Fleas are much more than a nuisance pest – they can carry and transmit serious diseases to both people and pets. Flea control and protection are important for your home, yard, and family, but it’s easy to wonder if chemical flea killer is simply the lesser of two evils.
The truth is, many flea killers do contain chemical ingredients that can be toxic to people and pets. However, most experts agree that when used correctly, most flea killers are low risk and effective.
Still, you’ll be happy to know that you do have options when it comes to finding a natural flea killer, and we’re here to help.
Join us today as we talk about why flea protection and control are so important for your home and family, and learn what the best natural flea killer products are according to experts.
Let’s get started!
Contents
Off The Top – Let’s Talk About Fleas
Fleas are parasitic, wingless insects that require a blood host to survive.
Fleas are considered parasitic insects because they can only survive by feeding on another living host. Small and wingless, fleas are common throughout the United States and even most of the world.
There are over 2,500 species of fleas worldwide, but the most common fleas you will contend with here in the United States include cat fleas, dog fleas, human fleas, and rat fleas.
For the most part, fleas tend to prefer animal hosts. They often feed on mammals like dogs, cats, or wild animals like coyotes, rabbits, deer, and raccoons.
However, fleas have been known to bite humans. Most flea bites occur around a person’s ankles or shins and often happen when a person is outside gardening, hiking, or simply meandering.
Remember, fleas are wingless. They typically rely on wild animals to transport them from one area to another, where they will either fall from their host or abandon their host if it has become too crowded with other fleas.
Then the flea will wait, holding onto a blade of grass, twig, or another type of foliage for a new host to pass by.
The reason fleas prefer animals is because animals have fur that the fleas can cling to. People, on the other hand, don’t make great hosts for these pests long term.
Still, along with picking up flea bites outside, some unlucky people can wind up with flea infestations in their homes.
This often occurs when their unprotected dog or cat picks up fleas and transports them inside. If fleas get into your home, they can infiltrate bedding, carpets, furniture, and drapery. Worse, and as we mentioned briefly above, fleas are vectors of serious and sometimes deadly diseases.
In Los Angeles during 2018, there was an alarming number of cases of flea-borne typhoid fever being reported in people as a result of an influx of infected fleas.
Other diseases fleas can carry and transmit include the plague and tularemia.
In many regions throughout the United States, fleas are considered a seasonal pest. However, in some warmer regions fleas are a year-round pest that requires people to have protection from them 365 days a year.
And because fleas can be so dangerous, it’s very important to protect yourself and your pets. Of course, if you’re passionate about organic pest control or if you’re concerned about using chemical flea killers around children and pets, this can raise some problems.
And while natural flea killer is available, there is some speculation as to how well it really works.
Don’t worry – we are here to help you find out if a natural flea killer is right for you. Keep reading!
What Is Natural Flea Killer And Does Natural Flea Killer Work?
Natural flea killers can help kill fleas, though they should always be used as directed.
When it comes to flea protection and control, different sources are going to have differing opinions. While many people will recommend insecticide-based flea killer products that contain an ingredient like imidacloprid or flumethrin, others have found that fleas are highly sensitive to plant-based insecticides that contain essential oils like citronella, peppermint, tea tree oil, or citrus.
But essential oils are not the only natural flea killer ingredients that have been shown to work against fleas. There are also different natural flea killer powders and even some home ingredients you can use to make your own natural flea killer at home.
If you are planning on using a natural flea killer for your home, yard, and pets, experts recommend considering using another form of flea control or protection in conjunction with it.
This could include ensuring your lawn is trimmed short, inviting flea predators, or using other methods and tips. For a complete list of natural ways to deter fleas along with using a natural flea killer, skip down to the bottom of this article.
Of course, experts recommend you follow prevention steps regardless of if you’re planning on using a natural flea killer or a chemical flea killer.
It’s also important to speak with your veterinarian before using a natural flea killer on your dog or cat. Remember, dogs and cats can be especially sensitive to plant-based ingredients like essential oils, and many plants are actually toxic to pets.
Last, if you’re using natural flea killer in your yard, it’s important to use the product only as instructed and to be careful of spraying any kind of flea killer or pesticide on ornamental or edible plants in your garden.
If it sounds to you now like there are pros and cons to using natural flea killers, you’re absolutely right. And with that, let’s take a look at the good and the bad of using natural pest control products.
What Are The Pros and Cons To Using A Natural Flea Killer?
Because fleas commonly are attracted to our pets, a natural flea killer may be the safest route to take.
Many people seek out natural flea killer products because they promise to not only be effective but also much safer than chemical insecticides.
While this is often the case, there are pros and cons to using a natural flea killer just as there are pros and cons that come with chemical forms of pest control.
Let’s take a moment here to weigh the pros and cons and find out if natural flea killer is really worth all the hype.
Pros To Using Natural Flea Killer
- Natural Flea Killer Is Safer For Children And Pets
- It Is Better For The Environment
- Natural Flea Killer Often Contains Plant-Based Or Organic Ingredients
- Natural Flea Killer Is Safer For Garden Soil
- Natural Flea Killer Is Becoming easier and easier To Find
Cons To Using Natural Flea Killer
- Natural Flea Killer Products Are Often More Costly
- They May Not Always Be As Effective As Chemical Insecticides
- Natural Flea Killer Can Take Longer To Work
- Natural Flea Killer May Need To Be Applied More Often Than Chemical Insecticide
- Natural Flea Killer May Not Last As Long Once Applied As Chemical Insecticide To Kill Fleas
- Though Natural, Natural Flea Killer Is Not Always 100% Safe For Children And Pets And Should Still Be Used Only As Directed.
Are you considering using natural flea killer around your home and to protect your pets? If so, remember that not all natural flea killer products are made equally.
When deciding which type of natural flea killer would be right for you, it’s important to do your research and read reviews.
Of course, we know you’re busy, which is why we have done the leg work for you.
Let’s talk now about the best natural flea killer for dogs, cats, and your home and yard!
The Best Natural Flea Killer For Home And Yard Protection
Most natural flea killer products work using essential oils and plant-based ingredients.
As we discussed above, not all-natural flea killer is created the same. Furthermore, not all-natural flea killer is designed for the same purpose.
There are natural flea killer products that are made to work to protect your yard, and there are products for inside your home, your furniture, your carpet and to use for your pets.
We are going to cover several different products of natural flea killer specifically for your home and garden in this section, and then discuss the best natural flea killer for dogs and cats further down.
Wondercide Flea and Tick Concentrate
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Wondercide is a product we commonly recommend because it’s natural, effective, and provides a broad area of protection over a wide variety of pests. This particular Wondercide product is geared as a natural flea killer, but it also works on ticks, spiders, ants, beetles, gnats, crickets, roaches, flies, and even mosquitoes.
The spray comes in a concentrated form and can cover up to 10,000 square feet when applied correctly. It is made with natural oils and plant-based ingredients, which makes it safe for the environment as well as for children and pets.
In fact, there is no spray or wait time with this product. You can simply spray Wondercide outdoors while your children and pets continue to play on the lawn.
Vet’s Best Natural Flea and Tick Easy Spray
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Vet’s Best not only makes a spray to use specifically on dogs and cats to kill fleas, but it also makes a natural, plant-based spray using essential oils that is safe to use inside your home. This product, designed with essential oils like peppermint oil, is safe to spray on dogs and cats, as well as furniture, carpets, bedding, and more.
This product not only kills fleas and ticks but also works against their eggs and larvae. If you’re having issues with mosquitoes around your home as well, you’ll be happy to learn this natural flea killer also helps to target and kill them as well.
Natural Care Flea and Tick Carpet Powder
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If you end up with fleas in your home and in your carpets, they can be difficult to kill and find because they are so small. Many experts recommend using a quality flea-killing powder, like the one listed above by the Natural Care Store.
This natural flea killer helps kill fleas on contact without the use of harsh chemicals. In fact, it works using essential oils like mint oil and geraniol to kill the pests without staining. It works on carpets, upholstery, rugs, and pet bedding as well. Not only does this natural flea killer work for fleas and ticks, but it can also help get rid of flea eggs, larvae, and even ants.
Diatomaceous Earth Crawling Insect Killer
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Also known as DE, Diatomaceous Earth is a natural compound derived from fossilized algae. It is completely harmless to people, pets, or the environment, but is deadly to hard-bodied insects like fleas.
Diatomaceous Earth works by penetrating the exoskeleton of fleas and dehydrating them. While this is an effective and natural flea killer, it does work best when dry. For outdoor use, you may need to replace it around your garden and in your grass if it rains.
For indoor use, you can leave this product down as long as you need and then vacuum it up as soon as you are done.
BioLogic Ecomask Beneficial Nematodes
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Beneficial Nematodes are predatory worms that are microscopic in size. They feed on a variety of problematic pests like fleas and grubs. These worms are harmless to people and pets, safe for the environment, and will not harm beneficial insects like bees, butterflies, or ladybugs.
This product includes an easy-to-use sprayer nozzle to help you apply the beneficial nematodes evenly over your garden and lawn. You can order them in several size varieties as well, depending on how large of a surface area you’re attempting to cover.
While we do like beneficial nematodes as a natural and effective flea killer, we should note that this product is for outdoor use only.
Natural Flea Killer For Pet Protection
Medicated shampoos and other products can help kill fleas and protect your pets.
Oftentimes the most vulnerable in our homes to fleas are going to be dogs and cats. Our pets make perfect hosts to fleas, which can in turn make us vulnerable as well.
The best flea protection for you and your home is going to be finding a good natural flea killer for your dog or cat. These flea killers could include sprays, flea collars, and even flea medications you give your pets.
Some of the best natural flea killer products for dogs and cats are listed below.
Natural Care Flea and Tick Shampoo
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Dogs and cats are often the most vulnerable in your household when it comes to fleas and ticks. If you do recognize signs of fleas on your dog or cat, it’s important to have them treated right away and get the fleas removed as soon as possible.
One way to do this is to use a medicated shampoo. However, if you’re looking for a natural medicated shampoo for your pet, we recommend looking at Natural Care Flea and Tick Dog Shampoo. This product is made with certified essential oils and works on fleas, ticks, eggs, and larvae.
It also comes in an extra-strength formula and kills fleas and ticks on contact while helping to clean your pet and soothe itchy bites caused by the fleas.
This shampoo is safe to use on dogs and puppies 12 weeks and older. It is free of harsh chemicals, parabens, dyes, or alcohol as well, so it is also considered good for sensitive skin.
MDXConcepts Flea and Tick Killer For Dogs
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Another natural flea killer we recommend when it comes to pet protection is by MDXConcepts. This product is again made with natural ingredients like essential oils. Some of the active ingredients, in fact, include lavender oil and peppermint oil.
This spray is pet safe and designed to be sprayed directly on dogs. The spray kills fleas on contact and also works to repel them. Not only does the spray work on fleas and ticks, but it can help repel other pests as well like mosquitoes.
For the best results, the directions state you should apply the spray and then rub it into your pet’s coat, moving up in the opposite direction your pet’s fur is growing.
Natural Care Flea and Tick Treatment For Dogs and Cats
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Last but not least we have another product by the Natural Care Store. This time we are recommending a spray that is designed to spray directly on both dogs and cats. It uses essential oils and is free of any harsh chemicals, dyes, alcohol, or parabens and will not harm your dog’s coat or sensitive skin.
The product works against fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes, and kills flea eggs and larvae on contact.
You can use this product both inside your home and outside your home, but it is primarily designed to be sprayed on pets to protect them from these pests.
Like most of these natural flea killer products on this list, this flea killer spray is safest for dogs and cats that are 12 weeks and older. If your pet has sensitivities to certain formulas, however, it’s best to speak with your veterinarian before trying this product.
How To Make Your Own Natural Flea Killer At Home
You can use essential oils like those in the above picture to help repel fleas and keep them at bay.
Many natural flea killer products are made with plant-based ingredients and products like essential oils. This means that you may be able to make your own natural flea killer yourself right there at home.
Let’s take a look at some of our favorite do-it-yourself pest control remedies for homemade natural flea killers.
Essential Oils
Essential oils on their own can help to repel fleas. With that being said, the essential oil will likely not kill fleas. We should also note that not all essential oil is ideal for flea prevention. The best Essential Oils to repel fleas include:
- Peppermint Oil
- Eucalyptus Oil
- Lavender Oil
- Tea Tree Oil
- Citronella Oil
- And Citrus Oil
You can easily make your own flea repellent spray by combining two cups of water and ten to 20 drops of the essential oil of your choice into a spray bottle. Mix the solution and spray it around your home and yard to repel fleas.
Some diluted essential oils can also be sprayed on dogs and cats, but it’s important to discuss this with your veterinarian first, especially if your pet has sensitivities or allergies.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Essential Oil Spray
Essential oils and apple cider vinegar together work wonders when it comes to making a natural flea killer and repellent. You can use this method on yourself, on your pets, and around your home.
To make this spray, combine one cup of apple cider vinegar, one cup of water, and three drops of either lavender oil or peppermint oil into a spray bottle. Mix the solution and spray it around your yard, garden, and home to repel fleas.
Boiled Lemon And Water
Making your own flea repellent spray using lemons can be a bit tedious, but it is highly effective. To do this, you will need about six lemons chopped in half and boiled in water for up to 10 minutes.
Allow the water to cool and then pour it into a spray bottle. As you would with the vinegar and essential oil sprays above, simply spray this solution around your home and yard to repel pests.
Be cautious of spraying lemon spray on furniture, however, especially if this furniture is white. Lemon spray can cause yellowing on furniture and carpets.
Vinegar, Water, and Lemon Juice
You can use the same method above to make a natural flea killer, only you can make it even more potent by adding vinegar. Simply add a cup of vinegar to the mix for extra flea repellent power.
Understanding The Importance Of Flea Control And Prevention
Fleas are not only a nuisance, but they can also be dangerous to our health and the health of our pets.
As we’ve mentioned, fleas are more than just annoying. These pests can be dangerous to the health of both people and animals.
The best course of action when it comes to flea control is to use prevention. While using natural flea killers can help repel fleas, you can also take some steps yourself to keep them from coming around your property at all.
Take a look.
Invite The Predators
There are a few natural predators you can consider inviting to your yard and garden that can help repel and kill fleas. However, you want to make sure you aren’t inviting other potential pests to your property just to get rid of the fleas.
While ants are a good predator for fleas, we recommend beneficial nematodes. These predators are harmless to the environment and beneficial insects but they can easily take care of pests like fleas and grubs.
Use Landscaping To Your Advantage
Fleas may not have wings but they can jump. They often cling to grass or foliage and then leap to their next victim. For this reason, fleas prefer grasses and yards that are more unkempt.
You can help reduce fleas on your property by making your yard less hospitable to them through simple landscaping. Keep your lawn cut short and ensure your yard is nice and tidy. Remove leaf litter, and reduce sources of excess water around your home.
Keep Garbage Stored Properly
Wild animals are attracted to garbage, and wild animals bring fleas. For this reason, we suggest storing your garbage bins in enclosed garages or other areas not easily accessible to animals like raccoons, especially if you live in an area where fleas are rampant.
Don’t Leave Fruits Or Vegetables Out In Your Garden To Rot
Just like garbage, rotting fruits and vegetables from gardens and fruit trees can also attract wild animals that can, in turn, bring fleas around.
To avoid this, harvest any fruits or vegetables when they are ready, and refrain from leaving fruits and vegetables in your yard to become overripe or to become rotten.
Use A Year-Round Pest Control That Protects Against Fleas
As we always say, prevention is key when it comes to the best form of pest control, and this is of course true with fleas. Even if you are using a good natural flea killer for your home and your pets, we still recommend using a quality pest control product year-round that is designed for flea protection.
Remember, fleas are not only frustrating – but they are also dangerous pests that can cause serious illnesses.
We hope this has been a helpful guide on the best natural flea killer you can use to protect yourself, your family, and your pets. Now we want to hear from you. Did you find a good product on our above list you’re willing to try?
Tell us what you think in the comment section below.
Jack founded our blog after two decades of working in the pest control industry. His vast experience dealing with a wide array of pests allows him to diagnose issues quickly and get to the heart of pest problems quickly and effectively. He has serviced more than 2,000 homes over his career and there is hardly any pest situation that he has not seen before.