Fleas can be a pesky problem when they infest our homes and pets.
While there are numerous commercial products available to tackle fleas, this article is for individuals who prefer natural alternatives like essential oils.
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts, and some of them are believed to have insecticidal properties that assist in repelling fleas.
Let's jump right into the essential oils commonly used to combat fleas:
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil is renowned for its calming and relaxing properties, but it can also be used to combat fleas.
Its pleasant scent is intolerable to fleas, making it an effective natural repellent.
Additionally, lavender essential oil has insecticidal properties that disrupts the nervous system of fleas, ultimately leading to their demise.
To Use Lavender Essential Oil
Dilute a few drops in a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or water, and apply it to your pet's fur or around your home, paying particular attention to areas where fleas are commonly found, such as bedding, carpets, and pet bedding.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus is another potent essential oil capable of deterring fleas from invading your space.
And the oils strong odor can mask the scent of your pet, making it far less attractive to fleas.
To use eucalyptus essential oil, dilute a few drops in a carrier oil or water and apply it in the common areas throughout your home.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint essential oil is known for its refreshing scent and cooling properties, but it can also double as a flea deterrent.
This is because peppermint essential oil contains menthol, which is extremely toxic to fleas.
You can dilute a few drops of peppermint essential oil in a carrier oil & then apply them to your areas of concern.
If you have pets - focus on areas where the fleas are congregating, such as bedding, carpets, and anything else pet related.
Avoid applying directly to your pet's face or near their eyes, nose, or mouth.
Always monitor your pet for any signs of irritation or discomfort after using peppermint essential oil and discontinue use if any adverse reactions occur.
It's best practice to consult with your veterinarian before using peppermint essential oil (or any kind of essential oil) on pregnant or nursing pets, puppies, or kittens.
Lemon Essential Oil
Derived from the peel of lemons, lemon essential oil is known for its citrusy scent and antibacterial properties.
One of our favorite ways to repel fleas with lemon essential oil is by using a diffuser.
As the diffuser spreads the scent throughout your home, fleas are repelled by the citrus scent, which should ideally keep them away from you.
The reason we recommend diffusing is because lemon essential oil can be phototoxic, meaning it can cause skin sensitivity and irritation when exposed to sunlight.
So, to be safe, avoid putting it on your pet's fur before prolonged sun exposure.
Additionally, you should always dilute lemon essential oil and conduct patch tests to ensure your pet does not have any adverse reactions.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree essential oil, also known as melaleuca oil, is a powerful antiseptic and antifungal oil known for its insecticidal properties.
These are our 2 favorite ways to get rid of fleas with Tea Tree Oil:
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Tea Tree Oil Collar: Mix a few drops of tea tree essential oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, and apply it to a fabric collar. Place the collar around your pet's neck to create a natural flea repellent collar.
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Tea Tree Oil Cleaning Solution: Mix a few drops of tea tree essential oil with water in a spray bottle to create a natural cleaning solution. Use it to clean your pet's bedding, carpets, and other areas where fleas may be present. The potent scent of tea tree oil can help repel fleas and keep your home flea-free.
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