How to Get Rid of Fleas in the House Fast with Natural Remedies

Fleas are one of the most annoying pests to get rid of because of their tiny size and agile nature. With their strong legs, fleas can jump vertically up to 18 cm making them very difficult to catch once they are in motion. Fortunately, there are some home remedies you could try, instead of pesticide-based products like flea bombs, that will gradually reduce the flea population in the house. Here are our top suggestions.

1. The Vacuum is Your Best Friend

The first step to eliminating fleas in the house is by using a powerful vacuum cleaner. Don’t leave any stones unturned and make sure every spot of the house is vacuumed including flea hotspots such as carpets, mattresses, and upholstery furniture. If you want to get rid of fleas quickly then it’s important that you also get rid of the eggs and the larvae that could be hiding in tiny gaps. Please make sure you use a vacuum cleaner that comes with tightly-sealed disposable bags so the fleas can be properly discarded.

2. Employ a Steam Cleaner

Insects may develop resistance to pesticide over a period of time but heat is one thing that they can’t easily escape. Get a steam cleaner if you already don’t have one and apply it to the carpet, mattress, and upholstery furniture. Make sure the steam cleaner is also used on pet beds if your rabbit, cat or dog has flea problems.

According to Flea Science, any temperature above 95°F is lethal to adult fleas. Steam cleaners for residential use should have the ability to reach temperatures beyond this. Following the steaming, it may also help to clean or spray the house with diluted vinegar solution. Despite its smell, vinegar is an excellent cleaning agent.

3. Wash & Dry the Bedding & Clothes

Grab all washable clothes and bedding materials and pack them in tightly-sealed bags. Next, wash and dry the items in each bag at the highest temperature they can handle without being damaged. If there are items that can’t be washed and putting them in the dryer on a hot cycle for about 30 minutes should also help get rid of the fleas as well.

4. Sprinkle Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth

Food-grade diatomaceous earth is one of the most effective natural remedies to getting rid of pests like fleas. The one downside is that you will need to rely on the fleas to be exposed to the powder, which isn’t easy since fleas jump around and aren’t attracted to sugar substances like ants and cockroaches. Nevertheless, it doesn’t hurt to sprinkle a very fine layer of food-grade diatomaceous earth around the house where fleas are most often seen.

5. Create a Candle Trap

Adult fleas aren’t attracted to sugar or sweet stuff but they are attracted to light. You could make a simple flea trap with a tray of soapy water and a candle. At night, place a candle in the middle of the tray or bowl then fill the remaining space with soapy water. Place these trays near areas of the house where fleas are commonly-sighted but do make sure the candle is also kept well away from flammable objects. The idea behind this trap is to attract the fleas to their watery grave using the candle’s warmth and brightness. The soap will break the surface tension of the water and prevent the fleas from escaping.

6. Using Essential Oil to Repel Fleas

Essential oil is often recommended as a home remedy for repelling fleas. There haven’t been many studies that proves the effectiveness of essential oil as a flea control method, but it could be worthwhile testing it as a temporary measure in keeping fleas out of the house. The essential oil, however, will need to be at a high-enough concentration level to affect the fleas. This, however, could pose a safety hazard especially for homes with young children and pets so we suggest you approach this remedy with caution.

If you don’t feel comfortable creating your own DIY essential oil remedy then perhaps you can buy products like flea and tick shampoos. Some of these products will use essential oil as the active ingredient to help get rid of the pests on hair and on the pet’s fur.

7. Spread Baking Soda on Carpets

Foe homeowners dealing with flea infestations on carpets, consider using baking soda. All you need to do is to spread some salt and baking soda on the carpet. Let it sit there for about a day or two before cleaning up with a vacuum cleaner. Baking soda may eliminate the fleas as a dehydration agent. As an alternative, you could also try using borax but if you have children or pets at home then it’s very important to make sure they aren’t able to reach for the powder when in use.

8. Dealing with Fleas Outdoors

Homeowners who have a backyard should not rule out that the flea infestation could be coming from outdoors, especially if they have pets that like to spend time rolling around in the grass. Outdoor flea infestations could be dealt with a number of home remedies including beneficial nematodes. For long-term planning, you may want to also grow flea-repelling plants. These plants may have certain scents or properties that repel the insects.

Fleas can live and hide for a long period of time, especially compared to other nuisance pests, so it’s important you take action as soon as possible. Take note that your battle with fleas isn’t over once you have dealt with the adult fleas. The even more important part that a lot of people neglect is to take care of the eggs. They are well hidden and will deceive people into thinking they are done with pest control.