Wondering if you can kill fleas with baking soda? We cover the most effective tips for controlling fleas naturally in Oregon.
The old saying is, “stubborn as a mule,” but if you have pets or spend any amount of time outdoors, you likely know the saying should actually be, “stubborn as a flea.”
Fleas are relentless, making their presence known quickly. Before you know it, they’ve taken over your home, and they can be tough to get rid of. With more than 300 species of fleas found around the United States, there are several types that feed on the blood of humans and animals, including cat and dog fleas, ground squirrel fleas, and Oriental rat fleas.
Needless to say, fleas aren’t creatures you want hanging around your home.
You may have come across the idea of using baking soda as a flea treatment or repellent. But does it work? Can you kill fleas with baking soda, or is this just an urban legend?
In this post, we’ll explore whether baking soda is truly the miracle it’s made out to be, or if there are better ways to send fleas packing. Let’s dig in.
Can You Kill Fleas With Baking Soda? The Jury’s Out
The idea that baking soda can kill fleas is likely a myth that stems from our understanding of baking soda’s absorbent properties. The theory goes like this: when baking soda is sprinkled onto the carpet, furniture, or even your pet, it dries out the fleas’ exoskeletons and kills them.
Though baking soda is touted as a cure-all for fleas just about everywhere, unfortunately, there’s little actual science to support this claim. Baking soda is great for cleaning, deodorizing, and even baking a batch of cookies, but its powers fall short in the pest control department.
While it might make your carpet smell fresh, it’s not strong enough to dehydrate adult fleas or their larvae. Fleas are tough, and it takes more than a pantry staple to get rid of them.
That said, if you’ve already given it a try and noticed no difference, you’re not alone, and you’re probably not worse off for it. After all, baking soda smells great and is non-toxic. Of course, the issue is that if you’ve attempted this remedy, you’re probably now back at square one (and itching for an effective solution).
Why DIY Flea Remedies Often Fail
While DIY solutions like baking soda can be tempting, they seldom deliver the results you’re hoping for. Fleas are resilient, quick to reproduce, and notoriously difficult to eliminate without a more targeted approach.
The biggest problem with DIY remedies is that they don’t address the full flea life cycle. Fleas go through four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. If you miss even one of these stages, the infestation can bounce back, and you’ll find yourself battling fleas all over again. Baking soda does nothing to tackle the eggs or larvae of the fleas, both of which can be hidden deep within your carpets or furniture.
Of course, fleas can hitch a ride on your pets, too. Even if you manage to kill the fleas in one part of your house, your dog or cat might reintroduce them from another area. The cycle will continue to repeat itself.
Alternative Solutions for Flea Control
So, can you kill fleas with baking soda? You now know that the answer to that question is a, “no…not really.” If you’re serious about getting rid of fleas, you’ll need more than just baking soda and a prayer to the pest control gods. You need strategy. Here are a few tips:
Start With a Thorough Cleaning
Vacuuming is your best friend when fighting fleas. Use a vacuum with strong suction to clean carpets, furniture, and even baseboards. This will help remove adult fleas, eggs, and larvae.
Once you’ve finished, dispose of the vacuum bag outside to make sure the fleas aren’t able to escape back into your home.
Wash and Dry Your Fabrics
Gather up all of your washable items, like bedding, pet blankets, and even throw pillows. Wash them on the highest heat setting the fabric allows, then dry. Heat is one of the most effective tools for killing both adult fleas and their eggs.
Treat Your Pets
Your pets are very likely the source of your flea infestation in the first place, so they’ll need a little extra TLC. Talk to your vet about safe and effective flea treatments, like flea collars, topical treatments, and oral medications.
Use Approved Flea Control Products
If you’re really struggling with these parasitic pests, over-the-counter sprays, powders, and foggers designed specifically for fleas may help break the life cycle. Be sure you follow the instructions closely and only use products that are safe for homes with pets and children.
Get Professional Help
If you’ve tried everything and the fleas keep coming back, it might be time to call in reinforcements. Professional pest control services like our team at Kanga Pest Control have access to treatments that homeowners don’t. Plus, we’ll be able ot target fleas at every stage of their life cycle, meaning you’ll be over and done with the problem for good.
Killing Fleas With Baking Soda: Not Your Best Bet
When it comes to getting rid of fleas, you don’t have time to gamble with potential solutions. You need solutions that are backed by science—solutions that really work.
At Kanga Pest Control, we have just what you need. We use science-backed methods to handle flea infestations at any size or scale. Whether it’s a small issue or a large-scale invasion, we’ve got the tools and expertise to send those fleas packing for good.
Contact our team at Kanga today to schedule your service. We’re ready to help you get rid of fleas and make sure they don’t come back. Save the baking soda for your next batch of chocolate chip cookies. We’re ready to get to work.
