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Healthy Choices

How to get rid of fleas – safely and naturally (no toxic bombs needed)

You wouldn’t give your dog chocolate—so why unleash toxic “flea bombs” in your living room? Flea infestations can be frustrating, but getting rid of fleas in your home and on your pets doesn’t require harmful chemicals. With a little consistency and the right tools, you can kick fleas out—safely and effectively.

Let’s break down how fleas live, and six proven, least-toxic steps to show them the door.

Understanding the flea life cycle

Female fleas lay their eggs in pet beds, carpet, carpets, furniture, and floor cracks. Within days to weeks, the eggs hatch into small, worm-like larvae. The larvae can take anywhere from nine to 200 days to spin a cocoon and move into the pupae stage, where they can remain hidden for up to a year before emerging when conditions are favorable.

That ability to hunker down is what makes fleas hard to eliminate. That’s why a combination of methods to hit each life stage is the best way to control them.

Six Safe Steps to Get Rid of Fleas

Want a fast, toxic-free way to get fleas out of your house and off your pets? With a little consistency and the right tools, you can show fleas the door—without inviting toxic chemicals in. Here’s what to do: 

  1. Keep your cat indoors.

Fleas from outdoors will keep coming back if your pet goes outside. Limit exposure to break the flea life cycle. An added benefit? Your pet will be safe from wildlife like coyotes!

  1. Vacuum regularly—especially where pets hang out.

Vacuuming regularly helps to remove flea eggs, larvae, and adults. Focus on carpets, furniture, pet beds, and cracks in the floor. Always empty the vacuum canister outdoors immediately to avoid recontamination.

  1. Clean your pet’s sleeping area.

Fleas tend to accumulate where your pet sleeps. Establish one sleeping area that can be easily cleaned, or place towels around the house where your pet likes to sleep, and wash these frequently.

  1. Bathe or use a flea comb on your pet regularly.

Use a flea comb or give your pet a bath. This helps remove adult fleas and lets you monitor how bad the infestation is so you can decide if other methods are necessary.

  1. Use flea traps.

Sticky traps that catch fleas on a piece of paper are available, or you can try food-grade diatomaceous earth traps—a powder that kills fleas by drying them out. (Avoid breathing it in and follow safety instructions.)

  1. Use least-toxic chemical controls—only if needed.

If fleas persist, choose products that are safer for people and pets. Avoid flea bombs and foggers with ingredients like chlorpyrifos, which is a highly hazardous pesticide that can damage the brains of children.