4 Methods That Actually Get Rid of Fleas, According to an Entomologist and Pest Expert

Oh no. Your pet has returned from time in the yard, and now they’re scratching like mad — and suddenly you’re scratching wildly too! If you’ve ever experienced this before, then you know that dreaded fleas have made their way into your home. Getting rid of them is a big job, and you’ll do anything to eliminate them — like finding out what smells do fleas dislike (in hopes that’ll keep them away).

But do smells actually deter fleas? I spoke to a pest expert and entomologist to find out the truth about if smells keep fleas away. They also shared their tried-and-true methods for getting rid of fleas.

You know how super-strong smells can affect humans? They can also affect fleas — especially the pungent ones. Think: things like cedarwood, eucalyptus, lavender, and peppermint, says Nicole Carpenter, president of Black Pest Prevention. If you’re trying to keep fleas away, try putting these scents out as essential oils in diffusers, or use simmer pots, room sprays, or scented potpourri. 

Keep in mind, though, that it’s not a foolproof solution. “Just because they don’t enjoy a smell, it doesn’t mean they’ll pack their bags and leave,” Carpenter says.

In short, no, scents don’t actually repel fleas. Fleas might not like a particular smell, but Carpenter and Trent Frazer, resident entomologist at Aptive, agree that while a certain scent may make the fleas hesitate to go in the area, not much will stop an infestation. That’s doubly so if eggs and larvae are tucked away in some hard-to-reach locations. When it comes to fleas, your best bet is to hire a pest control professional — even if your DIY method appears to reduce the amount of fleas in your home at first.

Instead of relying on scents to repel fleas, try these effective methods to get rid of them instead.

First, if you have pets that brought the fleas in, give them flea preventative medicine and put them outside in a crate or on a leash while you clean your home. 

“Fleas thrive in dirty environments,” Frazer says. He suggests vacuuming all the carpets, rugs, and furniture right away, especially at what might be an infested area, entry point for the fleas, or spot where your pets like to hang out. Throw the vacuum bag away outside as soon as you’re finished.

Wash all pet bedding, blankets, and pillows and pillowcases in hot water. “When washing pet bedding, add a few drops of tea tree oil or neem oil to the wash cycle, to kill any hidden flea eggs,” adds Carpenter.

To clean the rest of your home where fleas may be present, Frazer suggests finding a spray that combines adulticides (insecticides that target adult insects) like Permethrin and insect growth regulators like Methoprene, because that will break the life cycle of the flea.

If you’d rather go a route with less chemicals, get food-grade diatomaceous earth. It’s an all-natural powder that kills fleas. (Don’t use pool-grade diatomaceous earth! It’s toxic.) Carpenter says to mix some with baking soda and finely ground salt, then lightly sprinkle the mixture onto carpets, pet bedding, and anywhere else fleas might be present. After 24 hours, vacuum it all up, and the dead fleas will come up with it.