While Apple Cider Vinegar does not kill fleas, it may repel them because fleas dislike its smell and taste. One of the most simple ways to use this natural flea repellent is to make a solution out of equal parts apple cider vinegar and water.
Apple cider vinegar can't kill fleas, but it can help to repel them. Fleas don't like the smell or taste of it, so they're likely to avoid your pet if they have it on their fur.
Apple Cider Vinegar Spray
Apple cider vinegar is a slightly acidic pH level that helps prevent fleas from living and reproducing on your pet's coat. Make a solution of six cups of ACV and four cups of water (in a 6:4 ratio).
It seems like people use it for everything, but it actually works. I added two cups to her bath water and scrubbed her down with Dawn dish soap, and her fleas dispersed into the bath water. Although fleas can swim, the suds and vinegar kill them.
Using a DIY flea spray of apple cider vinegar on a rug or dog bed will not kill fleas of any life stage. That's because the acid in vinegar is not strong enough to penetrate the shell of flea eggs or larvae.
You can also use apple cider vinegar around the house to get rid of house fleas. Fill up a spray bottle with distilled water and ACV in 1:1 ratio. Spray the mixture around the house, under furniture, on carpets and rugs and especially on pet bedding.
The best homemade flea killer is a simple apple cider vinegar and water mixture (6:4 ratio). Spray the liquid on the dog's fur. Avoid their ears, nose, eyes, and mouth.
Natural Remedy: Diatomaceous Earth
This talc-like powder is made from silica, the same stuff that makes up sand. You can sprinkle it on carpets, bedding, and furniture. Let it sit for several hours, then vacuum it up. It kills fleas by drying them out.
Rubbing alcohol will kill fleas and ticks, but if you're going to use alcohol, make sure to use it correctly. Experts recommend dropping fleas or ticks into a glass or jar filled with rubbing alcohol. "Don't pour alcohol on a tick that's on your dog," Dr. Lofton warns.
A 3% hydrogen peroxide solution may just be your answer. Peroxide is a common insecticide used in gardens and other agricultural sites. Not only does it kill fleas due to its toxic nature, but it can also eradicate other pests from your foliage as well.
Lemon is widely recognized for its abilities to both repel and kill fleas while being completely harmless to dogs and humans. Simply dip your dog's regular comb or brush into fresh lemon juice and apply it to their hair as normal. For a short-haired breed, a cloth dipped in lemon juice will give the same benefit.
Though this mixture will not kill the fleas directly, it repels them, enough for your home to be rid of these pesky pests. One good property of the white vinegar is its ability to evaporate very quickly, so there is no residual smell hovering around your home when you're done with the application.
Washing bedding in hot water, vacuuming any area suspected of fleas and treating the pet for fleas are recommended, along with the use of an insect growth regulator.
Fleas are attracted to light, movement, heat, and CO2 because these elements help them find suitable hosts to feed on.
Products for Eliminating Flea Eggs in the Home
Many pet parents choose to use an environmental insect growth regulator to stop fleas from developing. Sprays with IGR, such as Sentry Home household flea and tick spray for pets, are great for killing flea eggs in your home.
Common brands of Nitenpyram include Capstar® and Bestguard® which can be purchased through a veterinarian, online, and over the counter. The active ingredient, Nitenpyram, is an insecticide that starts killing fleas within 30 minutes and lasts for up to 48 hours.
Herbal flea spray
This natural remedy for fleas is made from non-toxic products found around your home, making it suitable to use around pets and children. Create a flea spray by mixing 4 liters of vinegar, 2 liters of water, 500 ml of lemon juice and 250 ml of witch hazel in a large spray bottle.
It is a daily common myth that fleas will eventually just go away on their own, but this is far from correct. If you've got a flea infestation, you can't afford to wait for the problem to resolve itself – it won't.
Dawn dish soap may be effective at killing adult fleas on your pet, but Dawn won't cover any fleas in your house. For home infestations, we recommend using a household spray with an IGR. Household sprays with IGRs work to kill fleas at all life cycle stages and prevent future infestations.
In order to get rid of fleas in all stages of the life cycle, two or more follow-up treatments within 5-10 days after the first application are needed. Additionally, vacuuming and sanitation practices should be ongoing throughout this period to pick up all remaining eggs and juvenile fleas.