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Health

What Are the Best Home Remedies for Fleas?

By Meshell Powell
Updated May 17, 2024
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Fleas can wreak havoc on a home, especially a home that contains pets. Instead of using harsh chemicals or insecticides, which can be unhealthy for both humans and pets, many people prefer to use home remedies for fleas. Adding black walnut hulls or garlic to a pet's diet can help to control fleas in the home, or the pet can be bathed with an herbal shampoo that works to repel fleas. Fleas will bite humans as well as pets, and home remedies can also include the use of such things as cold packs and over-the-counter antihistamines or steroid creams to treat the affected areas.

In order to reduce the chances of having the home invaded by rapidly reproducing fleas, thereby reducing the risks of flea bites that may become infected, it is important to properly treat any pets in the home. Adding a little garlic to the pet's food is often a good way to repel fleas, although a veterinarian should be consulted to ensure safety for the individual pet. Black walnut hulls are available in a capsule form and may be useful in repelling fleas as well.

Pets who go outside from time to time are more likely to bring fleas into the home. Bathing the pet in an herbal shampoo that contains natural flea repellent may help to reduce the number of fleas that catch a ride on the pet and end up reproducing in the home. Some of the ingredients in these home remedies for fleas may include citronella, eucalyptus, and lavender.

Home remedies for fleas that have already begun trying to take over the house are also available. A product called diatomaceous earth can be purchased at many garden supply stores. Mix this product with borax and table salt and then spread the mixture over carpeted areas of the home. Allow the mixture to sit for a day or two before vacuuming. Alternately, the mixture can be added to the vacuum cleaner bag so that the fleas die after they enter the bag.

A home that has been invaded by fleas will inevitably lead to flea bites on humans. Home remedies for fleas then include proper care of these bites. The first step involves gently but thoroughly washing the affected area with an antiseptic soap. Cold compresses may then be used to soothe any discomfort and reduce the chances of swelling. Over-the-counter antihistamines and steroid creams may be used if necessary.

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Discussion Comments

By anon955952 — On Jun 10, 2014

Beware- garlic is toxic to cats and possibly dogs!

By Ocelot60 — On Jun 05, 2014

My father use to control fleas on dogs by mixing a few tablespoons of vinegar into our pet dogs' water bowls. Though not all dogs will drink it, those that do should have less fleas. This is because their blood will become more acidic from the vinegar water, and fleas will not bite them as a result.

By Heavanet — On Jun 04, 2014

A good way to use eucalyptus as a home remedy for fleas is to apply it directly to a pet's coat and skin.

All you have to do is purchase a bottle of eucalyptus oil, which you can find at health food stores. Next, buy a medium size spray bottle to use to easily apply the eucalyptus. Fill the bottle about half way with water, and add the eucalyptus oil. Shake the mixture vigorously so it is mixed thoroughly together.

Now all that you have to do is apply the eucalyptus oil mixture to your pets coat and rub it into his or her skin. For best results, start with a clean pet. Spray his or her fur all over, avoiding the eyes, mouth, nose, and inside of the ears. Rub your pet's coat thoroughly to get the mixture to penetrate his or her coat down to the skin.

For best results, you should apply the eucalyptus oil mixture at least once a week. It is non-irritating to pets, but fleas hate it, so you should see results right away.

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