Does Oil of Lavender Kill Fleas?

Lavender oil can potentially kill pets.

Although dried lavender works to repel clothes moths, there is no scientific evidence that lavender oil kills fleas. Lavender essential oil is far too toxic to use directly on the body of a pet, especially cats , according to Dr. Arnold Plotnick, a veterinarian writing for the Cat Channel website.

Misconception

There are many online sources, usually selling aromatherapy products, which state that lavender oil safely repels or kills fleas. They primarily rely on anecdotal evidence and exaggerated claims instead of quoting from clinical studies. Essential oils can kill pets, warns Dr. Narda Robinson of the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

Alternative

The only essential oils known to repel, but not kill, fleas are eucalyptus and neem, according to "The Doctors Home Book of Home Remedies for Dogs and Cats" and Dr. Robinson. A few drops are added into the pet's bath so the essential oil is diluted and not added full-strength.

Conclusion

Although lavender essential oil temporarily repels fleas, it does not kill them. In order to kill adult and juvenile fleas, a multilayered regimen of house cleaning and treatment of the yard must be used.

References

• University of California: Clothes Moths
• Cat Channel: Lavender Oils
• "The Doctors Home Book of Home Remedies for Dogs and Cats"; Matthew Hoffman, et al.; 1996
• Colorado State University: Natural Approaches for Flea Control

Resources

• Illinois Public Department of Health: Fleas
• The Lavender Cat: Cats and Essential Oil Safety
• University of California: Flea Management Guidelines