Fleas, which feed on the blood of animals and birds, are small, dark-colored parasites. Fleas may spread illnesses and parasites to your dogs in addition to making them unpleasant and itchy, so it’s important to take every measure possible to rid your house, yard, and animals of these pests in Salt Lake City. A DIY flea spray may be worth a try before resorting to the various commercial sprays and treatments for flea prevention and control, since many of them may be highly successful without the use of harsh chemicals. Here is a collection of indoor and outdoor home cures that may be made with components you probably already have on hand.

Spray Lemon Infusion

The citric acid in lemons serves as a natural flea repellent that is also safe to apply on most fabrics. Two lemons, with their rinds left on, should be thinly sliced and added to two cups of water before being brought to a boil for use in the spray. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, then set aside to cool overnight. Pour the liquid through a strainer into a spray bottle, and then mix with some vinegar. Apply a thin mist of the DIY flea spray on your pet’s bedding, furniture, and carpets by shaking the bottle first and testing a small area to make sure the fabric is colorfast.

Salt

Carpets treated with finely powdered table or sea salt can successfully dry out and kill fleas and eggs, however this approach should be avoided in high humidity owing to the salt clumping and clinging to the carpet fibers. Spread a little coating of salt over the affected region and rub it gently into the fibers. After 24 hours of letting it settle in the carpet with as little foot movement as possible, vacuum it.

Nematodes

Beneficial nematodes are tiny worms that are not harmful to people, animals, or plants. They may be found in many hardware stores or at your neighborhood nursery, and their diet consists of flea larvae and other pests like grubs and termites. In order to help control fleas, mix with water as directed on the container and spray in shaded locations.

Diatomaceous Earth

If you have a problem with fleas in and around your house, you can use diatomaceous earth as a drying agent. Use a product that is safe for people and dogs to eat, but take precautions to avoid getting the fine powder in your eyes, skin, or lungs when you apply it. This substance is useless if it gets wet, so only apply it in dry locations where fleas are a problem.

Cedar

The scent of cedar is inherently offensive to fleas, therefore it may be used as a natural flea killer in the yard. If you’ve found fleas in your yard, you may get rid of them by spreading cedar chips around the yard’s perimeter.

Plants

The oils, smells, or chemicals found in many plants are unpleasant to fleas and can thus be used to keep them away. As fleas are attracted to warmer environments, the strategic placement of these plants about your house and property can help decrease or eliminate the flea population. Among the plants we provide are:

• Catnip
• Chrysanthemums
• Eucalyptus Lavender
• Lemongrass
• Marigolds Mint Pennyroyal
• Rosemary
• Rue Sage

You may deter fleas, mosquitoes, and other pests from your patio, entryways, windows, and locations where your pets like to rest or wander by planting flea and other insect-repelling plants, flowers, or herbs there. Weeding the grass might aid with flea management. If you need assistance with landscaping or lawn maintenance, don’t hesitate to call Millburn Landscaping & Design in your area.