Have a problem with lice? This happens to all pet owners from time to time. If you're afraid of using flea bombs and spray guns on your pets, you'll be happy to know that there are natural methods you can use to get rid of fleas effectively. Your vacuum cleaner is the most powerful tool you can safely use to fight fleas, common kitchen ingredients like baking soda and lemon zest are also good repellents. Use this easy, chemical-free method to get rid of fleas forever.
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Part 1 of 3: Taking Care of Your Pets
Step 1. Give your pet a natural flea bath
The first step to treating a pet with fleas is to bathe it. You can take your pet to the vet for a chemical bath, but if you want to solve this problem naturally, try these flea baths:
- Make rosemary dip. Soak 2 cups of fresh rosemary in water and boil for hour. Add rosemary boiled water to a gallon of warm water. While the water is still warm, pour it over the infected animal.
- Make the lemon water dip. Boil the rind of 2 lemons in 2 cups of water for hour. Add lemon juice to a gallon of warm water. While the water is still warm, pour it over the infected animal.
- Use soapy water. It may be effective to use a solution of water mixed with a mild foam soap. Gently bathe your cat or dog in warm water.
Step 2. Use a flea comb after bathing
The bath solution will kill some of the lice, but you will still need to remove the eggs. Purchase a flea comb at a pet store and use it to gently comb your pet's fur to remove all nits.
Step 3. Treat your pet with natural flea deterrents
Fleas are naturally preventable with a few natural scents and oils that you can apply directly to your dog. Meanwhile, cats can be injured by some types of oil, so avoid treating your cat with substances that are not recommended by veterinarians. Here are some options for caring for your pet:
- Lavender essential oil. Apply it around the neck and back of your dog. This substance is said to eradicate and prevent the presence of lice.
- Eucalyptus oil. Make a liquid spray from a mixture of 1 cup of water and 5 drops of eucalyptus oil, then spray it on your dog to prevent fleas. Do not do this treatment on cats.
- Lemon spray. Boil the lemon rind for hour and fill a spray bottle with the cooled mixture, then spray it on your dog. This one is also safe to use on cats.
Step 4. Repeat until the tick is gone
As with the other methods, you'll need to bathe, comb, and groom your pet several times before it's completely clean. Watch for signs of growing fleas on your pet, and clean your dog or cat once a week or so to kill any fleas present.
Part 2 of 3: Cleaning and Housekeeping
Step 1. Wash your pet's bedding in hot water
As soon as you know there are fleas in your home, immediately wash your pet's bedding in hot water to kill all fleas and eggs. Wash other items your pet has touched, such as baby clothes, pillows, and so on.
Step 2. Wash sheets and other linen fabrics
It's very possible that the fleas have spread where your pet is, so act and get them all cleaned up. You may need to wash clothes, bedding (if your pet sleeps with you), sofa cushions, and anything else that can harbor fleas.
Step 3. Clean carpets and upholstered furniture with a vacuum cleaner
Use a powerful vacuum cleaner and thoroughly clean the carpet. Do it slowly, then clean the entire area once again. You can also clean sofas, chair sheets, and rugs. Use connectors to reach hard-to-reach areas.
- Vacuum cleaners are proven to kill fleas. He will suck the lice along with all the eggs.
- After using it, empty the vacuum cleaner's disposal bag. Otherwise, the fleas will climb out of the vacuum and invade your home again.
Step 4. Treat your carpet with baking soda
Cover the entire surface of the carpet with a layer of baking soda. Go ahead and add more baking soda. Let the baking soda sit for 4 hours or overnight, then clean it with a vacuum cleaner. The baking soda will dry the eggs on the carpet, and help kill the eggs before they hatch.
- You can also use borax instead of baking soda to treat your carpet. Make sure to clean it thoroughly after doing the treatment.
- Salt is also an inexpensive flea killer. Use salt in the same way as baking soda.
Step 5. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around your room
It is a natural powder that can kill adult fleas (as well as other insects) by piercing their outer bones as they walk across them. Sprinkle it on the lice affected area. Leave it for 24 hours, then clean it with a vacuum cleaner.
Step 6. Use an air dryer
If your home is damp, then fleas have the perfect climate to breed. You can reduce the humidity in your home by using an air dryer. You can also turn on the air conditioner, fan, or heating, depending on the season.
Step 7. Keep your grass low
If there are fleas in your home, they may also be in your yard. They hide among the tall grass, which blocks out the sun and keeps their habitat moist. Exposing them to sunlight is the best way to kill them. Mow your lawn regularly so it doesn't get too tall for fleas.
Step 8. Use borax
Sprinkle borax on the affected area or on the carpet you want to clean. Leave it for 24 hours, then clean it with a vacuum cleaner. This method will remove all fleas in a matter of days.
Part 3 of 3: Making Sure The Ticks Don't Come Back
Step 1. Give your pet apple cider vinegar
Put a teaspoon of ACV in your pet's drinking water. Vinegar is a natural flea-killing liquid, and will help prevent further lice. This is a treatment that is safe for both dogs and cats.
Step 2. Use lemon spray on your pet
It's safe for dogs and cats, homemade lemon spray will keep your pet from fleas. Spray for a few days to keep the fleas from coming back.
Step 3. Place cedar chips around your house
The scent of cedar wood is another natural flea repellent. Place cedar wood around your pet's bedding, on the outside of your bed, or in other strategic areas to prevent fleas from coming back.
Step 4. Spray your home with eucalyptus oil
If you have a cat, do not use this method, as cats are very sensitive to eucalyptus. If there is no cat, spray the liquid into the corners of the room, carpet, drawers and bedding of your dog to prevent the fleas from returning.
Step 5. Clean frequently with a vacuum cleaner
Your pet may carry fleas from time to time, but that's not necessarily a severe infection. Cleaning the house regularly will kill fleas before they can reproduce.
