Fleas can be disgusting little parasites to deal with. In this article, you will learn if tea trees oil kills fleas!
Any parasite that feeds on the host’s body can be dangerous. Not only can they cause infections and diseases, they can start reproducing and multiplying in numbers. If you have pets, you must be familiar with the dangers fleas pose to them. If you are dealing with these pesky parasites, let’s look at whether tea tree oil can kill fleas.
What Are Fleas?
Fleas are wingless insects that you might often find on your pet’s body reading on their blood. Not only do they bite, but they also lay eggs to reproduce very quickly in your pet’s fur. Depending on environmental conditions, they can have a lifecycle lasting for months and even years. They exacerbate tapeworm infestations, typhus, and various skin diseases, making pets sick.
Does Tea Tree Oil Kill Fleas?
Yes, tea tree oil can help kill fleas due to its natural insecticidal properties. The active compound in tea tree oil, terpinene-4-ol, disrupts the fleas’ nervous system, making it effective in small doses.
However, tea tree oil needs to be used with caution. It’s potent and must be diluted properly before applying it to pets. Undiluted tea tree oil can cause skin irritation and, if ingested, can be toxic, especially since pets often lick their fur. A light spritz of diluted tea tree oil might offer temporary relief from fleas, but it’s not a long-term solution. For a more effective and safe approach, it’s best to consult your veterinarian for appropriate flea treatments.
Properties Of Tea Tree Oil
1. Antimicrobial Properties
As mentioned before, terpinene-4-ol in tea tree oil lends it its antimicrobial properties which when hen applied topically to the skin or fur, helps get rid of various types of infections and infestations including flea infestation in your pets.
2. Insecticidal Effects
Tea tree oil boasts a unique blend of compounds such as γ-terpinene, α-terpinene, α-pinene, 1,8 cineole, and linalool besides terpinene-4-ol, making it act like a natural insecticide and actively kills fleas by blocking their nervous systems. These compounds lead to their paralysis. This is another reason why tea tree oil is often used as an important ingredient in pet shampoos and sprays.
3. Repellent Properties
Tea tree oil is great for creating an unbearable environment for fleas because of its aroma which fleas despise and because it is life-threatening to them.
Different Methods To Use Tea Tree Oil For Fleas
To use tea tree oil for fleas effectively, you can follow any of the below-given methods:
Method #1
Mix 5-10 drops of tea tree oil with a sufficient amount of carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil, to create a diluted solution.
Method #2
Dab the diluted tea tree oil solution onto the skin of your pet. Don’t leave the areas where fleas are commonly found, like the neck, under the neckband, back, and base of the tail.
Method #3
Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your pet’s shampoo during their regular bath. Massage the shampoo into their fur and leave it on for a few minutes to facilitate the process.
Method #4
You can also DIY a flea-repellent spray by mixing 5-10 drops of tea tree oil with water in a spray bottle. Shake well and lightly mist fur and bedding, but avoid the face.
Method #5
Add a few drops of tea tree oil to water when cleaning your pet’s living areas, like bedding and carpets, to forbid the backfire of fleas.
Precautions To Consider
Always keep the following instructions in your mind in order to keep your pet safe and healthy:
- Do not ever use the undiluted form of tea tree oil on your pets, even by mistake, to kill fleas. Dilute a few drops of tea tree oil in 200-200ml of water and a carrier oil before spraying it on your pet’s fur.
- It is crucial to patch-test diluted tea tree oil on a tiny spot on your pet’s fur to ensure there are no adverse reactions.
- You must avoid using tea tree oil if your pet is sick or pregnant and consult a doctor in case of flea infestations.
- Always keep tea tree oil out of the reach of your pets and children. It is extremely toxic and can cause adverse reactions on contact and ingestion.
- Never use more than the prescribed amount of diluted tea tree oil more number of times than recommended.