Fleas are tiny pests that can cause big problems, especially when they infest your home. And while carpets and pet bedding are often the first places you check for fleas, hardwood floors can also be a haven for these unwanted guests.
However, the good news is that there are natural ways to eliminate fleas from your hardwood floors without resorting to harsh chemicals.
Don’t have any idea? Well, worry not!
This blog will walk you through effective, natural methods to rid your hardwood floors of fleas, ensuring your home is safe and comfortable for you and your pets.
Keep reading to find out!
8 Efficient & Natural Ways to Get Rid of Fleas on Hardwood Floors
Eliminating fleas from hardwood floors requires a systematic approach to ensure that you address every stage of the flea life cycle.
And by using natural remedies and maintaining a consistent routine, you can effectively rid your home of these pests without relying on harmful chemicals. Below is a detailed, step-by-step guide to naturally get rid of fleas on your hardwood floors:
1. Start with a Thorough Cleaning Routine
Cleaning is the foundation of any effective flea removal strategy. Fleas can hide in the tiniest cracks and crevices of your hardwood floors, so it’s essential to clean every inch of your home thoroughly.
Sweep and Mop Regularly: Begin by sweeping your hardwood floors to remove any visible dirt and debris. After sweeping, mop the floors using a solution of warm water and a few drops of natural dish soap. This will help remove any flea eggs or larvae that might be lingering on the surface.
Focus on High-Traffic Areas: Pay special attention to areas where your pets spend the most time, as these are likely hotspots for flea activity. Also, don’t forget to clean under furniture, in corners, and along baseboards, where fleas often hide.
Related Post: How to Effectively Get Rid of Fleas on Tile Floor
2. Vacuum Thoroughly and Regularly
Vacuuming is a powerful tool in your arsenal against fleas. Besides, a good vacuuming routine can help remove fleas at all stages of their life cycle.
Use a Vacuum with Strong Suction: A vacuum with strong suction and a crevice tool attachment will help you reach into the cracks and gaps in your hardwood floors. Fleas often hide in these small spaces, so it’s crucial to target them.
Empty the Vacuum Bag Carefully: After vacuuming, immediately empty the vacuum bag or canister outside your home to prevent fleas from escaping back into your living space. Also, consider placing the contents in a sealed plastic bag before disposing of them in an outdoor trash bin.
Daily Vacuuming: During an active flea infestation, vacuum your floors daily. This consistent approach will help break the flea life cycle by continuously removing eggs, larvae, and adult fleas.
3. Apply Natural Desiccants
Diatomaceous earth (DE) and salt are natural desiccants that work by dehydrating fleas, effectively killing them.
Diatomaceous Earth Application: Diatomaceous earth is a fine, powdery substance made from the fossilized remains of diatoms. When applied to your hardwood floors, it clings to fleas and dehydrates them, leading to their death.
Sprinkle a thin layer of food-grade diatomaceous earth on your floors, focusing on areas where fleas are most active. Leave it for at least 24 hours before vacuuming it up. Repeat this process every few days for a couple of weeks to ensure all fleas are eliminated.
Salt as an Alternative: If you don’t have diatomaceous earth, salt can be an effective alternative. Lightly sprinkle fine salt on your hardwood floors, especially in cracks and crevices. Leave it for 24–48 hours, then vacuum thoroughly. Like DE, salt works by dehydrating fleas, leading to their demise.
4. Create and Use a Natural Lemon Spray Repellent
Lemons are a natural flea repellent due to their high content of d-limonene, a compound that fleas dislike.
Lemon Spray Preparation: To create your lemon flea spray, boil a thinly sliced lemon in a pint of water. Let the mixture steep overnight to enhance its potency.
Afterward, strain the liquid into a spray bottle and use it to lightly mist your hardwood floors lightly. However, be cautious not to over-saturate the wood, as excessive moisture can damage hardwood floors.
Daily Application: For best results, apply the lemon spray daily until you no longer notice any flea activity. The pleasant scent will also leave your home smelling fresh and clean.
5. Utilize Essential Oils as a Flea Repellent
Certain essential oils, such as lavender and cedarwood, have natural flea-repelling properties. However, it’s important to use these oils carefully, especially if you have pets, as some essential oils can be harmful to them.
Lavender Oil: Safe for use around pets and has a soothing scent that fleas find repellent. Mix a few drops of lavender oil with water in a spray bottle and lightly mist your hardwood floors.
Cedarwood Oil: Another effective flea repellent. It has a woody scent that deters fleas and can be applied in the same manner as lavender oil. And ensure you use a diluted solution to avoid any potential irritation to your pets or damage to your floors.
Caution with Essential Oils: While essential oils are effective, always test a small area of your floor first to ensure there’s no adverse reaction. Also, avoid using essential oils directly on your pets without consulting a veterinarian, as some oils can be toxic to animals.
6. Use Baking Soda as a Dehydrating Agent
Baking soda is a common household item that can help you combat fleas naturally.
Sprinkling Baking Soda: Generously sprinkle baking soda on your hardwood floors, focusing on areas where fleas are most likely to hide. Use a broom to work the baking soda into cracks and crevices, ensuring it reaches the fleas.
Vacuuming After Treatment: Leave the baking soda on the floors for several hours or overnight. After the treatment period, vacuum thoroughly to remove the baking soda and any fleas or eggs it has dehydrated.
Repeat as Necessary: Continue this treatment every few days until you are confident that the flea infestation is under control.
7. Clean Pet Bedding and Fabrics Thoroughly
Fleas don’t only reside on your floors—they can also infest pet bedding, rugs, and other fabrics in your home.
Hot Water Washing: Wash all pet bedding, rugs, and any removable fabric items in hot water. The heat will kill fleas at all stages of their life cycle.
Drying on High Heat: After washing, dry these items on the highest heat setting to ensure that any remaining fleas, eggs, or larvae are destroyed.
Regular Cleaning: Continue washing these items regularly to prevent future infestations and to keep your home flea-free.
8. Groom Your Pets Regularly with a Flea Comb
While treating your hardwood floors, it’s essential to address the source of the fleas—your pets.
Flea Comb Usage: Use a fine-toothed flea comb on your pets daily. The comb will help to remove adult fleas and eggs from their fur, reducing the number of fleas in your home.
Natural Flea Shampoo: Consider bathing your pets with a gentle, natural flea shampoo. This will help to eliminate any fleas that the comb may have missed and provide relief to your pets from flea bites.
Preventing Future Flea Infestations
Once you’ve successfully rid your hardwood floors of fleas, it’s important to take steps to prevent future infestations.
- Continue to vacuum regularly, even after the fleas are gone. This will help to pick up any stray fleas or eggs that might have been missed.
- Keep up with regular grooming and flea prevention treatments for your pets. Flea collars, natural flea sprays, and regular baths can help to keep fleas at bay.
- Consider using diatomaceous earth as a preventative measure. A light dusting every few weeks can help to keep fleas from establishing themselves in your home.
- Inspect your hardwood floors for any cracks or gaps where fleas might hide. Seal these with wood filler or caulk to reduce potential hiding spots for fleas.
Closing Notes
Getting rid of fleas on hardwood floors naturally is not only possible but also highly effective. And by combining thorough cleaning, natural desiccants like diatomaceous earth and salt, and the use of essential oils and lemon sprays, you can eliminate fleas once and for all.
Ultimately, you can rest assured and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home is completely safe and flea-free, without the worry of exposing your family and pets to toxic chemicals.
