Fleas can be a major nuisance in homes and on pets. An adult female flea can lay up to 50 eggs per day, allowing the flea population to grow rapidly. While adult fleas are relatively easy to kill with insecticides, the eggs can be more difficult to get rid of. Flea eggs have a hard outer shell that protects them from chemicals and environmental conditions. Luckily, there are several natural methods that can be used to kill flea eggs and control a flea infestation.
Vacuuming
Regular vacuuming can help remove flea eggs from carpets and upholstered furniture. The bristles and suction of a vacuum can pull eggs up from deep inside carpet fibers and crevices. It’s important to immediately dispose of the vacuum bag or contents after use to prevent eggs from hatching inside the vacuum and re-infesting the home. Vacuuming daily or every other day is recommended when dealing with a major flea problem. Make sure to vacuum areas where pets sleep and spend time.
Heat Treatments
Flea eggs cannot tolerate excessive heat. Exposing your home or certain items to high temperatures can help destroy flea eggs. Some options include:
- Washing pets beds, throws, linens on the highest heat setting allowed
- Using a professional steamer on upholstered furniture and carpeted areas
- Placing infested items in a clothes dryer on high heat for 30 minutes
- Using space heaters or central heating to raise indoor temperatures above 95°F for several hours
The heat penetrates materials to kill eggs hidden deep within. Caution should be taken to prevent damage to items.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural powder made from fossilized diatoms. The tiny sharp edges of DE can abrade the waxy outer coating of flea eggs, gradually causing dehydration and death. DE can be sprinkled onto carpets, pet bedding areas, and other fabric surfaces. Leave for at least 2-3 days before vacuuming up. DE is non-toxic and safe for pets when used appropriately.
Borax
Borax is a natural mineral salt that can be used to kill flea eggs. It acts as a desiccant, drawing moisture out of eggs leading to dehydration. Borax can be mixed with salt and sprinkled onto carpeting. The abrasive salt crystals also help break down the egg shells. After a day or two, vacuum up the mixture. Use caution when applying borax, avoiding excessive inhalation and contact with pets.
Flea Egg Traps
Sticky traps or flea “egg catchers” can be purchased or handmade to capture eggs in the environment. Traps use adhesive sheets to pull eggs off of surfaces as fleas move around. They can be cut to size and placed in problem spots like under furniture and pet beds. Some also contain attractants like light or vibration to draw fleas in. Changing traps every few days will help decrease the number of eggs. Combine with frequent vacuuming for best results.
Natural Pesticides
Certain natural insecticides and oils can be used to treat areas for flea eggs. Some options include:
- Pyrethrins – Made from chrysanthemum flowers, act as neurotoxins to kill eggs
- Neem oil – Derived from the neem tree, damages the eggs protective coating
- Cedar oil – Penetrates eggs and inhibits respiration
- Citrus oil – Dries out and asphyxiates flea eggs
- Peppermint oil – Interferes with embryonic development
Check labels for safety and follow all instructions when using natural pesticides around the home and pets.
Flea Combs
Flea combs with tightly spaced tines can help remove eggs and debris from animal fur. Combing should be performed daily when fleas are present. Dip the comb in soapy water periodically to capture and drown any eggs and larvae caught in the teeth. Severely infested animals may require pesticide rinses or sprays after combing to eliminate surviving eggs.
Chemical Insecticides
For serious flea infestations, chemical insecticides and insect growth regulators (IGRs) are often needed to fully eliminate flea eggs. Products like methoprene prevent development of flea eggs and larvae. Agents like cyfluthrin, permethrin, and fipronil can kill eggs on contact. Follow all safety guidelines when using insecticides around pets and in the home.
Regular Cleaning
Thorough, frequent cleaning can help remove flea eggs from your home. Areas your pet frequents should be vacuumed 1-2 times per week. Wash pet bedding weekly in hot soapy water. Use an insect growth regulator spray on carpets, furniture, and pet beds about every 2 weeks to prevent eggs from hatching. Keeping debris cleaned up limits areas where fleas can breed.
Natural Predators
There are a few natural predators that can be used to kill flea eggs and control an infestation. Some options include:
- Beneficial nematodes – Microscopic worms that eat flea eggs and larvae in lawns, soil, carpets.
- Hypoaspis miles – Microscopic predatory mites that consume flea eggs and larvae.
- Green lacewings – The larvae have voracious appetites for flea eggs.
- Flea-eating fleas – Smaller fleas prey on flea eggs and other life stages.
Research introducing these predators and follow all instructions carefully to avoid harming pets or desired garden insects.
Change up Landscaping
Making changes to your outdoor landscaping can help deter fleas and eliminate places where eggs can lurk. Some tips include:
- Remove any brush, leaves, or debris piles where fleas can breed
- Mow and water lawns frequently to disrupt flea development
- Plant flea-repelling plants like lavender, mint, pennyroyal
- Introduce plants that attract flea predators
- Replace wood chip mulch with gravel or stone
- Seal cracks, gaps, and openings around outdoor structures
Making the outdoor environment less hospitable to fleas can reduce the number that make it indoors. Be sure to treat outdoor spaces used by pets as well.
Flea Medications
Oral and topical flea control products can be highly effective at killing flea eggs that end up on your pet. Some common medications include:
- Nitenpyram – Quickly kills eggs on contact
- Lufenuron – Stops eggs from maturing into adults
- Methoprene – Prevents flea larvae from developing
- Fipronil – Penetrates egg shells and disrupts development
- Selamectin – Prevents hatching of eggs and development of larvae
Use medications year round per your veterinarian’s recommendation to prevent heavy egg infestations.
Flea & Tick Powders
Applying flea and tick control powders to your pet can help kill flea eggs picked up in the environment. Powders like diatomaceous earth, pyrethrins, and permethrin get down into the fur and disrupt egg development. Use powders sparingly, avoiding pets’ faces. Reapply as directed, typically every few days. Powders work best with additional forms of flea treatment.
Flea & Egg Shampoos
Washing your pet with an effective flea & egg killing shampoo can eliminate eggs clinging to their coat. Lather thoroughly down to the skin to contact all eggs. Let the suds sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing. Repeat washes weekly or as needed when fleas are active. Be sure to follow with a topical or oral flea preventive. Some shampoos also contain an insect growth regulator.
Flea Collars
Flea and tick collars that release insecticide onto your pet’s coat can help kill newly acquired eggs before they have a chance to develop. Collars containing tetrachlorvinphos or propoxur work against flea eggs, but must be applied properly for full effectiveness. Check sizing and replace collars every 3-4 months.
Ultrasonic Devices
There are a variety of ultrasonic flea control products like plug-in repellers and electronic collars that claim to kill flea eggs. However, there is limited evidence that they are effective, since eggs and larvae do not move around like adults. Ultrasonic devices are unlikely to provide adequate egg control without other treatments.
Flea Bombs/Foggers
Flea bombs or foggers, also called total release aerosols, can help eliminate flea eggs in the home when used properly. The fine insecticide mist penetrates fabrics, carpeting, cracks and furniture to kill eggs and larvae. However, bombs alone often don’t provide thorough enough coverage to control heavy infestations. Multiple treatments are recommended along with vacuuming and washing of infested areas.
Boric Acid
Boric acid is an inorganic mineral salt that can be used to desiccate and kill flea eggs. The powder can be dusted onto carpets and swept into cracks. It penetrates the waxy coating on eggs, drying them out. Vacuum after a few days to remove dead eggs. Use cautiously around pets, avoiding ingestion. Wear a mask when applying to prevent inhalation.
Yeast & Garlic Sprays
Natural flea sprays can be made using ingredients like yeast, garlic, and citrus oils. The strong scents repel fleas and may help kill eggs. However, homemade sprays may not be as effective for eggs compared to commercial insecticides. They require diligent, repeated applications. Yeast and garlic sprays are more useful as supplemental deterrents.
Salt Treatments
Common table salt and other salts like Epsom salt can be used to dehydrate and kill flea eggs when applied properly. Salt can be mixed with borax and sprinkled into carpets for a few days before vacuuming. The abrasive crystals help degrade the egg shells. Salt may also weaken eggs when used in high concentrations in sprays. Avoid overuse around plants and lawns.
Steam Cleaners
Carpet steamers or steam cleaning machines use very high, pressurized heat to penetrate fabrics and kill flea eggs and larvae. Steam reaches into crevices and under furniture to destroy all life stages. Focus on areas frequented by pets. The high moisture also washes away eggs for thorough cleaning. Vacuum when dry to remove residue.
Conclusion
Flea eggs can be tricky to eliminate due to their protective shells and small size. But natural remedies like vacuuming, heat, diatomaceous earth, and beneficial nematodes can kill eggs without toxic chemicals. For heavy infestations, insecticide sprays and foggers are often needed, along with diligent cleaning. Attacking all life stages is key to getting a flea problem under control. Combined with flea medications for pets, these methods can help rid your home of pesky flea eggs.