There are many home remedies that can be used to get rid of fleas. Some people prefer to use natural methods, such as essential oils, while others may opt for more traditional methods, such as using pesticides.
Essential oils are a popular choice for many people because they are effective and safe to use.
The 8 Best Essential Oils for Fleas
1. Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil is an effective essential oil for fleas. This oil has insecticidal and repellent properties that make it ideal for getting rid of fleas.
One study has proved that the use of 32% Lemon Eucalyptus Oil provides more than 95% protection from mosquitoes for three hours (1).
2. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is another effective essential oil for fleas. This oil has strong insecticidal properties that make it ideal for getting rid of fleas.
Moreover, tea tree oil possess antibacterial, antiseptic and anti inflammatory properties. One study has revealed that it is an effective ingredient to get rid of bush flies, mosquitoes and biting midges (2).
3. Rosemary Oil
Rosemary oil is an effective essential oil that has a smell which is unpleasant for the fleas. This oil has a distinct smell that helps in repelling the fleas.
The compounds found in rosemary are carnosic acid, carnosol, and rosmarinic acid. A field study on the repellent activity test of rosemary leaf has shown that it affects Aedes aegypti Mosquito and keeps them at bay for certain hours (3).
4. Citronella Oil
Citronella oil is an effective essential oil for fleas. This oil has strong insecticidal properties that make it ideal for getting rid of fleas.
The chemical present in citronella, pyrethrum is intense enough to repel fleas and other insects such as ticks and mites. The aroma of citronella tree as well as the waxy leaves does not appeal fleas.
5. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is an effective essential oil for fleas. This oil has a strong smell which is unpleasant for the fleas. This oil has a cooling effect on the skin and helps in repelling the fleas.
Since the oil is highly concentrated and releases a distinct odor, it deters the fleas and other insects. Moreover, the presence of linalool and limonene in peppermint oil makes it strong enough to repel insects.
6. Cedarwood Oil
Cedarwood oil is an effective essential oil for fleas. This oil has a strong smell which is unpleasant for the fleas and also acts as a natural pesticide.
The chemical composition of cedar oil is so intense that it makes the life of fleas difficult in every stage. From corroding the exoskeleton of fleas to covering the pheromone scent, leaving pests too disoriented to do anything, cedar is highly powerful when it comes to repel fleas.
7. Lemongrass Oil
Lemongrass oil is an effective essential oil for fleas. This oil has a strong smell which is unpleasant for the fleas. This oil helps in repelling the fleas.
A study on repellent activities of essential oils of some plants included lemongrass that shows prominent results (4). Since the odour of lemongrass is pleasant, it can be used in homes safely.
8. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is an effective essential oil for fleas. This oil has a calming effect on the nerves and also helps in repelling the fleas.
The chemical composition of lavender is strong enough to keep fleas at bay. A study from 2002 revealed that lavender oil to be effective at repelling adult mosquitoes and fleas (5).
How to use Essential Oils for Fleas?
Mix water and a few drops of essential oils in a spray bottle and spray it in areas where fleas are present.
You can also add a few drops of essential oils to your pet’s shampoo and bath them regularly to keep fleas away.
Additional Tips:
- Vacuum your house regularly to remove fleas and their eggs from carpets and upholstery.
- Keep your pets clean and well-groomed to prevent fleas from infesting them.
- Remember to make sure your pet does not have any reactions to essential oils. If they do, then stop using it immediately.
These are some of the essential oils that can be used to get rid of fleas. Some people prefer to use natural methods, such as essential oils, while others may opt for more traditional methods, such as using pesticides. Use them with care and keep them away from children and pregnant women.
Scientific Evidences
1. Comparative laboratory and field evaluation of repellent formulations containing deet and lemon eucalyptus oil against mosquitoes in Queensland, Australia- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24772681/
2. Development of Melaleuca oils as effective natural-based personal insect repellents- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1440-6055.2009.00736.x
3. The Repellent Activity Test of Rosemary Leaf (Rosmarinus officinalis l) Essential Oil Gel Preparations Influence on Aedes aegypti Mosquito- https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2021JPhCS1788a2016A/abstract
4. Repellent Activities of Essential Oils of Some Plants Used Traditionally to Control the Brown Ear Tick, Rhipicephalus appendiculatus- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3945150/
5. Repellent activities of essential oils and monoterpenes against Culex pipiens pallens- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12542193/
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