These Everyday Scents Can Attract Fleas to Your Home
Concerned about fleas? Those tiny terrors can turn your home into a scratching nightmare. But don’t worry, you don’t need a hazmat suit to tackle them. There are a couple of things you can do to get rid of them, but the best is combining a couple for maximum effect. And your pets aren’t to blame for bringing fleas into your home because these nasty little bugs are both stubborn and persistent.
Trash
Fleas have a nose for trouble, especially when it comes to garbage. The smell of trash is like a five-star buffet for them, drawing them in for a feast. Keep your garbage sealed tight and taken out regularly. Otherwise, you’ll be rolling out the red carpet for these pesky critters to invade your home.
Carbon Dioxide
They also have a knack for sniffing out carbon dioxide, which signals a living, breathing feast. They’ll zero in on exhaled CO2 like tiny bloodhounds. So, every breath you take is like ringing the dinner bell for these pesky biters. Keep your home ventilated and treat your pets to avoid turning yourself into a flea buffet.
Pets
Your furry friend is like a walking food truck to fleas. The scent of pet fur and skin oils is an irresistible invitation for these little pests. Regular grooming and flea treatments can help keep your pet from becoming the neighborhood flea hangout spot. Keep Fido flea-free and happy!
How to repel fleas best
Although getting rid of flea-attracting scents can help, you can’t really get rid of your dog or cat to stop them from invading your home. Instead, there are various natural methods you can use to make your pets, and your home, as inhospitable as possible to fleas.
Eucalyptus
Fleas absolutely despise the scent of eucalyptus. A whiff of eucalyptus and they scatter faster than you can say “pest control.” Use eucalyptus oil around your home or add it to your pet’s bedding to send those fleas packing. Your house will smell fresh, and the fleas will be long gone!
Citronella
Spritz some citronella around your home or in your pet’s bedding, and watch those fleas hightail it out of there. It’s a natural way to make your place flea-free, and it smells way better than those chemical sprays. Plus, it’s a great mosquito deterrent as well so you’ll be hitting two birds with one stone.
Mint
Fleas and mint? They’re not friends. The fresh, minty aroma is a major turn-off for these pests. Scatter some mint leaves around your home or use mint oil in your cleaning routine. It’s like setting up a flea-free zone with a refreshing twist.
Cedarwood
Fleas hate cedarwood like cats hate baths. The strong, woody scent sends them running for the hills. Sprinkle cedar chips around your home or use cedarwood oil on your pet’s bedding to keep those pests at bay. Your home will smell like a woodland cabin while the fleas will look for another place to chow down on animals.
Lavender
Lavender might smell heavenly to us, but to fleas, it’s a nightmare. They can’t stand the soothing, floral scent. Use lavender oil in your home or add dried lavender to your pet’s bedding. It’s a natural, pleasant way to send fleas packing. It’ll improve the aesthetics of your home as well.
Tea Tree Oil
A few drops of tea tree oil in your pet’s bedding or as part of your cleaning routine can help keep those pesky bugs away. However, be very careful with the dosage if you do choose to use it as it’s toxic to pets in larger amounts if ingested. One or two drops will be more than enough to make the fleas leave.
Vacuum and sweep regularly
Regularly vacuum carpets, rugs, furniture, and pet bedding to remove fleas and their eggs. Dispose of the vacuum bag or contents immediately outside. Keep your home clean and tidy as often as possible because fleas can get into the tiniest of spaces to lay their eggs. Failure to do so will require calling flea removal experts.
Wash your pet’s bedding
Wash your pet’s bedding and other fabrics in hot water and dry them on high heat to kill fleas and their eggs. Fleas often fall off pets when they lay down on anything that has fabric in it, especially on bedding where they spend the most time sleeping. And if the fleas remain there, they’ll easily jump onto other pets or you.
Use diatomaceous earth
Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth on carpets, pet bedding, and other areas where fleas are present. It dehydrates and kills fleas. Leave it for a few hours before vacuuming it up. While you may make a slightly larger mess in your home, it’s better than having fleas jumping on everything that breathes.
Keep your yard tidy and clean
Mow your lawn regularly and keep your grass short to reduce flea habitats. Remove any debris in the area such as leaf piles, tall grass, and other debris where fleas can thrive. You can also use outdoor flea control products but make sure they aren’t toxic to pets and only use them if you suffer from frequent infestations due to the area you live in.
This Is How You Can Get Rid of Flies from Your House Quickly
This Is How You Can Get Rid of Flies from Your House Quickly
About the Author
Meet Jacqueline, a seasoned writer at Animaloverse who has spent over a decade exploring the fascinating world of animals. Her love for animals, which also fuels her writing, is drawn from her personal experiences with all kinds of pets. The animal kingdom continues to ignite her curiosity as she discovers new insights every day. She also finds joy and personal growth through sports. In winter, she enjoys skiing, embracing the thrill of invigorating cold weather activities. When summer arrives, she sets out on hiking trails, exploring the beauty of nature. Among all her passions, her dog Bailey holds a special place in her heart as together, they go on exciting adventures. The happiness she experiences with Bailey often serves as inspiration for her writing.