Having fleas in your house can truly be a nightmare that many of us have unfortunately faced.
We know that finding them and then killing them is a daunting task. You must look for a natural way to eliminate them without harming your pets or compromising their health.
Don’t worry… we got your back!
Important Note: If you're tired of pests and want a reliable solution, then you should definitely consider seeking help from a professional pest control company. DIY solutions can be effective, but if you're dealing with a significant pest infestation, you don't want to rely solely on DIY methods. Pest control companies typically don't charge huge fees. You can fill out this form to receive free quotes from the top local pest control companies, and compare the quotes and see for yourself. Then, finally, your pest problems will be eliminated for good.
You have probably heard about the use of cornstarch to kill fleas, and now you are questioning the claim’s validity.
In this article, you will get information about how effective cornstarch is in getting rid of fleas and whether it is safe to use.
So let’s get started right away!
Does Cornstarch Kill Fleas?
Yes. Cornstarch can kill fleas.
If you have read about dog food components, you would know that cornstarch is a part of your pet’s food. But do you know that cornstarch is a potential flea killer and repellent?
It is a fine powdery substance that can kill the fleas on your pet’s body when used correctly.
Flea Infestation effect on Health
| Health risk | Description |
|---|---|
| Flea bites | Itching, redness, and swelling. Allergic people have symptoms such as hives or difficulty breathing. |
| Disease transmission | Plague, typhus, cat scratch fever, and bartonellosis. |
| Anemia | In severe flea infestations, pets and other animals can develop anemia, a condition in which the body does not have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body. Anemia can cause fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms, and can be life-threatening if left untreated. |
| Tapeworm infection | Fleas can transmit tapeworm eggs to pets, which can then infect humans who come into contact with infected pet feces. Tapeworm infections can cause a range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss. |
| Secondary infections | In some cases, flea bites can become infected with bacteria or other microorganisms, leading to secondary infections. These infections can cause symptoms such as fever, swelling, and redness, and may require medical treatment. |
How Cornstarch works to Kill Fleas
Cornstarch works to kill fleas by suffocating them. Fleas breathe through tiny pores on their bodies, called spiracles, which allow oxygen to enter and carbon dioxide to exit. When fleas come into contact with cornstarch, the fine powder adheres to their bodies and clogs their spiracles, preventing them from breathing. As a result, the fleas suffocate and die.
Additionally, cornstarch can also dehydrate fleas. The powder absorbs moisture and oils from the fleas’ bodies, causing them to dry out and die.
How to Use Cornstarch to Kill Fleas?
You are now aware that cornstarch can kill fleas. Next, you will learn how to use it to do the same.
- It would be best if you took powdered cornstarch. It is preferred to crush it nicely to get a fine powder.
- Take this powder and sprinkle it on your pet’s fur. Leave it for about 30 minutes and brush it off.
- Use a clean comb to clean your pet’s fur, and clean your home using a vacuum cleaner.
- You can also take cornstarch, mix it in water and use the gathered water for bathing your pets.
Remember that cornstarch can remove fleas only from your pet’s body. But there are many fleas in your home hiding under the carpets and cozy places for them.
To remove fleas permanently, you need to look for alternatives and use them along with cornstarch to get the best results.
You can also grow lavender and peppermint plants in your garden to stop flea infestation in your home, as they are well-known flea repellents.
Is Using Cornstarch on Your Pets Safe?
It is usually safe to use cornstarch on your pets. A lot of dog foods contain cornstarch as an element. It means that it is not dangerous for their health.
So, you can use cornstarch on their bodies. But make sure that you do not sprinkle it in their eyes. Also, remember to brush them off from them after half an hour.
Cornstarch is generally harmless, but you must understand that all-natural products are not harmless for everyone. Pay a visit to the vet if your pet shows allergic reactions to its use.
Other Natural Remedies to Control Fleas Infestation
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a powdery substance made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms. When fleas come into contact with diatomaceous earth, the powder adheres to their bodies and causes them to dehydrate and die. Be sure to use food-grade diatomaceous earth, as other types may be harmful to pets or humans if ingested.
Essential Oils
Essential oils like lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus have natural flea-repellent properties. You can add a few drops of these oils to your pet’s shampoo or mix them with water to create a spray that can be applied to pet bedding, furniture, and other areas where fleas might be hiding.
Flea-Repelling Plants
Some plants, like pennyroyal, citronella, and catnip, have natural flea-repellent properties. You can plant these in your yard or in pots around your home to help keep fleas at bay.
Salt
Salt can be used to dehydrate and kill fleas. Simply sprinkle a generous amount of salt on carpets, furniture, and other areas where fleas might be hiding, and leave it on for a few days before vacuuming it up.
Baking Soda
Baking soda can be used to neutralize flea odors and absorb moisture. Sprinkle it on carpets, furniture, and pet bedding, leave it on for a few hours, and then vacuum it up.
Final Words
These tiny annoying blood-sucking organisms that suck the warm blood from your pet’s bodies, are no doubt nasty and irritating, especially if you are dealing with an infestation.
Fleas can cause several diseases in humans and pets and grow their population tremendously. So, it would be best to take the necessary steps to stop them from growing in the first place.
It’s worth noting that while cornstarch can be effective against fleas, it may not be as potent as chemical insecticides or professional flea treatments. Additionally, cornstarch may not be effective against severe flea infestations or in areas with high humidity, as moisture can reduce its effectiveness. If you’re dealing with a serious flea problem, it’s always a good idea to consult with a pest control professional to determine the best course of action.
Contact the exterminators if you feel that their population is humongous and uncontrollable for you.
That’s it for now. Thanks for reading!
We hope you got the desired information about the use of cornstarch to kill fleas.
