9 Best Essential Oils for Fleas (Treatment for Dogs, Cats & Home)

Fleas can be a major problem once they enter the home; they spread quickly and it becomes a daunting task to repel them. There are of course plenty of chemicals available in the market to get rid of fleas but when it is about the safety of your loved ones, you take no risks. Thankfully, there is a lifesaver and we call them essential oils. Essential oils for fleas can do wonders in order to eliminate the number of chemicals you and your family are exposed to. They are full of anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic, antiseptic and analgesic qualities that make them a very effective remedy to treat fleas. Though the list of essential oils for fleas is too long but you can certainly count on our 8 top recommendations.

Best Essential Oils for Fleas

Lavender Essential Oil

Extracted from steam distillation of the leaves and flower buds of the lavender plant, this fresh and powdery scent has been revered as a calming relaxing oil to treat various skin problems.

Sweet-smelling, all-purpose insect repellent, lavender oil is a popular choice for use in the home. It is best known for being a natural remedy in dealing with fleas and ticks. You need to keep in mind that this particular oil does not kill the fleas but keep them away. Be careful with the usage of this oil as pets may not tolerate it. Try to use in a spray bottle and sprinkle in the affected areas or use moderately on your pets. Many renowned research universities have recommended lavender oil to control fleas.

Always remember that essential oils should not be used internally. Make sure to dilute your essential oil appropriately. Keep them out of the reach of kids or animals to avoid any hazardous effects. Also, buy 100% authentic essential oil from trustworthy sources.

Lemongrass Essential Oil

Extracted from the topical lemongrass plant Cymbopogon citrates, the aroma of this oil works best as an insect repellent. It might not help you to kill the fleas but keep them at bay from a pet host or your house. The fleas cannot stand the upbeat strong smell of this oil so they prefer going somewhere else to find the food.  Lemongrass oil is also considered useful in treating oily scalps and skin problems. That is the reason; it has become an active ingredient in a variety of lotions, soaps, and shampoos. Just add few drops of oil to water and fill it in the spray bottle and apply the mixture carefully to the affected areas. Lemongrass oil acts best when used in a diffuser.  It spreads the pleasant aroma all over.

In addition, to treat fleas, there are many other benefits of lemongrass oil such as killing germs, reduces fever, boosts energy, relieves headaches and alleviates stomach aches.

With a little research, you can easily make your own recipes or body products using this miraculous oil.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Derived from the various trees of the Australian Eucalyptus species, the distinct menthol-like scent sets the eucalyptus oil apart from other essential oils for fleas. It is suggested to pair it with citronella oil as an all-purpose bug repellent. Be it in lotion or spray, use it in any form but use caution around pets.

Eucalyptus oil also does not kill the fleas outright but get you rid of them by making them leave the area where it is applied. Go for this amazing oil in order to dispose of the flea issue.

Cedar Essential Oil for Fleas

Unlike other essential oils for fleas, cedar oil is actually toxic to fleas rather than just keeping them away. This oil has no substitute when it comes to eliminating fleas from your surroundings.  Cedar oil offers wonderful benefits but it must be used in a diluted form. This essential oil will not only repel these pesky insects but kill them right away.

Use this oil in a room diffuser as a cleanser for your whole home but when using it for your pets, be conservative with the quantity. It is advised to use only a few drops. Be sure to pick the best cedar oil variety in order to experience the best results.

Pennyroyal Essential Oil

Part of the mint family, Pennyroyal oil is the oldest natural insect repellent. This oil is world famous for its unmatched ability to ward off the fleas. Only a small amount of it can get you the desired result. Due to the toxic nature, this oil is not recommended to be used on your skin or your pet’s fur. Sprinkle the oil around the areas where fleas would like to live.

Use under cushions, rugs and pet’s bed in the home but be cautious that it should not come in direct contact with the body. You can also use dried pennyroyal leaves in anti-insect potpourri formulas.

Basil Essential Oil

Basil oil is a great example of an essential oil that works best for keeping the fleas away. The active compounds present in the basil make it a good choice. Furthermore, you can also use a potted plant to help stop fleas coming into your home. And important to mention, the culinary benefits of basil leaves are known to everyone.

Peppermint Essential Oil for Fleas

If you are looking for a scent that is pleasing to almost everyone, Peppermint oil smells great and work against fleas. More than being an effective repellent, peppermint oil soothes the inflammation and irritation caused by a flea bite. Peppermint is gaining popularity due to myriads of other health benefits as well. Stimulating blood flow, providing pain relief and speeding up the healing process are few of its powerful benefits. You can create a spray and use on the affected areas. Enjoy the cooling sensation of this oil on the itchy parts of your body. Keep in mind that this oil is not recommended for cats.

Peppermint oil does not kill fleas but when used in the product that contains other ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulfate or citrus extracts, it may produce the desired result. Peppermint oil should be used on large animals instead of small dogs.  Be sure to check the authenticity of the product and pick the trusted brand only.

Clove Essential Oil

Cloves offer plenty of culinary and medicinal uses. This aromatic essential oil makes an excellent insecticide. Fleas and bugs cannot tolerate aromatic oils like clove oil. Apart from being a culinary spice, cloves are one of the natural remedies to treat dental pain, lower the fever and to keep the fleas and other insects away.

Be cautious with clove oil. Clove oil can be beneficial for humans but easy to overdose. Clove oil could be toxic for animals if used more than prescribed. Though clove oil is widely used to get rid of fleas on house pets but it is always advised to consult your veterinarian before using.

Word of Caution

In order to ensure the health and safety of your loved ones, you need to consider certain things while using essential oils for fleas. Essential oils are highly concentrated and powerful. Animals are prone to lick at wounds or other irritated areas, ingesting essential oils can be hazardous to their health. So either uses mild oils or have your pet wear a cone. If there are children or pregnant women around, pay close attention to the kind of oil you are choosing and their possible side-effects. Lastly, it is best to speak with the concerned doctor.