Does Bleach Kill Fleas? How to Get Rid Of Fleas?

Fleas can cause extreme irritation for your canine companion and feline friend, or worse, they can potentially carry diseases and threaten public health. Tough as it is to get rid of these pesky critters, the correct application of bleach can nip the problem in the bud.

Read on to learn the easiest and most effective ways to get it done!

Does Bleach Kill Fleas on Contact?

Yes, it sure does!

Bleach can kill fleas when it comes in contact with these tiny parasites. It’s the corrosive and toxic nature of the chemical that breaks down the biological tissues that the fleas, eggs, and larva are made of (the same reason why the stuff shouldn’t go near your eyes).

You can get rid of adult fleas in various ways, including regular grooming and bathing, using flea repellants, vacuuming and steam cleaning your carpets, hiring a professional pest control service near you, etc.

However, the eggs are a different problem altogether.

We know fleas usually reside on the fur and coats of our pets. And that’s where they typically lay their eggs too. The eggs invariably start falling off of your pet’s fur. As a result, they get deposited in all sorts of nooks and crannies around the house. Also, it’s common for fleas to leave your pet’s fur and look for darker or warmer areas in the home for laying eggs.

A liquid bleach solution can kill fleas in every stage of development, provided it comes into direct contact with the strong solution.

Will Bleach Kill Fleas on Hardwood Floors?

How to Kill Fleas?
Yes, bleach will certainly kill fleas on hardwood floors or any other wooden surface. But the application has to be thorough because wooden surfaces can develop cracks or corners where flea eggs can safely escape any treatment.

But be advised that the strong chemical nature of bleach can also damage the wood’s finishing. You may use an oxalic acid (type of bleach solution) specially made for hardwood floors in this case.

The solution we’ve mentioned below is safe enough for any wooden, tiled, or other surfaces in your home. It’s potent enough without the risk of eating away your paint or finishing.

Does Bleach Water Kill Flea Eggs?

Yes, it does. In fact, bleach water is one of the few solutions that work against flea eggs lying in unseen places.

The right balance of bleach and water is a powerful solution that can disinfect your home in various ways. And for our purposes, it’s incredibly effective against fleas. Whether it’s adult fleas or freshly laid eggs, the solution should kill all the critters given enough time and exposure.

Will Bleach Kill Fleas on Dogs and Cats?

Yes, bleach will kill fleas on your pets, but they can potentially harm them too. If your pet accidentally ingests bleach, it may experience a variety of problems depending on the strength of the solution. Symptoms in your pets can range from mild irritation to severe poisoning.

Also, fleas don’t perpetually stay on your pet anyway. They’ll hop onto warmer corners where they can lay eggs. So, it’s best not to administer the bleach directly to your cat or dog.

As far as your pet’s fur and coat go, regular bathing, grooming, and flea repellant products should be enough. Keep the bleach for inanimate objects like floors and other surfaces in your home.

How to Kill Fleas with Bleach

Step 1: Prepare the Bleach Solution.

Take liquid bleach and water to concoct the solution. You’ll be safe with bleach to water mixing ratio of about 1:10. So, you can start with about 10oz of water and add 1oz of bleach to it. Put the solution into a spray container for easier administering.

Step 2: Safety Measures

Before you start applying the bleach, take all safety measures first. It’s advisable to wear protective equipment for your face and hands. Wear protective goggles and rubber gloves to avoid contact with skin. Also, ensure that the rooms are airy with enough ventilation.

Step 3: Administering the Bleach

Take your spray container and administer the solution onto all the surfaces in your home. Don’t rush the process. Take your time to make sure that you cover those dark corners and crevices where fleas love to take refuge.

When it comes to coverage, it’s way better to be safe than sorry. Any eggs that survive the treatment will hatch to form infestations again. So, it’s essential to be as exhaustive as possible here.

Step 4: Additional Measures

You should thoroughly wash any clothing or sheets that you suspect might have fleas. A practical tip here is to wash the fabrics in hot water (but not so hot that it ruins the cloth’s colors or material). Bathe all your pets and vacuum the house, covering every inch possible.

Step 5: Wash and Let Dry

Let the applied solution remain on the surfaces for about 2-3 hours. After it has dissipated or evaporated, give it a good cleaning once again and wipe it clean. Make sure your kids or pets don’t go near these surfaces for another hour or two.

How Long Does it Take Bleach to Kill Fleas?

There’s no strict rule on how long it will take to kill the fleas. Also, depending on the nature of the surface, the bleach may take varying amounts of time to work its magic.

For instance, it may take a few hours for the solution to seep through materials like wood. On the other hand, a smooth tiled floor may allow the solution to settle and disinfect faster.

Either way, the safer bet is to let it sit for a few hours and dry up before you give it a nice cleaning again.

What is the Fastest way to Get Rid of Fleas?

If we’re talking about direct contact with a solution, the fastest way to get rid of these annoying pests is with the ideal bleach solution. A bleach solution with the right amount of dilution is vital here.

Make sure you follow the steps above to the letter, and you’ll be free of these invasive pests in no time!

Getting rid of fleas and pests takes some time and energy. But a disinfected and pest-free home is worth the trouble. Just make sure you follow safe and reliable measures like the ones mentioned here.