are that they are out in your yard too. Clearing away the excess grass and leaves is the perfect way to begin.
Use Beneficial Nematodes
Next, a natural way to get rid of fleas in your yard is to spray nematodes. Ever heard of nematodes? Basically, nematodes are microscopic roundworms that feed on organic matter. Nematodes can be sprayed both on the grass and in the garden. Ask your local gardening store for a recommendation on a nematode formulation specifically to combat these persistent critters. Spraying nematodes in your yard can kill up to 90% of flea larvae in only 24 hours’ time.
Get Planting
There are specific plants that are known to repel these pests. For example, certain plants such as sage, rosemary, peppermint and lemongrass all have essential oils that are known to naturally fend them off.
Conclusion
If your dog has fleas, you may be tempted to try a chemical solution. However, before going that route, why not go natural first? Your dog’s health is worth it. Taking a natural approach is safer for your pets and for your family.
