:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/dog-scratching-on-field-1159000513-27df78a330ab40889bab2b3167b7fb14.jpg?w=1920&resize=1920,1267&ssl=1 "Does Vinegar Kill Fleas? Not Exactly, But a Pest Pro Says It Can Deter Them If You Use It Right")
Key Takeaways
- Vinegar is not an effective flea killer but can be diluted to use as a repellent.
- Regular pet, yard, and home care—and citrus-based repellents—are more effective in getting rid of fleas.
- Spraying undiluted vinegar on a pet or your skin can cause irritation and is painful if flea bites are already present.
Fleas are annoying to animals and humans and leave painful bites that may transmit disease. The internet is buzzing with information that vinegar can kill fleas, but it’s actually not effective in this way; vinegar can be used as a repellent for fleas, though.
Learn more about using vinegar and effective ways to kill fleas.
Meet the Expert
Andi Hoover is a West Virginia University Extension agent in Greenbrier County.
Does Vinegar Kill Fleas?
Neither distilled white vinegar nor apple cider vinegar will kill fleas unless you pour enough on the pests to drown them. However, the scent of apple cider vinegar is a deterrent to fleas as they dislike the pungent odor.
Warning
Vinegar can cause skin irritation and pain if sprayed on a pet or human undiluted.
Want more cleaning and organizing tips? Sign up for our free daily newsletter for the latest hacks, expert advice, and more!
How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar Against Fleas
When using apple cider vinegar against fleas, it’s important not to use too much; if your pet licks its fur and consumes too much vinegar it can cause digestive upset.
“Spray a mixture of one part water and one part apple cider vinegar onto your pet to create an environment that fleas won’t want to hang around in,” says West Virginia University Extension agent Andi Hoover.
Either type of vinegar (apple cider or white) can be diluted with water in a one-to-one ratio to spray around doors, windows, and baseboards to repel fleas.
6 Home Remedies for Killing Fleas
- Vacuuming: Vacuuming removes up to 30% of the larvae and up to 60% of flea eggs from a carpet, as well as the larvae’s food supply of dried blood. Vacuum under furniture, cushions, chairs, beds, and along walls. Empty dust cups or discard vacuum cleaner bags outside because fleas can continue to develop and re-infest the house.
- Steam cleaning: The heat from steam cleaning carpets and upholstery will kill flea larvae and eggs. Always vacuum before steam cleaning and then again after the carpet or fabric dries.
- Laundry: Wash and dry curtains, pet bedding, throw rugs, and bedsheets frequently.
- Citrus sprays: Citrus sprays containing limonene or linalool can be applied to rugs, carpeting, and pet bedding. These products kill fleas on contact but evaporate quickly leaving little residual protection. Repeat at least daily until fleas are under control.
- Flea combs: Metal flea combs can effectively remove adult fleas from the coats of pets. Comb the animal outside and have a bowl of water handy to drown the fleas that are removed.
- Borax: A natural mineral, borax, can be sprinkled over carpets and then vacuumed away to kill fleas. Use wisely because pets and children who ingest borax may become ill.
FAQ
-
If undiluted vinegar is sprayed directly onto fleas, it will kill them immediately by drowning them. It is not the best option because undiluted vinegar can leave stains on carpets, upholstery, and other fabrics. A one-to-one spray can be used to repel fleas around doors, gaps, and windows.
-
The best homemade flea killer is regular vacuuming, steam cleaning, and laundry to kill adult pests, larvae, and eggs.
-
Baking soda does not kill adult fleas and will do nothing to protect your pets.