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. Dilute apple cider vinegar in water and add it to a spray bottle.
Apple cider vinegar.
Although fleas can swim, the suds and vinegar kill them. Once she was out of the bath and dried off, I mixed a solution with equal parts water and apple cider vinegar and dabbed some on the back of her neck with a cotton ball.
One of such home remedies in vogue is the use of white vinegar, which is becoming popular amongst pet owners. Does white vinegar kill fleas? Vinegar, in all of its forms, is a well-known killer of fleas. Although this method will require repetition and must be used alongside vacuuming.
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.
Make a homemade flea treatment by mixing six cups apple cider vinegar, four cups water, and a pinch of salt. Spray DIY treatment on the dog's coat — avoid eyes and wounds.
Most pet owners prefer using apple cider vinegar for killing fleas on pets while they tend to use white distilled vinegar around the home to keep it clean and flea free, but you can easily reverse the roles and use both vinegars for either purpose.
Using Citrus to Repel Fleas
Just as with apple cider vinegar, fleas are repelled by the sharp, pungent scent and flavor of citrus juices, especially lemon juice. That makes lemon juice one of the great natural home remedies for dog fleas.
Baking soda does not kill adult fleas and will do nothing to protect your pets. It is excellent at absorbing smells and has been suggested by some online pet sites for use as a flea killer because it “may” dry out flea eggs and larvae. But there is no evidence that using baking soda to kill fleas is effective at all.
Vinegar efficiently drives fleas out, thanks to its specific harsh scent. Mix it with water in equal proportion and spray the solution wherever you suspect flea infestation. Remember that it can't kill these insects but can keep them away from your home.
Despise the smell and taste of vinegar, fleas will do everything they can to avoid it. Make a vinegar-based flea spray for your pet and utilize this information to your advantage.
If your dog has skin irritation, bathe with water and vinegar to relieve inflammation and soothe the itchiness. Use a 1:1 ratio of vinegar and water and apply it to the affected area with a clean cloth. Be careful not to apply the mixture to broken skin or open wounds.
In short: using vinegar solution or white vinegar on your pet's fur or in their drinking water will not kill fleas. There is a chance ACV could repel fleas because they don't like the taste, but it is only a mild detergent and is not the best flea remedy. ACV should not be your first choice for natural flea treatment.
Spray a vinegar and water mixture over the area.
Then, go ahead and spray your carpet, paying extra attention to places your pet likes to be if you have one. Also be sure to spray around the baseboards, near entryways, and under furniture. Fleas dislike the smell of vinegar, and it may also aid in killing adult fleas.
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.
Lemon spray
To make this flea spray, slice a lemon thinly and add to a pint of water and bring to the boil. Let the citrus solution sit overnight and pour into a spray bottle. The next day take the citrus solution and spray it on the infested areas in your home – sofas, pet bedding, chairs etc.
Make an equal mixture of salt and baking soda liberally on your carpet or affected area, and leave it overnight to dehydrate the larvae and eggs. Vacuum the carpet thoroughly and then clean your canister or bag carefully so you don't accidentally let the fleas out again.
Mopping and steam cleaning can help to kill flea eggs, and washing linens, bedding, and pet beds in the washing machine on the hot cycle is also advisable. If possible, declutter your home so it's easier to clean and there are fewer places for flea eggs to hide.
Fleas may also nest in carpets, rugs, pet beds, or upholstered furniture where they can stay warm. Fleas and bedbugs are considered nocturnal creatures, which means they are mainly active at night. However, they can bite you at any time of the day or night. Fleas are most active at dusk and least active at sunrise.
Shake and “punch out” your couch and chair cushions outside or over the carpet before vacuuming – this will aid in ridding any fleas, flea eggs, larva, and/or flea dirt that may be present on your cushions or couch covers. Alternatively, steam cleaning works well also.
An oral fast-acting tablet that contains Nitenpyram is the safest way to kill fleas on dogs instantly. You can also bathe your dog in hot soapy water with Dawn to kill adult fleas, but this is not a good long-term solution.