Does Apple Cider Vinegar Help with Fleas?

Yes, it does. Apple cider vinegar is an effective natural remedy to keep fleas away. This is because fleas find the smell of this ingredient irritating and will try to avoid it. Keep reading to know whether apple cider vinegar is just a repellent or it can actually kill fleas.

Does Apple Cider Vinegar Kill Fleas Instantly?

Apple cider vinegar doesn’t kill fleas at any stage of their lifecycle. This is because the acid in this vinegar is weak and can’t penetrate the exoskeleton of fleas. Hence, it can only be used to repel these parasites away. You can make a mixture of apple cider vinegar for this purpose.

Start by mixing equal proportions of apple cider vinegar and water. It’s highly recommended to use the raw form of organic vinegar for the best possible results. Consult your vet and add a safe essential oil to this solution. This will make the mixture more potent because the scent of the essential oil will irritate the fleas even more. Once the mixture is ready, you can spray it on all the hideouts of fleas, including your pet.

Will Vinegar Kill Fleas?

Some people think that vinegar can kill fleas, but that’s not true. Instead, it can only repel them away because of its nasty smell and taste. This forces them to leave their host animal and the lack of food (blood) might kill them. Fleas need a regular supply of blood to survive and vinegar can be used to deny them a source of nutrition. This indirect method can be quite useful against flea infestations. However, you will need to combine it with another treatment to get rid of the infestation completely.

Will Vinegar Kill Flea Eggs?

Just like adult fleas, vinegar can’t kill flea eggs on contact. This is because it can’t penetrate the hard shells of flea eggs. However, there’s an indirect way in which vinegar can make an impact.

Fleas are anautogenous insects whose rate of growth is dependent on the continuous availability of food. Vinegar deprives adult fleas of blood by repelling them away from their host animal. Hence, they won’t be able to reproduce quickly as their fertility is affected.

It is believed that fleas won’t try to mate if they haven’t consumed blood for a day or so. Similarly, female fleas will die very quickly if they were laying eggs when removed from the host. This happens because their metabolic rate is very high at that time and will need a continuous supply of food. Otherwise, they will become infertile and die within a short time. This will make a significant difference to the number of flea eggs (and fleas) in your home.

How to Use Vinegar to Kill Fleas?

Vinegar can be used in several different ways to counter flea infestations. Some of the most common techniques are discussed below.

Spray Your Pet

Mix an equal amount of water and vinegar and transfer the mixture to a spray bottle. Spray your pooch with this solution regularly to keep the fleas away. Observe caution while spraying and take special care of your dog’s eyes, nose, and ears. Likewise, don’t use this spray on open wounds because it will be very uncomfortable (stingy) for your canine friend.

Spray Your Carpets and Furniture

Fleas love to hide in dark places and crevices. Carpets and furniture offer ideal hiding spots for these parasites. You can use the same mixture (equal proportions of water and vinegar) to remove them from there. Don’t forget to spray under the furniture!

Wash Your Clothes and Bedding

This idea might seem a little strange at first, but it does the job without causing any harm. You need to add 2-3 cups of vinegar to the washing machine (with water) and soak the clothes for a few hours. After that, wash your clothes and allow them to dry completely. This process can also be repeated for your pet’s bedding.

Bathe Your Pet

Start the treatment by using a flea shampoo to bathe your pooch. Once you are done, add some vinegar (about 1 quart) to the bathing water and rinse your pooch with this solution. Don’t use a towel to dry your dog and let the air do its job. Using a towel will remove the vinegar from the fur and the essence of the process will be neutralized.