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15 Best Home Flea Treatments For Pet Owners

Controlling fleas is an unavoidable part of pet ownership, regardless of the type of pet or how many you have.

Although they are more common in warmer, dryer regions, and their number in your house and yard tends to be strongest in the dryer summer months, fleas may quickly become out of control no matter where you live all year.

But how can you know when it's time to flea-treat your home?

"Because it is flea and tick season, you can conduct home flea treatment in the early spring or summer," says Ryan Smith of Ant and Garden Organic Pest Control in Beaverton, Oregon.

"However, regardless of the time of year, a home flea treatment is required and should be done as soon as you notice signs of infestation on your pets."

There are several aspects to consider while selecting home flea remedies. Do you need to treat indoors, outdoors, or both? Is it better to use a powder, a spray, a fogger, or a trap?

You should also make certain that the product you purchase is safe for your pets, children, and any surfaces where food is stored or served.

Each treatment has its own application method, precautions, and beneficial components. Hopefully, this list will assist you in selecting one or two that are a suitable fit for your personal needs.

Here are some of the best home flea treatments for pet owners on the market today that BestForPets (bestforpets.org) recommends.

Reviews

Overall winner: Wondercide Flea & Tick Spray for Pets + Home
 

  • Spray is the application type.
  • Cedar, lemongrass, and sesame oils are active ingredients.
  • Its duration is unknown, but it kills in minutes.

Wondericide Flea and Tick Spray is safe to use on your dog or cat’s fur as well as beds, furniture, rugs, and carpet.

The major component of this spray, cedar oil, is naturally repellent to a range of insect pests, including fleas, just as cedar chests used to store family artifacts.

Other key ingredients include lemongrass, which is related to citronella and is naturally repellent to insects such as fleas and ticks.

Sesame oil contains natural acids that work as warning pheromones similar to those generated by dead and dying insects, giving invading fleas and ticks instinctive cues that they should avoid a harmful environment by going elsewhere.

It’s gentle enough to use every two to three days if necessary. The spray is also cruelty-free, biodegradable, and manufactured in the United States.

Fortunately, each of Wondericide’s components adds a pleasant odor to the spray that both consumers and pets enjoy.

The lemongrass, cedarwood, and rosemary mixtures are our favorites. Peppermint essential oils are poisonous to dogs and cats, so avoid using them.

Pros

  • Ingredients derived from nature
  • A single spray for cats, dogs, and the home
  • Safe for puppies, kittens, and senior pets

Cons

  • Stay away from their peppermint-scented spray.

 

Adams Flea & Tick Carpet Powder is the best powder
 

  • Powder as an application type
  • Linalool, Nylar, pyrethrin insecticides, piperonyl butoxide are the active ingredients.
  • It has a one-year lifespan.

There are several carpet powders on the market. Adams Flea and Tick Carpet Powder with Linalool and Nylar is reasonably priced. On carpets, rugs, and furniture, it kills adult fleas, flea eggs and larvae, and ticks.

Nylar is an Insect Growth Regulator, which means it prevents eggs and larvae from developing into adults, essentially interrupting the flea life cycle in your house.

Linalool, a plant pesticide, kills all four stages of the flea life cycle: adults, eggs, larvae, and pupae.

One container may treat up to 400 square feet and can be reused or replaced for a year.

Because it kills on touch, the company suggests applying it and then waiting at least 24 hours before vacuuming. It keeps re-infestation at bay.

The citrus aroma deodorizes, freshens, and eliminates pet odors. To avoid inhaling exposure, carefully follow the application directions.

Pros

  • Lasts a long time
  • Stops all stages of the flea life cycle

Cons

  • Insecticides that are synthetic

 

Bayer Advantage Household Fogger is the best fogger
 

  • Fogger is an application type.
  • Pyrethrin insecticides and piperonyl butoxide are the active ingredients.
  • It can last up to seven months.

When fleas become out of control in your house, sometimes all you need is a fogger to get ahead of their life cycle. Advantage Household Fogger is a great option from a well-known brand.

The fogger comes in a three-pack and kills fleas, flea eggs, flea larvae, ticks, cockroaches, lice, mites, ants, and many other household pests.

Each fogger treats an 8-foot-ceiling room up to 16 by 16 feet in size, or 2,000 cubic feet of clear space. Before using, make sure you thoroughly read and follow all instructions.

Because the active components contain pyrethrin insecticides, you must remove food and dishes from the treatment area and clean worktops and dining surfaces with soap after treatment.

They also suggest combining this with yard and pet treatments to avoid re-invasion from exterior locations.

Pros

  • When all other therapies have failed, it works.

Cons

  • If not utilized properly, it can be hazardous to humans and domestic animals.
  • It’s a man-made insecticide.

 

PetArmor Home and Carpet Spray for Fleas and Ticks is the best value
 

  • Spray is the application type.
  • Permethrin insecticide, N-octyl bicycloheptene dicarboximide are the active ingredients (insecticide enhancer)
  • It lasts approximately seven months.

PetArmor Home Brand Home and Carpet Spray is effective against fleas and ticks that are hidden in carpets, rugs, draperies, upholstery, and pet bedding.

Fleas, flea eggs and larvae, ticks, bed bugs, lice, and dust mites are all killed by this effective spray.

It is effective for seven months because it prevents growth into the adult phase, preventing re-infestation.

When used as instructed, this spray leaves no odor or powdery residue and does not discolor. Spray the product and allow it to dry for two hours before applying it.

Pros

  • It lasts a long time.

Cons

  • Insecticide Pyrethroid
  • Skin irritation is possible.

 

Enoz Trap-N-Kill Flea Trap is the best trap
 

  • Type of application: Sticky trap
  • Glue is the active ingredient.
  • How long does it last? Each pad can last up to three months.

If you don’t like the odors, oils, or chemicals in sprays, powders, and explosives, try an old-fashioned trap with contemporary technology assistance.

The Enoz Trap-N-Kill Flea Trap attracts fleas by using infrared heat and light from a bulb. The fleas fly toward the light and land on a sticky pad after falling through a screen.

A single pad attracts fleas and lasts up to three months or until it is empty. Refills are available in a three-pack for a reasonable price.

It is safe to use around children, pets, and food because it is pesticide-free.

Pros

  • Refillable with sticky pad
  • There are no chemicals, odors, or oils.

Cons

  • It makes no mention of eggs or larvae.
  • When used alone, it takes longer to end the life cycle.

 

TropiClean Natural Flea & Tick Yard Spray is ideal for use outside
 

  • Spraying using a hose is the type of application.
  • Essential oils of clove, lemongrass, cedarwood, and cinnamon are used as active ingredients.
  • How long does it last? Customers say 3-4 weeks, although this is not indicated.

It makes sensible to think about your yard when getting rid of fleas.

Otherwise, any work you make to remove fleas in your home could be undone in a matter of days by fresh little invaders.

But it’s your yard that connects your house to Mother Nature. As a result, you may prefer a product that works organically and does not contain dangerous chemicals, scents, or damage to your lawn.

Tropiclean Natural Flea & Tick Yard Spray has a blend of essential oils, including clove, lemongrass, cedarwood, and cinnamon oils, which naturally kill and repel fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, spiders, ants, aphids, and other insects. It smells like citrus.

A single bottle should cover 5,000 square feet of lawn and is effective on all stages of flea life, ensuring they don’t return.

Spray distribution is simple because a hose may be attached directly to the bottle. However, you should keep your pets away from the treated area because cinnamon essential oil is toxic to dogs.

Pros

  • There are no synthetic pesticides.
  • Connects to a hose for simple application.

Cons

  • Prolonged contact may cause eye and skin discomfort.
  • Some ingredients are not suitable for pets.

 

NaturVet Herbal Flea Powder is the best preventative measure
 

  • Powder as an application type
  • Thyme oil, lemongrass oil, and rosemary oil are the active ingredients.

NaturVet Herbal Flea Powder is for both cats and dogs and is intended for use on pets and throughout the home.

Its simple, fragrant herbal ingredients, developed by a veterinarian, are safe to use on bedding and on weaned kittens and pups over the age of six weeks whenever needed.

A money-back guarantee should alleviate any concerns that such simple ingredients will be insufficient.

Follow the manufacturer’s directions, including applying in well-ventilated locations, as with all powders. If you like the powder, you may also try the spray from the same manufacturer for further protection.

Pros

  • Ingredients are simple and natural.

Cons

  • Asthma can be triggered by powders.

What to Look for in Flea Treatments at Home

Ingredients

“Most insecticides contain active chemicals such as permethrin and fipronil, which effectively kill adult fleas.

Other active substances, such as methoprene and pyriproxyfen, prevent the development of eggs,” explains Dr. Smith.

“When utilizing chemicals, avoid products containing imidacloprid and dinotefuran, which are extremely harmful to youngsters.”

He suggests using safer options like diatomaceous earth, herbal or organic flea treatments, lemon spray, and salt (coupled with vacuuming).

Home and bedding sprays containing essential oils known to be hazardous to dogs and cats, such as peppermint, cinnamon, tea tree, pine, and wintergreen oils, should be avoided.

Method of Application

Most businesses provide a number of solutions for meeting consumer needs, including as sprays, powders, foggers, and traps.

They advocate a comprehensive approach that includes treating your dogs, home, and yard all at once for the most successful therapy.

In general, begin by treating the region where the fleas were discovered. Then, spread outward. It may be pet bedding or your sofa.

Safety

Remove dogs and children from the area before applying any aerosol or powder product, and follow all guidelines to avoid breathing the substance, especially if it contains synthetic insecticides.

Look for skin contact warnings as well. When applying, wear gloves and wash your hands with soap and water after each application.

Keep an eye out for items that should not be treated, such as eating surfaces, and items that should be removed from the area before treatment, such as food, dishes, and difficult-to-clean items.

Some household sprays include hazardous substances for pets. Never use a spray straight to your pet’s fur unless the product directions say it’s okay and you’ve checked with your veterinarian.

FAQs

When should I treat my home for fleas?

Most experts believe that you should treat your home and pets as soon as you notice the first flea.

This is due to the fact that a female flea can produce 50 eggs per day, totaling roughly 2,000 in her brief lifetime.

Depending on the environment, they can hatch into full adult fleas in two weeks to several months.

It’s ideal to deal with this issue as soon as possible because fleas can cause a variety of issues for you and your cat. Fleas are not only bothersome, but they can also carry diseases and parasites.

Some pets are mildly to severely allergic to flea saliva, and even a single flea bite can cause discomfort. If you’ve ever had fleas in your home, you’ll recall the need to scratch the bites.

This impulse can cause your pet to lick and scratch itself, resulting in secondary problems such as skin infections, hot spots, and even behavioral issues such as destroying furniture out of frustration.

How long does it take for home flea treatments to work?

Most home flea treatments contain substances that kill on contact as well as growth inhibitors, which disrupt the flea life cycle.

Some solutions with heavy pesticides show fast results, however more natural products can take up to 30 days to completely eliminate all fleas.

Read the package carefully because most products will state how quickly they work.

Are flea treatments at home safe?

“Remember that when applying pesticides to treat flea infestations in your house, these chemicals may have adverse impacts on your family, pets, and the environment,” says Dr. Smith.

Most experts agree that home flea treatments are safe as long as you read the instructions thoroughly before using them and strictly follow the procedures.

To be safe, some must be completely dried before contact. Others require that food and dishes be removed from treatment areas prior to spraying.

Before using flea control items in your house, make sure you completely understand your product and plan ahead of time.

Conclusion

Based on personal experience, Wondercide Flea & Tick Spray for Pets + Home took the top rank since it is safe to use directly on your dogs and around your home whenever a flea is spotted.

BestForPets (bestforpets.org) has supplied a spray, powder, and fogger containing potent pesticides that will get the job done if you’re out of supplies or if other items have failed.

BestForPets wishes you luck in your search for the best home flea treatments for pet owners!

Author Image

Dr. Deborah Fletcher

Deborah R. Fletcher, DVM, is a skilled veterinarian with more than 15 years of experience dealing with companion and exotic animals. She has experience caring for a variety of animals, including household cats and dogs, reptiles, birds of prey, and even primates. Dr. Fletcher is a valuable part of the BestForPets team, where she contributes to their aim of providing pets and their owners with the finest possible treatment and services.

Veterinarian (DVM) Dr. Deborah Fletcher

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