Is it possible to get rid of fleas without calling in pest control? The answer is yes and no. Fleas are extremely difficult to eliminate from your home without professional help. The reason is partly because of their small size, and partly because they get into everything from carpets to furniture and bury themselves deep inside. Fleas also infest all year round. Be that as it may, here are some natural remedies that are reported to work for fleas. However, we will let you be the judge of their effectiveness.

The following are said to get rid of fleas

Diatomaceous Earth

This is probably the best natural remedy for destroying fleas. Diatomaceous earth is made from fossilised algae found in dried up lakes. This powder is extremely fine. That means it can penetrate through the fleas’ exoskeleton and is thereby able to kill them.

Vinegar

Vinegar has a million and one uses and is also supposed to act as a flea deterrent. Any type of vinegar is reported to get rid of fleas, including apple cider vinegar.

You can mix equal parts vinegar with water to make a spray. Something else you can do is wipe down areas (such as floors and walls) with vinegar.

Baking Soda

Apparently, fleas hate baking soda. You can sprinkle baking soda over affected areas such as your furniture and carpets. Leave this for a few days and then vacuum thoroughly. Something else you can do is mix baking soda together with salt. This works by having a dehydrating affect which is said to kill flea eggs and larvae.

Essential Oils

These oils are also thought to be effective if you want to get rid of fleas. Some of the best are citronella, eucalyptus, cedar, lavender and peppermint. You can either burn these oils, or place drops of oil onto cotton wool balls that can then be left near to where fleas are spotted, Hopefully fleas will hate the smell and leave. A word of caution if you have children or domestic pets. In this case, essential oils may be harmful to their health and should be avoided.

Hoovering

Vacuuming can technically be seen as a “natural” remedy. The trick here is to do it often. Vacuum at least twice a day and be thorough.

Of course this may simply not be enough to get rid of fleas for good. In which case, a professional flea control treatment may be the answer. Give our team at Diamond a call and see if we can help.

Washing up liquid

Something that may also work if you know you have fleas is a washing up liquid trap. Lather up a bowl of soapy water and then leave this bowl near to areas where fleas congregate. Fleas need water and will jump in the bowl. They then become trapped in the sticky soap. Note that the best time to place these traps is at night. This is when fleas are most active.