How to Use Borax to Kill Fleas

Fleas can become a problem not only for your pet but also for your entire household. A flea infestation usually requires treating large areas of your house with special-purpose chemicals, many of which are expensive and inconvenient. However, you can use borax, which is both cheap and easy to use, to treat your home for fleas.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Borax
• Broom
• Vacuum

1. Locate carpeted areas where fleas are most likely to nest. Pay particular attention to areas where your pet spends a lot of time.

2. Conduct a spot-test on your carpet by spreading a small amount of borax on a small section of carpet and allowing it to sit for a short period of time. Check the carpet for a change of color or any other damage; if the borax appears to alter your carpet in any way, do not use it.

3. Apply a light layer of borax over the area you would like to treat.

4. Work the borax into the carpet with a broom, making sure it works down between the fibers, where fleas and their eggs are.

5. Allow the borax to sit for 24 to 48 hours, keeping children and pets away from the borax. Avoid exposing the borax to moisture.

6. Vacuum the treated area several times and empty the canister or replace the bag.

Tips & Warnings

• If the area where you live has high humidity, do not allow the borax to sit for as long; it will absorb moisture and make cleanup more difficult.

• Do not use borax as a flea treatment on animal or people.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish