If you have a dog or cat at home, you’d be familiar with a flea infestation in your house. It can get very difficult to contain flea infestation once their growth gets out of control, but there are several home remedies to treat flea infestation effectively. The best part about these remedies is that they are natural and chemical-free. The mentioned home remedies to treat flea infestation are very effective in getting rid of infestations that are bothersome to your pets:

• Boric acid: Boric acid is great at getting rid of fleas from your home, and it is available in powder form. You can spread this powder over the carpets, under the furniture, and also on the furniture. The results of this home remedy can be seen in a few days. Boric acid is not toxic and does not leave any residue either. In case there are toddlers around, you need to be extra careful about them coming in contact with the powder. It is best to vacuum once a week after applying boric acid as vacuuming also helps get rid of the flea debris or rogue eggs.
• Natural flea collars: A natural flea collar can be used for your pet to ward off fleas. You can either make your own natural flea collar or buy one from the market. For a DIY natural flea collar, you can buy a nylon collar or a cotton pet collar. A teaspoon of vodka mixed with a drop of geranium or cedarwood oil can be applied on the collar. Alternately, you can mix vodka with one drop of eucalyptus oil, one drop of thyme oil, and one drop of lemongrass oil and apply it to the collar. You should refresh the collar on a weekly basis or once the smell fades.
• Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider, applied topically or given orally, is one of the most effective home remedies to treat a flea infestation. Spraying unfiltered apple cider mixed with water on your pet’s coat keeps fleas away. In case your pet does not like the smell or cannot tolerate the spray, combing your pet’s coat with a comb dipped in this solution also helps. Adding 2 tablespoons of apple cider to your pet’s drinking water is a great way to get rid of fleas from the inside.
• Lemon spray: This is another great home remedy to treat a flea infestation. Cut a lemon into quarters, pour boiling water over it, and let it steep overnight. Use this as a spray on your pet’s coat, especially around the ears, under the legs, and at the base of the tail. Never use citrus essential oil, as it might be dangerous for your pet.
• Eucalyptus: Eucalyptus oil, another effective home remedy to treat a flea infestation, can help if you simply leave open its jars around your house.

In addition to these easy home remedies, there are other options available to protect your pet from a flea infestation. Certain medications are known to be highly effective in permanently keeping fleas and ticks away. Listed below are three such medications one can consider:

• NexGard
  NexGard is a chewable medication to rid your dog of fleas and ticks. Your pet will surely enjoy the beef-flavored formula. It is an FDA-approved solution to itchy pests. The oral chew is effective against three types of ticks: the American dog tick, the Lone Star tick, and the black-legged tick. If you are about to use it for your pet, remember to carry a prescription from your vet.
• Simparica Trio
  Simparica Trio is another reliable chewable medication useful for pups aged 8 weeks or more. Comprising moxidectin, pyrantel pamoate, and sarolaner, Simparica Trio chewables are also effective against roundworms, hookworms, and heartworm disease. The medicine has been approved by the FDA, and you only need to give it to your dog once a month. Tests confirm that the effects of this oral medication can be seen in eight hours.
• BRAVECTO
  If monthly tablets seem like too much work to you, Bravecto is a great replacement option. Effective for a period of 12 weeks, this is another oral chewable pill that has the FDA’s approval. This effective chewable saves you from the hassle of remembering to administer one every month. It can be used against the Lone Star tick, American dog tick, Deer tick, as well as the brown dog tick. It is safe to use in dogs 6 months or older weighing 4.4 pounds or above.
• APOQUEL®
  APOQUEL® (oclacitinib tablet) is a medicine prescribed to deal with an allergic itch in dogs. It may be effective for food allergies, atopic dermatitis (AD), contact allergies, and even flea allergies. Upon consumption, signs of itch relief may be recorded within four hours, and there may be a reduction of allergic itches within 24 hours. The prescription medicine may also be effective in reducing long-term itch and skin inflammation. It can be administered to dogs that are 12 months of age or older.