There are a lot of anti-flea products you can use to get rid of fleas. However, if you are unsure whether they are safe for your pets, family, furniture, carpet, etc., then you will want to kill them in the safest way possible. So, what is a safe way to kill fleas? Does baking soda kill fleas?
Yes, baking soda can kill fleas. This ingredient is not only great for cleaning purposes but also does well in getting rid of fleas. It dehydrates and kills the flea eggs and larvae, controlling and preventing their expansion.
In this article, we will tackle how you can use baking soda to kill fleas to prevent their outbreak in the house and on your beloved pets.
How Does Baking Soda Kill Fleas?
Baking soda, when mixed with salt, makes a dehydrating agent. The resulting mixture will dry out the larvae, eggs, and fleas. Once you put the mixture into the affected area, the fleas will die and will not reproduce or spread anymore.
You might need to repeat the process to control and better handle the flea infestation in your house. The formula is not harmful to you, your family, and your pets, so you can use it whenever possible.
How Much Baking Soda to Kill Fleas?
All you need is one cup of baking soda and one cup of salt. These are the minimum measurements when removing fleas around the house. You can increase the amount but ensure that the baking soda and salt have equal measures.
How Long Does it Take for Baking Soda to Kill Fleas?
Typically, killing fleas with baking soda will take 12 to 24 hours. It is a slow process, as baking soda is not a quick worker. It is best to do this method overnight or leave baking soda for about 24 hours to ensure you kill the fleas in the house.
When the period (12 to 24 hours) lapses, vacuum the baking soda residue and the dead fleas. You can vacuum the baking soda and fleas in the morning if you have chosen to kill fleas overnight.
How to Use Baking Soda to Kill Fleas?
Killing fleas with baking soda is not the fastest method you can use. However, it is one of the most effective methods you can employ. Follow these steps below to kill fleas with baking soda properly.
Things You’ll Need:
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Vacuum
Instructions:
Step 1. Make sure that your flea-infected pet is within the treatment zone. The mixture may not be harmful to them, but it can be very painful if they have open wounds.
Step 2. Mix equal parts salt and baking soda and spread over the affected area. Leave it for about 12 hours or overnight (recommendable) to dehydrate the eggs and larvae.
Step 3. Use a vacuum with a bag to vacuum the treatment zone and suck up the fleas, eggs, and larvae. Immediately remove and discard the bag.
Step 4. Repeat the process in a few days to prevent leftover eggs (if any) from hatching and causing more problems.
Does Baking Soda Kill Fleas on the Carpet?
Yes, you can use baking soda to kill fleas on the carpet. The drawback, though, is that the process takes longer to do. Even so, it is effective, and you need to be patient to achieve the result.
Here’s how you can use baking soda to get rid of fleas on the carpet.
Things You’ll Need:
- Baking soda
- Soft brush
- Vacuum
Instructions:
Step 1. Sprinkle the baking soda over the carpet.
Step 2. Use a soft brush for the baking soda to penetrate the carpet. Along the bottom of the carpet is where the larvae, eggs, and fleas live.
Step 3. Leave the baking soda sitting for 24 hours. During this time, keep the pets away from the carpet to ensure they will not eat the baking soda.
Step 4. Once the 24-hour expires, vacuum the carpet, remove the vacuum bag, and throw it away.
Does Baking Soda Kill Fleas on Dogs?
You can safely use baking soda to kill fleas on dogs. It is safe on their skin, but ensure they don’t have open wounds because baking soda can irritate them. To apply baking soda on dogs, make a shampoo paste out of it.
Mix 1 ½ cups of water and one tablespoon of baking soda to do so. Apply the mixture to their coat with warm water and avoid soaking it on their face. Allow the shampoo paste to sit for a few minutes and rinse with water.
Does Baking Soda Kill Fleas on Cats?
As much as baking soda can kill fleas on dogs, there is no reason why it should not get rid of fleas on cats. Baking soda does not contain harmful chemicals, so it is safe for pets, including cats.
You can use baking soda as shampoo paste, similar to the method for dogs. But you can also directly put it on their fur without rinsing them with water. To do so, sprinkle some baking soda liberally on the cat’s coat. Rub it into their skin thoroughly. Repeat as needed to penetrate the flea eggs in the cat’s fur.
Can You Use Baking Soda on Tiles and Hardwood Floors?
Fortunately, smooth, rough, or hard surfaces are not inviting for fleas. They would prefer to hide in warm and dark spots in the house. However, it does not mean you will not find them jumping on your beautiful floors.
To make sure that fleas won’t congregate on your floors, you might want to follow this method.
Make a Spray Bottle Solution
This method is recommendable as it is easy to kill fleas this way. Mix equal parts baking soda, salt, apple cider vinegar, and water to make the solution. Put the mixture into the spray and use it to spray the affected areas. Repeat the method until the fleas are all gone.
Put the Baking Soda Directly on the Floor
You don’t need a separate container to make a baking soda and salt formula. Put the ingredients on the floor directly and let it sit for about 24 hours. Vacuum it up after the lapse of 24 hours. Again, you have to make sure that pets will not get in contact with the mixture.
Conclusion
When you are not a fan of harsh chemicals to kill fleas, there is always a natural and non-toxic product that works just the same. Baking soda will kill fleas at all stages of life without harming you, your family, and your pets. It is indeed an efficient choice for flea control.
The baking soda method may be slow, but rest assured that it is effective, thorough, and safe. Who would have thought that a cheap and easily accessible ingredient usually hiding in the pantry could be so versatile, right?
We hope we have helped you solve the flea infestation in your house and you succeed in keeping the pets, kids, and the entire home safe from the curse of fleas.
To learn what other pests, baking soda can kill in your home, read our article – Does Baking Soda Kill Mice?
To know more about fleas invading your home, check our article – “Can Clean Houses Get Fleas?”
