Fleas are a common pest that can infest homes and pets. They can multiply quickly and be difficult to get rid of. Using dish soap is one home remedy that people try to kill fleas. Dish soap can work to kill fleas through its detergent properties that break down exoskeletons and membranes. However, there are some important factors to consider when using dish soap as a flea treatment.
Does Dish Soap Kill Fleas?
Yes, dish soap can kill fleas. The detergents in dish soap work to break down the waxy outer layer on a flea’s exoskeleton. This allows the soap to penetrate and rupture cell membranes, leading to dehydration and death.
Dish soap also reduces surface tension, which can drown fleas. When applied directly, the soap coats the flea’s body and overwhelms its breathing systems. The flea becomes trapped and suffocated by the soap.
Studies have found dish soap to have insecticidal effects against certain pests. One study tested Palmolive dish soap against mosquito larvae and found it was toxic, likely due to surfactants that disrupted cell membranes. Another study found Dawn dish soap had a 100% mortality rate against bed bugs after direct contact of 10 minutes or more.
While there is evidence that dish soap can kill fleas through membrane disruption and drowning, results may vary depending on the specific soap, concentration, and duration of contact.
Effective Methods to Use Dish Soap
There are a few methods recommended for using dish soap against fleas:
- Dilute dish soap with water – Mix a few drops of soap into a spray bottle filled with warm water. Apply liberally to carpets, pet bedding, and anywhere fleas are suspected.
- Soap baths – Add a couple tablespoons of dish soap to bathwater when bathing pets. Ensure it is pet-safe and thoroughly rinse soap afterwards.
- Soapy water traps – Place soapy water in a bowl or plate on the floor. Position a nightlight above to attract fleas during the night. The soap will cause them to drown.
For best results, focus on treating areas where fleas congregate and breed, like carpets, furniture, pet beds, and areas where pets spend time. The soap solution should have direct contact with fleas for at least 10-15 minutes before rinsing.
Dish Soap Brands that Kill Fleas
The brand of dish soap used can impact effectiveness against fleas. Some key considerations for choosing a dish soap include:
- Detergent strength – Stronger detergents will dissolve flea exoskeletons faster.
- Concentration of surfactants – Surfactants are the chemicals that break down membranes and drown fleas.
- Added insecticidal ingredients – Some soaps contain additional compounds toxic to insects.
- Fragrance-free – Heavily fragranced soaps may repel rather than kill.
Here are some top dish soap brands reported to kill fleas:
| Brand | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Dawn | High surfactant concentration, added flea killing ingredients |
| Sunlight | Strong detergents, added insecticidal compounds |
| Palmolive | High grease-cutting surfactants |
| Joy | Stronger detergents than typical brands |
Always check that the soap is labeled pet-safe before use. Avoid dish soaps with added bleach, toxins, or heavy perfumes.
Homemade Dish Soap Flea Spray
A homemade flea spray using dish soap can be an effective and inexpensive treatment option. Here is a simple recipe:
Ingredients
- 2 cups warm water
- 2 tablespoons liquid dish soap
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Spray bottle
Instructions
- Fill a spray bottle most of the way with warm water.
- Add dish soap and vegetable oil.
- Replace spray nozzle and shake vigorously to combine.
- Test on an inconspicuous area first.
- Spray carpets, floorboards, pet bedding, and other flea-infested areas.
- Allow to sit for 15 minutes before rinsing.
- Repeat treatment every few days until fleas are gone.
The dish soap in the spray will work to kill adult fleas, while the vegetable oil causes eggs and larvae to suffocate. This combination helps break the flea life cycle.
Precautions When Using Dish Soap on Fleas
While dish soap can be an effective home flea treatment, there are some precautions to consider:
- Test first – Check for colorfastness and carpet damage by testing soap on a small, hidden area before wide application.
- Avoid eyes and mucous membranes – Dish soap can cause irritation, so keep children and pets away during treatment.
- Rinse thoroughly – Detergents can leave residue that continues irritating, so rinse all treated areas well.
- Watch for skin irritation – Dish soap can dry out skin. Wear gloves and wash hands after use.
- Monitor pets – Ensure soaps are pet-safe and monitor animals after use for side effects.
For safety, dilute dish soap concentrations to under 5% for home use. Avoid getting pure soap directly in eyes.
Is Dish Soap Safe for Pets?
Most dish soaps are pet-safe when used properly, but it depends on the specific brand. Here are some tips for safely using dish soap on pets:
- Check the label for “non-toxic” and “pet-safe” indicators.
- Avoid soaps with added bleach, antibacterial ingredients, or strong perfumes.
- Stick to reputable brands like Dawn, Palmolive, and Sunlight.
- Dilute soap to under 5% concentration for bathing.
- Avoid getting in eyes, nose, or mouth. Use sparingly around face.
- Rinse soap thoroughly after application.
- Spot test first before wide use.
- Monitor for skin irritation, gastrointestinal upset, or breathing issues.
Talk to your veterinarian about flea control products that are safest for your pet. Never use dish soap on cats, as it can cause severe poisoning.
Natural Alternatives to Dish Soap for Fleas
For a non-toxic approach, there are a few household items that can be used instead of dish soap to kill fleas:
- Salt – Dehydrates and kills fleas. Sprinkle on carpets and furniture.
- Diatomaceous earth – Microscopic dust dehydrates fleas. Apply around baseboards and floors.
- Vinegar – Acidity disrupts flea membranes. Use for cleaning.
- Lemon juice – High acidity kills fleas. Add to bathwater.
- Essential oils – Peppermint, lavender, and tea tree oil repel and kill fleas.
Always spot test natural ingredients for colorfastness before wide application. Essential oils can be toxic to cats so use caution.
When to Call an Exterminator for Fleas
It’s time to call in professional help if:
- Flea infestation persists after thorough home treatments
- Fleas are widespread in multiple rooms
- Pets have fleas even after soap baths and topical treatments
- Skin irritation or infections develop from flea bites
- Seeing more than 20 fleas per pet
- Flea tape or traps show large numbers caught overnight
Professional exterminators have access to powerful flea killers that thoroughly penetrate home environments. They also treat under floors, in wall voids, and areas difficult to reach with DIY application. While dish soap can kill surface fleas, it doesn’t provide residual protection.
Other Flea Control Tips
Use dish soap alongside other tactics to clear a flea infestation:
- Treat and prevent fleas on pets year-round
- Vacuum frequently with a vacuum containing flea powder
- Wash pet bedding weekly in hot, soapy water
- Dispose of flea dirt, eggs, and debris safely
- Mow, rake leaves, remove brush to discourage fleas outdoors
- Seal cracks, gaps, and crevices in floors and walls
Integrated pest management combining multiple flea killing and prevention methods is most effective long-term.
Conclusion
Dish soap can be a handy home remedy against fleas due to its ability to dissolve exoskeletons and drown the pests. For best results, use stronger detergent brands like Dawn and target dish soap solutions directly on flea-infested areas. While dish soap can kill many adult fleas, also incorporate other tactics like vacuum cleaning to fully clear an infestation. Consult a vet before using any products on pets. With a diligent, thorough approach, dish soap can be a cheap and effective addition to your flea control toolkit.