Hydrogen Peroxide May Be The Secret To Killing Fleas In Your Home

When your pet brings fleas into your home, it can be difficult to get rid of them as they multiply so quickly. Several online sources assert that hydrogen peroxide could be the best way to get rid of fleas in your home, but it might not work as well as advertised. Some blogs claim that hydrogen peroxide kills fleas by damaging their protective exoskeleton, causing the pests to dehydrate, or that if the fleas ingest the cleaner they'll die. It's suggested to use hydrogen peroxide when washing your clothes, linens, and pet bedding to destroy adult fleas and larvae. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be any scientific proof showing that hydrogen peroxide is effective for killing or controlling fleas; however, there is some research about hydrogen peroxide killing other insects.

Because of this, there could be some basis to the idea that hydrogen peroxide can eliminate fleas, but it's not a foolproof method. This could be an interesting option to experiment with to start cutting down the flea population in your home, though you'll likely need to use other proven methods as well to truly say goodbye to fleas. Hydrogen peroxide should never be used to kill fleas living on your dog or cat, as it will irritate your pet's skin. Thoroughly vacuuming your space and continually washing linens are more trusted ways of ridding your home of these pests.

While hydrogen peroxide probably isn't the secret to eliminating every flea in your home, there's a chance it could help. Despite the lack of research on the effects of hydrogen peroxide on fleas, a 2020 study published by Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology found that the cleaner did have an effect on mosquitoes and their eggs, as well as other insects. While hydrogen peroxide was capable of killing these pests, the study showed that it could take over 12 hours. This shows that hydrogen peroxide can act as an insecticide, though it may not be the most effective way to get rid of fleas naturally.

If you'd like to add hydrogen peroxide into your flea-killing routine, it shouldn't cause harm and there's a possibility it could help to eliminate the pests faster. With flea infestations, it's typically recommended to wash your and your pet's linens in hot water once a week to start killing the bugs. Besides your typical laundry detergent, try adding a cup of hydrogen peroxide to the cycle as well (be aware it can have a lightening effect on colored fabrics). Some blogs also recommend combining one part water with one part peroxide and spraying it onto your carpets, but you'll want to test a small area first to see if the cleaner discolors your carpet. Though hydrogen peroxide won't instantly kill all fleas in your home, it wouldn't hurt to test this method and see if it makes a difference.