What is the best natural flea prevention for pets?

Last Updated: July 29, 2024

Are you worried your four-legged friend has a nasty case of fleas? Ditch the harsh chemicals with our tips on the best natural flea prevention for your pets.

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For better or worse, we’re all familiar with fleas. Every year when the warmer months roll around, these dreaded little blood suckers jump their way into our lives, forcing us to turn to toxic remedies to keep our animals safe and the itching at bay.

Ditch the harsh chemicals with our tips below on the best natural flea prevention for your pets.

GROVE HISTORY LESSON

Tiny bugs, big impact

Rats take the majority of the credit for spreading the bubonic plague, but it was actually infected fleas who transmitted the plague bacteria from human to human.

But first, what are fleas?

Fleas are tiny, blood-sucking insects about the size of a fingernail, with reddish-brown coloring and bodies made for jumping. That’s right—contrary to popular belief, fleas don’t actually fly. These wingless parasites have long back legs that allow them to jump up to 80 times their height and 200 times their body length.

After fleas glut themselves on the blood of the nearest warm-blooded creature, the proteins in their saliva cause an immune response that results in itching and irritation, similar to that of a mosquito bite.

Cat fleas are the most common type of flea, but don’t be fooled by the name — these six-legged hematophages are just as likely to feed off of your dog as they are your cat.

Check out this video to get up close and personal with every pet owner's worst enemy.

How do animals get fleas?

Even if your animal lives indoors or your dog is the only one using your backyard, there are still a ton of ways your pets can pick up fleas.

Squirrels, rabbits, and birds are all capable of carrying and transmitting fleas to your pet, even if your animal is only outside for a few minutes.

Fleas are ruthless opportunists who will hitchhike into your home on you or a visiting friend and then dismount onto your pet to feed and lay eggs.

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Signs your pet has fleas

Worried your four-legged friend has a case of fleas?

Keep your eyes peeled for these symptoms and watch the video below for tips on how to properly check your pet for a flea infestation.

Itching and scratching
Red pimples or bumps
Hair loss
Dry skin
Lesions
Skin infection

Learn how to properly check your pet for fleas from Banfield Pet Hospital

How to naturally get rid of fleas on your pet

Say goodbye to the toxic chemicals in commercial flea treatments and try these remedies to leave your pet naturally flea-free.

Lemon juice

Grab your handy dandy flea comb, fill a bowl with lemon juice, then dip the flea comb in the lemon juice before each pass through your pet’s fur.

The acidity in lemon juice works as a natural repellent for fleas.

Apple cider vinegar

Fleas hate the smell and taste of ACV, which makes it a great choice for natural flea prevention. Mix equal amounts of water with apple cider vinegar and add it to a reusable spray bottle.

Spray your pet’s undercoat and belly, but make sure to protect their eyes from any wayward droplets!

Essential oils

Citronella, tea tree, peppermint, eucalyptus, and neem are all great essential oils for getting rid of fleas.

Dilute 10 to 20 drops in a reusable spray bottle filled with water and spritz on your pet’s coat, taking care to avoid their eyes.

Flea shampoo

Natural flea shampoo is a safe and effective alternative for getting rid of pesky fleas.

Simply bathe your furry friend with flea shampoo and let the suds do the rest. This will not only help with future flea prevention, it'll also soothe your pet’s bites and leave their fur soft and clean.

How to naturally get rid of fleas in your home

Fleas enjoy warm environments, and your bed, carpet, and couch cushions are the ideal place for them to reproduce and spread.

Try these natural remedies to banish fleas from your home.

Lemon spray

Thinly slice a lemon and add it to a pint of water in a saucepan. Bring the water to a boil then let it sit overnight.

The next day, add it to a reusable spray bottle and spray your furniture to get rid of any fleas your cushions are secretly harboring. Don’t soak your furniture—just dampen it.

Diatomaceous earth

Diatomaceous earth absorbs water and oils from the fleas’ exoskeletons, essentially dehydrating them to death.

Sprinkle a thin layer of this fine powder over any areas where you suspect there’s a flea infestation. Leave the diatomaceous earth for two days and then simply vacuum it up.

Wash your bedding

Fleas can’t survive in extreme heat, so wash all your sheets, throw blankets, and dog or cat beds in hot water.

Check out our ultimate laundry guide for tips and tricks on how to green-up your laundry routine and get your sheets cleaner than they’ve ever been.

Can fleas live on humans?

Fortunately for us, fleas prefer the safe and warm cover of your pets’ fur over yours (try not to be offended).

But if you’re handling a pet that has fleas, watch out—they might not want to make your head their new home, but they will bite you!