You might have observed your pets trying to scratch their bodies and get rid of something. You must be thinking about the cause of their irritation.
The little organisms that are irritating them are none other than fleas. We understand that the thought of their presence alone might make you feel uncomfortable, and getting rid of them is vexing.
Probably, you have heard about the use of dish soap to kill fleas but does it actually work?
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.
In this article, We will resolve your queries regarding the use of dish soap to kill fleas and whether it is safe for use on your pets or not.
Does Dish Soap Kill Fleas?
The answer to this query is yes. You can use dish soap to kill and eliminate fleas.
Fleas are blood-sucking creatures that parasitize your dogs and cats. They are annoying not only for you but also for your pets.
But we would like to inform you that several solutions are available to eliminate fleas, and dish soap is among them.
You must know about the mechanism of micelle formation of dish soap that removes oil.
This property makes dish soap a helpful product used for cleaning, but it is not the cause of the death of fleas. It might help remove the dead flea bodies from getting trapped in the micelle.
Fleas swim in water due to floatation caused by their exoskeleton. Dish soap can reduce the surface area of any object in water due to surface tension.
The dish soap removes the exoskeleton of fleas and drowns them, thus making it effective against them.
How Dish Soap Kill Fleas?
Dish soap is an effective and affordable method to kill fleas, and it works by disrupting the waxy outer coating of the fleas. This outer coating is essential for the flea’s survival, as it helps them retain moisture and protects them from dehydration.
When you mix dish soap with water, it forms a soapy solution. This solution has a high surface tension, which means it can penetrate and break the flea’s waxy coating, exposing it to water. Once the waxy coating is disrupted, the flea’s body becomes vulnerable to dehydration, and it will eventually die.
Additionally, dish soap also suffocates fleas by clogging their respiratory system. When fleas are covered in soapy water, it blocks the openings they use to breathe, causing them to suffocate.
How to Use Dish Soap to Kill Fleas? Step-by-step guide
You are now aware of the fact that dish soap can kill fleas. You will learn how to use it in this section.
- Fill the bathtub of your pet with warm water. The temperature should be approximately 21 °C.
- Add a few drops of dish soap to the water and stir until it becomes bubbly.
- Place your pet in the water and make sure its fur is completely submerged.
- Using a flea comb, gently comb through your pet’s fur, focusing on areas where fleas are most commonly found, such as the neck, tail, and ears.
- As you comb, the fleas should get trapped in the soapy water and drown.
- After a few minutes, remove your pet from the soapy water and rinse them thoroughly with warm water to remove any remaining soap residue.
- Dry your pet with a towel or let them air dry.
This method will help you eliminate fleas present on the bodies of fleas. But it is estimated that there are a hundred fleas in your home per one flea discovered.
It means you need to look for better alternatives to dish soap for killing fleas. Dish soap can act as a temporary solution and not a permanent one.
Is the Use of Dish Soap Safe for Your Pets?
It is not at all safe to use dish soap on your pets. Dish soap contains harmful chemicals, and thus, they may cause allergic reactions and irritation.
If your pet is already experiencing skin irritation and itching, using dish soap on their skin might worsen the situation.
Never use dish soap on puppies and kittens without consulting a vet. Their skin is far more sensitive than adults and needs more care.
Finding alternatives to dish soap, like lavender and tea tree oil, is recommended to eliminate fleas. Always pay a visit to the vet if your pet is getting even more annoyed by the use of dish soap.
Final Words
Killing fleas with dish soap is very much possible, but it’s not a guaranteed solution.
It’s important to note that dish soap should not be used as a long-term solution for getting rid of fleas. While it can effectively kill adult fleas, it may not be as effective at eliminating eggs or larvae. Therefore, it’s important to use other methods to tackle a flea infestation, such as vacuuming regularly and treating your pets with flea preventatives.
However, it is always recommended to go for natural flea repellents rather than harmful products to get rid of them.
Nonetheless, if you feel you cannot get rid of the humongous flea population on your own, then you should surely contact the exterminators to take care of this problem more permanently.
That’s it for now! We hope this article helped you in clearing your doubts.
