Fleas in House? Use Boric Acid (Borax) for Your Home Flea Control Program

Cost and Where
to Get It

Boric Acid is made from Borax and both kill fleas. Borax costs about $1.00 per pound while Boric Acid costs $4.00 - $10.00 per pound. They are both used the same way. I buy 20 Mule Team BORAX in the laundry detergent section at the grocery story where a 4 pound box costs $4.00 and is enough to treat my modest size home.

vacuum
broom
shaker
nose/mouth mask

I use a big jar with holes poked through the lid and cheap nose/mouth mask (why breathe in borax powder?)

How to Apply

I do one room at a time. First I make all my pets leave the room. (There's no sense in them inhaling borax dust either.) I vacuum well, sprinkle a light covering and pound and sweep it down where carpet fleas hide. I move all the furniture and treat those areas also since fleas hide in dark quiet places. That's it! Mission accomplished.

Note: The vibration of the vacuum encourages hatching of the flea larvae so they can hatch and die.

How Does Borax Kill Fleas and How Long Does it Last?

It kills these insects by dehydration like diatomaceous earth, but its less expensive. It also attacks their nervous system. One application lasts six months to a year for fleas in house. The deeper into the carpet you get it, the better. You don't want fido snorting it up.

Since its Natural, its Safe, Right?

Yes and no. Its much better than pesticides and lasts for months instead of weeks. It won't cause skin irritation but it still should not be eaten or inhaled.

Once its down in the carpet, inhaling is not a problem. I believe the brushing action of the broom creates a magnetic affect on the powder. If its on top of the carpet or on your dog's skin or fur, your dog can ingest it. I never put it ON my dogs.

What About Vacuuming After Carpet Flea Treatment?

Wait a few days if possible, then vacuum as usual since only trace amounts of borax will be picked up each time.

Can I use Borax for fleas on my wood floors?

Yes. Its a little harder and much messier to apply since you have to get it down into the cracks of the floor, then wipe off the surface.

A Final Note

Flea control in the home doesn't happen overnight. Fleas multiply quickly and yard fleas become fleas in house in the blink of an eye. Be patient and don't give up! And pat yourself on the back. Fleas don't build up a resistance to borates like they do pesticides so you're doing something good for the earth!

Here are some other natural products to consider:

If you think this is all to much trouble and believe topical flea medicines, flea bombs, flea sprays and flea shampoos are the way to go, please read the description of Flea Control Secrets on the right hand side bar. Then buy the book. It will be a learning experience and may even scare the pants off you.

More About Fleas

Here are links to some of the other pages on this site about fleas that might interest you:

Flea Life Cycle

Flea Control in the Home

Flea Traps

Dog Flea Medicine

A Natural Remedy for Fleas

And understand that fleas are never a major problem for a healthy dog. Do some research on dog food ingredients and make a wiser choice.

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