How to Kill Fleas With Borax
When a home experiences a flea infestation, using Borax is a way to eliminate the pests that may be dwelling in carpeting, without turning to insecticides. Borax, a household cleaner that contains boric acid, eliminates fleas in carpeting by breaking down the cell walls of fleas and their eggs, thus killing them. This method is also safer more traditional practices, in that harsh chemicals aren't used. However, Borax can be toxic in large amounts and shouldn't be used around animals or very small children. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Mix 4 cups of borax with 1 cup of salt. Find a small patch of carpet either in a corner or behind a piece of furniture and sprinkle a layer of the mixture onto the area. Work it in with a towel to make sure it settles around the base of the fibers, where the fleas tend to lay eggs. Let it sit for about an hour. Check the carpet for discoloration or stains; if any appear, do not use the Borax mixture on the rest of the carpeting, as the treatment could ruin it.
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Sprinkle the Borax mixture on all of the carpeted surfaces in the house, including underneath and behind the furniture. Work the treatment into the carpet with a towel, then allow the mixture to sit for about 1 day.
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Strip all surfaces in the house of blankets, sheets, pilowcases and other washable bedding. Launder the bedding in Borax according to the instructions on the box. Dry on high heat, if possible, to kill any remaining eggs.
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Vacuum the carpeting and immediately empty the vacuum cleaner outside, away from the house.
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Repeat the carpet treatment after 1 week to make sure all fleas and eggs have been eliminated.
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Tips & Warnings
Never use Borax treatment around babies, small children or pets, as it can be toxic when consumed in large amounts.
