Killing fleas with essential oils? Is it possible?
Yes it is. We own a Cocker spaniel. Natural plant-based oils are the only thing we’ve ever used for flea control.
That’s because I believe dogs stay healthier when they’re not exposed to potentially dangerous chemicals. I like to think this is part of the reason my dog has lived so long.
Our Cocker Spaniel is now nearly 17 years old. That’s a milestone.
In the United States, if a dog reaches the age of 10, there’s a 50 percent chance he’ll develop cancer. Our dog, up until recently, has avoided this disease. We found out he has cancer shortly after he reached the ripe old age of 16.
But at least he’s still alive, outliving the average life expectancy for his breed by a couple of years. He still eats well. And tumor doesn’t seem to be growing.
Our dog has a strong body. This, most likely, has a lot to do with his longevity. But we’ve also kept him away from toxic chemicals. I can’t help but think this is why he’s still with us.
Where are dogs likely to encounter poisonous compounds? One source is household cleaners. But we don’t have to worry about this with our pet, because we only use natural cleaning products.
Many animals are also exposed to chemical-based flea and tick products. Unfortunately, these formulas may contain potentially hazardous ingredients. Flea products may contain pyrethroids. These compounds are linked to a number of health problems, including seizures.
Natural Flea Treatment for Dogs
Certain types of flea products, especially the so-called “spot on” applications, can even kill a pet. One agency tracked an alarming statistic. The Center for Public Integrity found that “spot on” treatments caused at least 1,600 deaths, during a five-year period.
I personally believe that it’s scandalous that pet owners don’t have this information. So they can make an informed decision, for their pets and for themselves. There’s also a link between pyrethroids and cancer. Plus, there’s evidence these flea chemicals are transmitted to humans.
We don’t hear much about the potential dangers of flea products. This could have to do with the fact that flea control is a huge, multi-billion dollar industry. But the news is slowly coming out, thanks to the Center for Public Integrity and other natural health news sources.
All of the above is why I’m such a big fan of natural flea treatment for dogs.
Killing Fleas With Essential Oils
(This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase anything, I receive a referral fee, at no extra cost to you.)
Before you read any further though, here’s a word of caution. Certain essential oils should never be used on dogs. These include clove, cassia, camphor, thyme and a pretty long list of others. If you decide to use essential oils on a dog, always run this by your vet. Let him or her have the final say on essential oil use.
Certain medications may interact with essential oils. Also, never use these aromatic oils on a pregnant female, or on a very young puppy. Essential oils can’t be used on cats. That’s because felines lack a liver enzyme needed to break down the aromatic compounds.
Some essential oils are considered okay for dogs. (After you check with your vet.) These include geranium, lavender and lemongrass essential oils.
During the summer, to keep pests away, I’ve put one drop of natural geranium essential oil on my dog’s collar. (On the collar, not on his fur.) It seems to work. Better yet, I didn’t have to worry about poisoning my pet.
Essential Oils For Fleas Ticks On Dogs
We’ve owned our dog since he was three. Never once, has he been doused in a chemical flea product, or shampooed with insect repellent. He’s never worn a flea collar. Later in this article, I’ll explain more about the specific dangers associated with chemical collars.
Our dog doesn’t spend a lot of time outside. Things might be more difficult if he liked the great outdoors. But he’s the type of pet that likes to be in the house, lounging next to one of his family members. I think this reduces the likelihood of a major flea problem.
Natural Flea And Tick Repellent
To repel these fleas and ticks, we use natural essential oils. A number of aromatics are excellent at controlling pests. They can be used as a natural flea and tick repellent. Geranium essential oil, as I already mentioned, is one of them.
You can also use lemongrass essential oil, which comes from a grass that grows in the tropics. (It would be the same method, a drop on the dog’s collar.) Lemongrass has a really nice smell, reminiscent of lemons. It’s often used to flavor Southeast Asian dishes.
Lemongrass Oil for Fleas
I’ve seen published reports of people who recommend putting a drop of lemongrass oil on a dog’s shoulder blades, similar to what you’d do with a spot on treatment. But I wouldn’t do this with my dog.
Aromatic oils are extremely potent. Dogs have a heightened sense of smell. Even though essential oils are natural substances, I feel there’s still a need for caution. With my own dog, I’d only consider using them on his collar.
Killing Fleas On Dogs With Essential Oils
There’s still a lot we have to learn about essential oils and animals. (Never use them on a cat.) So, once again, please check with your own vet. I need to stress this once again. That’s because I’m just a dog Mom. Not an animal healthcare expert.
So use this post as a starting base. Do your own research. And talk to your own vet.
Below is a bottle of Fabulous Frannie lemongrass essential oil. Fabulous Frannie is a brand I can recommend because I’ve used it myself. (Plus, this company has published literature on safe use of essential oils with animals.)
Remember, if you buy an essential oil, you don’t have to use it exclusively for flea control. Lemongrass oil has a multitude of other uses, for personal care and for around the house. For instance, it works great in natural household cleaning solutions because it has an invigorating fresh scent.
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Non Toxic Flea Control for the Home
You couldn’t pay me enough to put a chemical flea collar on my dog. Here’s why.
Flea and tick collars are an unhealthy option, both for people and for pets. The National Resources Defense Council has published findings showing that these products emit pesticide residue for weeks, after they’re placed around an animal’s neck. Some of these chemicals are potentially neurotoxic and carcinogenic, according to the NRDC.
That’s why it makes sense, at least to me, to turn my dog’s regular collar into a natural flea and tick collar. This can easily be done with geranium or lemongrass essential oils.
But what about controlling fleas already in the home. And dealing with flea eggs in your carpet?
Natural Flea Control for The Home
Actually, it’s really easy to make DIY flea and tick spray for the house. This natural spray is designed for use on carpets and bedding only. Make sure to wait until it’s dry before your pet is allowed on the sprayed surface.
Or, if you prefer convenience, you can find ready-to-use non-toxic plant-based flea treatments designed to control the flea population in your house. (Always test any flea spray on a small spot to make sure it doesn’t hurt the fabric.)
Below are two ready-to-use flea products powered by essential oils. They do not contain any dangerous chemicals, and don’t pose a health risk to your family or your pet. Vet’s Best makes a non-toxic flea spray shampoo (on the right) as well as a Flea & Tick Home Spray powered by natural essential oils.
Vet’s Best Flea Spray
Vet’s Best Flea Shampoo
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Can You Vacuum Flea Eggs
Years ago, a vet once told me that during a flea infestation, your carpet becomes a “flea factory.” This is where many flea eggs can live. If I remember correctly, think he told me to put a mothball in my vacuum canister.
However, mothballs are toxic. For people, as well as for pets. A much better solution is to add about five drops of essential oils to your vacuum canister. You could use geranium or lemongrass oil. But the blend I prefer putting in my vacuum cleaner is a five-oil formula that’s considered a natural germ fighter. Different essential oil companies sell this blend, which contains lemon, clove, rosemary, eucalyptus and cinnamon essential oils.
How To Get Rid of Fleas In the House
Remember, I said earlier not to use certain essential oils on a pet? These include nearly all of the above oils. But this aromatic germ-fighting blend is designed for use in your vacuum cleaner only. Not on or near your dog. And only for the purpose of killing flea eggs in your carpet. Germ-fighting essential oil blends are very strong, so you definitely want to keep them away from your pet.
Just to be extra safe, I’d keep my dog out of the room while vacuuming and until the smell of the oils is gone. (Most dogs don’t like to stick around anyway while the vacuum cleaner is running.)
Even though we don’t have a flea problem, I like to add this germ-fighting blend to my vacuum cleaner because it leaves the room smelling fresh.
Diffusing Essential Oils To Kill Fleas
Yet another way to potentially attack fleas is by diffusing essential oils. However, to be perfectly honest, I’m not sure this would be the most effective method, unless you added a lot of essential oil and used it as a natural “flea bomb.” This would have to be done in a closed area. You or your pet wouldn’t be able to use the room in the meantime.
I personally would not do an essential oil flea bomb if I had a cat. I’d also want to keep pets and children out of the room for at least several hours, or until the smell was no longer strong. (This is something I also wouldn’t do if I were pregnant or thought I could be. Although essential oils are natural, they’re best avoided during pregnancy.)
To make a natural essential oil flea bomb, you’d need at least one cold air essential oil diffuser. You could set up a second diffuser if you’d. Add water to the well, along with about 20 drops of a germ-fighting essential oil blend. Run the diffuser for several hours in a closed room. Make sure to cover your nose and mouth with a wet cloth when you enter the room to disconnect.
Disclaimer
These statements have not been approved by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. People with health concerns should discuss them with a doctor. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use essential oils, unless directed to do so by a healthcare professional.
I’m not a healthcare professional, so all of the above statements are my personal opinion, and are presented for discussion purposes only. Please check with your vet before using essential oils on your dog, and don’t use aromatics on puppies.
For Additional Reading
Center For Public Integrity Report on Flea Products
Dangers of Spot On Flea Products
I was told from an old timer about 50 years ago that fleas can’t stand the scent of pine.
Hi Connie, thanks so much for reading and for your feedback. I have no doubt that fleas hate the smell of pine. I wouldn’t use this aromatic oil on a dog, but there are others that will work for fleas.
Hi Connie, thank you so much for reading. I have no doubt that pine will keep the fleas away in your house or in a closet. However, I wouldn’t use pine essential oil on a dog or on his or her collar.
I’ve heard you can use tea tree oil as well.
Hi Amber, thanks so much for reading. Tea tree oil would probably be effective against fleas. But I wouldn’t use it on my dog because it’s so strong and there are concerns of toxicity in animals. I do urge people to check with their vets before using essential oils on a pet.
Tea Tree Oil is suggested to put on dogs hot spots or injured areas that you do not want them to lick. Bc they don’t like the flavor. Have used this for years on all breeds of dog, worked perfectly.
I’m not an animal healthcare expert, so I can’t give medical advice. But I have used lavender essential oil mixed with coconut oil on my dog’s hot spot, and it worked really well. I like lavender oil because it’s mild. Tea tree in large amounts isn’t good for dogs. (Anyone reading this don’t even think about using essential oils on cats.) Thanks so much for reading my blog.
What would be a good oil for cats to use for fleas?
Hi Genie, don’t use essential oils on cats. I’m not an animal health expert, but here’s what I understand from my reading. Cats lack a liver enzyme that’s needed to break down and metabolize essential oils. Because essential oils are so strong, they’re generally not considered safe for cats. Thanks for reading.
What a great article. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. I will try the lemon grass. The geranium gets my allergies riled up for some reason!
Yes, whatever works best for you. Everyone is different. Thanks so much for visiting and for commenting.
Hi my concern is ticks, anything for them?
Hi Cindy, I use the same essential oils for ticks as well. Hope this helps.
I have battled fleas all seasons even in this cold winter what oils can I use in the house to keep them out. I have taken all carpet out but they are still on my dogs please help
Patrice, you can try using a natural flea spray. Here’s a post that tells you how to make one. https://www.organicpalacequeen.com/homemade-flea-spray-for-house-with-essential-oils/. Also, consider using diatomaceous earth. This is a non-toxic substance that’s lethal to insects. You will easily find a lot of information by Googling. I hope this helps.
So you just put a drop in the collar? Anywhere in particular? On the outside or on the inside? Also, how often do you apply it to the collar. My dogs love to go outdoors so will this still be effective for them?
Hi Datta, I can’t claim or promise that any natural remedy will take care of your flea problem. All I can do is share what I do with my own dog, who doesn’t like the great outdoors too much. I guess you could always try the essential oil approach to see if it works. This is all I have to do for my dog. He goes out to “do his business” and we also walk him. I put the oils on the outside of his collar. Thanks for reading.
I don’t apply them too often, given the fact that he stays in a lot. If he went out more I’d probably do it at least once a week. You could also put 10 drops of peppermint oil and 10 drops of lavender oil in a large glass spray bottle and periodically spray your carpets with a light coating to combat flea eggs. (You can also use this to wipe down your counters to keep ants away.)
would you do this with cats in the house. I used a spray with tea tree peppermint vinegar and water and sprayed our beds sometimes but not regularly. the cats don’t tend to go on our beds much.
Hi Karen, This would be a good question to ask your vet. I like to tell people not to use essential oils with cats because they have a different metabolism than dogs. Just to be safe ask your vet if it’s okay to use essential oils as a flea and tick house spray. I’m of the mind that caution is the best approach with everything.
Hi. I have also read that diluted lavendar oil works as a household flea spray, and to spray on your dog.
Maybe very diluted, since dogs are so sensitive to smells. Lavender is one of the essential oils you can use with dogs (not cats.) But I always tell my readers to check with their own vet before using essential oils on their pets, since I’m not an animal healthcare expert. Thanks so much for reading my blog.
How often do you apply the oils on the collar?
I’d say about once a week or so, or until you can’t smell the oil at all. This is all we’ve needed to do for our dog. Granted he doesn’t like the great outdoors. Also, run the idea by your vet. I always encourage people to work with their vets.
Melissa, I just updated that article to include a link to a newly published post on how to make your own non-toxic flea and tick spray for the home, to attack these critters from another angle.
Great article, lots of new info I can’t wait to test out on my Charlee! She LOVES the outdoors, has her own doggie door, and I have recently noticed a few fleas on her. I haven’t found any inside though, just a few strays on her. I read another article that said the same things you do with a few drops on the collar, 1-3 times per week as needed. The EO they said that really seems to be effective, and mild on a dog’s highly sensitive nose, is Chinese Cedarwood. I applied 4 drops evenly spaced on the outside of her collar, then I use a mixture of Bragg’s apple cider vinegar + baking soda + blue dawn dish soap in a spray bottle for both my furniture, and a daily spritzing on Charlee. I got some food grade Diat. Earth also, and created a barrier around the inside of my house, and generous coating of her lounge areas. I may have went a little over kill, but I haven’t seen a single flea in about 6 months now.
Hi Nikki, thanks so much for your feedback. I always tell readers to check with their vet before using essential oils for a dog (never on a cat). It sounds like you’re attacking the flea problem from multiple angles. I can definitely see how they’d be long gone. Thanks for reading my blog.