Updated on March 8, 2023
Fleas are blood-sucking insects. They are not only a threat to you but also to your pets.
While almost invisible, they can be a huge menace and can also result in spreading diseases. Therefore it’s crucial to eliminate them before they cause some serious damage.
Now, there are various home remedies to get rid of fleas. Some of these methods can be really effective in repelling or even killing them.
One of these known methods is lemon juice. But does lemon juice really repel fleas? Let’s find out.
See Also: Does Rubbing Alcohol Kills Fleas?
Does Lemon Juice Kill Fleas?
No. Lemon juice itself will not kill fleas. However, this natural product can be used as a flea deterrent since fleas are known to hate the smell of lemon.
But it is worth noting that there are no absolute results showing that lemon juice is an effective flea repellent.
Different people have had different results when they tried to kill or repel fleas through this method.
Despite all that, what’s the danger in trying? Lemon juice is cheap and an extremely safe solution. Many home owners and pet owners have had good results using lemon juice.
Keep reading to see how it’s done.
Read Also: Can Fleas Be Found In Human Hair?
How to Make a Lemon Juice Flea Spray
As already mentioned, please note that the spray will likely not kill the fleas but it can act as an excellent repellent. One of the methods to make this repellent is:
- Take 1-2 fresh lemons and cut them in quarters.
- Add the lemons and about 1 quart of water to a saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and boil approximately 5 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and allow the lemons to steep in the water for about 8 hours (or overnight).
- Pour the lemon water into an empty spray bottle.
Now when you notice a flea (or fleas) in a certain area, spray the mixture directly on them or in any area where you want to keep fleas away.
You can keep the solution refrigerated and use it for up to a week.
Related: What Bit Me? (How to Identify Bug Bites)
The smell of lemon will help you repel fleas. But still, it won’t help you get rid of them permanently.
Apart from using a lemon juice spray, there are other alternative non-toxic methods that can be used in order to repel the fleas in your house.
See Also: 11 Bugs Often Mistaken for Bed Bugs
Non-Toxic Methods to Repel Fleas
#1 – Dish Soap and Water
For this method, you should make a mixture of soap and water. This mixture can be placed in any areas where fleas have been spotted.
The soapy water will essentially act as glue and trap the fleas and it works much more effectively than simply trying to drown fleas in plain water.
While it’s very safe, it’s still a good idea to keep the mixture out of the reach of small children and pets.
#2 – Baking Soda
Baking soda is another non-toxic solution available to get rid of fleas. It’s quite cheap and very widely used.
In order to use it effectively, baking soda should be rubbed with a hard brush well inside the fabric. Then make sure to vacuum the house after this.
#3 – Salt
This method can be used similarly to the baking soda method. Some say salt works better than baking soda and others say opposite. It’s worth trying both methods.
#4 – Flea-Repelling Plants
You can also grow various plants that have the natural ability to deter fleas through their smell and oils. Here are some of the most common plants which repel fleas in the area:
These are just a few non-toxic methods to keep fleas away. However, if you have a severe flea infestation, it’s recommended to hire an exterminator to get rid of fleas in a more permanent way.
Eliminate Fleas With Professional Pest Control
Hiring an exterminator for your flea problem is not always as expensive as you think. The cost of a flea exterminator can vary greatly from one company to the next.
Click the link below to receive free quotes from multiple local pest control companies who are trained to eliminate fleas using the latest commercial products and methods.
Final Words
Using lemon juice as a non-toxic method to repel fleas is a good, low cost method. But to actually kill fleas, there are better options.
Nonetheless, it’s a good method to try since it’s completely safe and almost free.
But in case you face a serious flea infestation, hiring a flea exterminator is often your only option.
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