Many people assume the viable solution to eradicate fleas involves harsh chemicals and pesticides. While there are plenty of effective chemical-based flea treatment and prevention products on the market, there are also some all-natural solutions that work just as well. One such all-natural solution that’s guaranteed to kill fleas involves table salt — yes, the same kind of salt that you sprinkle on French fries and other foods. So, how do you use salt to exterminate fleas?
The Flea-Killing Power of Salt
You might be skeptical of the effectiveness of salt when used in the treatment of fleas. After all, how can something that most people consume on a daily basis kill these otherwise resilient parasites? Salt doesn’t kill fleas in the same manner as chemical-based products, but instead it kills them through dehydration. When a flea comes into contact with salt, the remaining moisture content in its body is extracted; thus, killing the flea through dehydration.
Salt and Baking Soda
For maximum effectiveness, it’s recommended that you create a flea-killing solution consisting of equal parts table salt and baking soda. Baking soda works in the same manner as table salt by sucking the moisture out of the fleas. Because its consistency is slightly different, though, it improves the effectiveness of table salt (when the two are mixed together).
When you’re ready to eradicate fleas inside your home once and for all, go ahead and create the mixture of half table salt and half baking soda. Next, sprinkle a thin layer throughout your home, paying close attention to areas of known flea activity. Whenever a flea crosses over this substance, it will die. A good rule of thumb is to wait at least 48 hours after applying the table salt and baking soda solution before removing it. This should be more than enough time for it to kill most of the fleas inhabiting your home. Once you’ve reached the 48-hour mark, vacuum up the remaining powder.
Note: this method should only be used in homes without pets. Table salt is toxic to both dogs and cats when consumed in large amounts, so KEEP YOUR PETS AWAY.
Did the table salt method solve your flea problem? We’d love to hear your story in the comments section below!
Jan 5, 2015 @ 10:59