Does Baking Soda Kill Fleas?

And Other Solutions for Getting Rid of This Pest


Baking soda

Updated May 2023

If you have fleas in your home, you’ll do and try just about anything to get rid of them. You’ll find plenty of options in the store, and surely you’ve read as many articles online that you can find (is that how you found us?). Today, we’re going to take a look at baking soda as a home method for getting rid of fleas. Does it work?

Yes! Baking Soda Can Kill Fleas When Used with Salt.

Baking soda dehydrates and kills flea larvae and eggs, preventing the outbreak from growing out of control. However, baking soda can’t do it alone, and the addition might already be in your home and is safe for kids and pets: table salt. Salt acts as an abrasive and damages and penetrates through the fleas’ exoskeleton. It also has moisture-absorbing qualities, helping to dehydrate the pests.

For this method, you’ll need to stock up! It large amounts of each to cover multiple areas of your home.

How to Use Baking Soda and Salt to Kill Fleas

What You’ll Need:

  • Active baking soda (your baking soda must still be active, so a box you’ve had open for a month or more will not work)
  • Table salt
  • Vacuum

Directions:

  1. If possible, put animals in a spot away from your treatment zone. While the mixture won’t cause serious harm, if they have open wounds, the salt can be painful.
  2. Make an equal mixture of salt and baking soda liberally on your carpet or affected area, and leave it overnight to dehydrate the larvae and eggs.
  3. Vacuum the carpet thoroughly and then clean your canister or bag carefully so you don’t accidentally let the fleas out again.
  4. Repeat the process again in a few days, which is when any leftover eggs would hatch and cause additional problems.

Dog in lawn scratching ear due to fleasOther Flea Solutions

How You Can Get Rid of Fleas

  • Vacuum every day and clean out your vacuum after each use.
  • Did the fleas come in on a pet? Follow your vet’s instructions. You’ll most likely be advised to wash your pet with a special shampoo and use a flea comb.
  • Mow your grass to an appropriate height and keep your yard tidy because fleas like to live where there are plenty of places to hide.
  • Use a Flea & Tick Program to control the population around your home
  • Wash all your clothes and bedding on the highest temperature allowable to help kill eggs.

Skip the Baking Soda and Kick Fleas out with Green Pest Solutions

Fleas are no match for our pest experts. If your DIY treatments don’t work or if you want to take some preventative measures to stave off another outbreak, please consider giving us a call to schedule a free consultation. Contact us today at 877-636-9469.