How to Get Rid of Fleas in the House Using Home Remedies

Pets that spend time outside may end up carrying fleas into the home.

Fleas make their way into your home by way of a host, such as your cat or dog. Left unattended, one or two fleas in the home will lay eggs and the infestation will quickly multiply. Aside from being irritating to your pets, fleas also can bite humans. While there are many commercial products available to help you rid your home of fleas, these products also expose you, your family and pets to harsh chemicals. Home remedies effectively kill fleas and repel them from your home, and home remedies are safe to use with pets and children present.

Things You'll Need

• 6 fresh lemons
• Paring knife
• Pot
• Strainer
• Spray bottle
• Lavender oil
• Cotton balls

Instructions

1. 

   Lemons are known to repel many insects, including fleas, ants and mosquitoes.

   Cut the fresh lemons in half with a paring knife. Pour 1 quart water in a pot, then add the halved lemons. Bring the lemon and water mixture to a boil.

2. Remove the lemon and water mixture from the stove top. Let the solution steep on the countertop for a few hours, which allows the lemon solution to become concentrated.

3. Hold a strainer over an open spray bottle. Pour the lemons and water through the strainer so only the liquid goes into the spray bottle and the lemon halves remain in the strainer. Discard the lemon halves.

4. Remove fleas on the host first by applying the lemon solution spray to your cat or dog's fur. Spray directly onto the fur or on your hands first, then wipe on the fur. Avoid spraying close to the ears and eyes.

5. Spray your pet's bedding and your furniture and carpeting. Apply spray to any area with carpeting, upholstery or fabric that might possibly provide a place for fleas to lay eggs. There's no need to rinse the lemon spray off.

6. Wipe down hard-surfaced floors and countertops with the lemon spray to repel fleas.

7. 

   Use cotton balls to deliver a flea-repelling fragrance into the air.

   Dampen cotton balls with a few drops of lavender oil on each cotton ball. Set the cotton balls in corners of the room or behind and underneath furniture. Lavender oil naturally repels fleas while adding a pleasant fragrance to the room.

Tips & Warnings

• One or two drops of lemon or lavender oil on your dog's color will act as a natural flea repellent. Use only lavender oil on cat collars as lemon essential oil can be toxic to cats.

• Flea infestations can take weeks to remove as eggs hatch and larvae grow. Continue your flea removal steps for at least six weeks to ensure thorough removal.

References

• PAWS-Rescue: Dog Tips: Fleas, Ticks, Mosquitoes: Prevention and Treatment: Natural Ingredient-Based Sprays, Lotions & Shampoos
• Reader's Digest: 13 Common Items Used for Getting Rid of Ants: Lemons