Your bathroom should be a haven, a place of relaxation and tranquility. But when fleas invade, it becomes just something else. Fleas are not only a nuisance, but they can also carry diseases. Hence, if you have a flea infestation in your bathroom, take action quickly before the consequences creep in. And so, how do you get rid of fleas in a bathroom?
You can get rid of fleas in a bathroom in several ways. You can use a flea trap, vacuum cleaner, flea sprays, and other ways. But of course, before using any of these methods, take time and clean your bathroom thoroughly. Also, check the source of the fleas so you don’t fight a losing battle. As long as you’re determined and strategic in your battle against fleas, you can get rid of the pesky pests for good.
Fleas are among the tiniest insects out there. But don’t let their size deceive you. As tiny and harmless as they may look, fleas can be quite a menace. They can really make life difficult for you and your furry friends. Even worse, an infestation can be tough to get rid of. But don’t worry. Herein, we’ve useful tips on winning your battle against fleas. But before we dive into that, first things first!
What Attracts Fleas To the Bathroom?
What attracts fleas to the bathroom is that this place offers a perfect environment for them to thrive and lay eggs. It has moisture, heat, and darkness – everything fleas need to survive and reproduce. Actually, bathroom seems to be the most favorite breeding zone for fleas and other bugs.
Ask most of the homeowners who have dealt with fleas, and they’ll confirm that the bathroom is a notorious area for flea activity. Well, it’s not because fleas love baths, but because this room provides an ideal environment for them to thrive and lay eggs.
Of course, the tiny insects come from your home’s exterior. They can hitchhike on your clothes or hair when you go outside. But more often, they’ll come in with your pet. But when pets are not available, the fleas will just settle for you.
Anyway, once the fleas are in your bathroom, they’ll start to lay eggs. A female flea can lay up to 50 eggs in a day! And so, if you don’t do something about it, you’ll soon be dealing with a full-blown flea infestation.
And actually, if you’ve already spotted one flea in your bathroom, there’s a good chance that there are many more. So, look for signs of infestation.
These include;
- Flea bites, which are small and red.
- Black specks on your floor or your pet’s fur.
- Excessive scratching by your pet.
- Pale gums for your pet.
- Loss of pet fur
Of course, you can also try the standard flea test. Just wet a white towel and place it on the floor where you suspect fleas are present. Leave it there for about five minutes. If you spot any on the towel, you have an infestation.
5 Smart Ways To Get Rid of Fleas in the Bathroom
Getting rid of fleas can be challenging or easy, depending on how determined you are. If you’re willing to invest time and effort and remain patient, you can eventually salvage your bathroom from these tiny pests.
Here are some valuable tips on getting rid of fleas in the bathroom:
1. Start With Your Pet
Pets are the likely partners in crime when it comes to flea infestation. If you have a pet at home, the first thing you need to do is to check them for fleas. If you spot any, immediately give them a lukewarm bath using a mild soap.
You can as well use shampoo as a detergent. But ensure that the shampoo is PH-balanced to avoid irritating your pet’s skin. If in doubt, it’s always best to ask your veterinarian first.
As you bathe your pet, use a fine-toothed comb to remove any flea eggs and larvae that may be lurking in their fur. Be sure to clean their bedding, as this is probably where the fleas come from.
2. Vacuum The Floor
After you’ve taken care of your pet, you should be halfway to getting rid of fleas in the bathroom. The next step is to vacuum the floor, paying special attention to areas where your pet sleeps or spends most of their time.
Don’t forget to vacuum under the furniture, as this is where fleas like to hide. Be sure to dispose of the vacuum bag properly after each use to prevent fleas from returning. And when vacuuming, use the highest setting as it’s enough to dislodge and kill fleas.
3. Use Flea Sprays
Flea sprays are another effective way of removing fleas in the bathroom. They are pesticides that can kill fleas and their eggs on contact. But before using any pesticide, read the label carefully to avoid accidents.
Fleas spray can contain toxic chemicals that can be harmful to your health. So, use them only in well-ventilated areas. Also, avoid spraying them directly on your pet, which can harm their health.
4. Use Natural Remedies
There are also a few natural remedies that you can use to get rid of fleas in the bathroom. A case in point is diatomaceous earth, a sedimentary rock that can kill fleas on contact. It works by puncturing their exoskeleton, causing them to dehydrate and die.
Just walk into your nearby hardware store and ask for it. And as usual, go for food-grade diatomaceous earth to be on the safe side. And to use it, sprinkle it on the areas where you suspect fleas are present.
Another natural remedy that you can use is vinegar. Vinegar is an acetic acid that can kill fleas on contact. Just mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Then, spray it on the areas where you suspect the fleas are present. You can also add a few drops of essential oils to make the mixture more potent.
5. Bring in a Professional
If you’ve tried all of the above methods and you’re still not seeing any results, bring in a professional. Pest control companies have the tools and expertise to get rid of fleas in your bathroom quickly and efficiently.
Of course, you’ll have to spend some money to avail of their services. But if you’re at your wit’s end, then it’s probably worth the investment.
Is It Okay To Flush Fleas Down the Toilet?
Yes, you can flush fleas down the toilet, and they won’t damage your plumbing. When flushed down the toilet, any alive flea will drown and die. One thing, though, ensure that you’ve actually sent them down. Fleas can easily find their way out of the bowl and back to your bathroom.
Assuming you find yourself in a life-threatening situation, you’d probably fight your way out with all your might. Well, the same thing goes for fleas. They will do whatever it takes to get out of that bowl and back to their host. So, if you don’t give them a heavy flush, they might make their way back to your bathroom.
And for that reason, we really don’t encourage flushing fleas down the toilet. These pests are almost invisible, so you likely won’t know whether you’ve actually flushed them down the toilet. So, if you can use other alternative ways to get rid of pests, the better!
Can a Shower Kill Fleas?
Yes, a shower can kill fleas since fleas and their eggs can’t survive in hot, soapy water. You can also bathe your pet as a way to rid them of fleas. But be sure to use a flea shampoo specifically designed for pets. Human shampoos and soap can be too harsh for their skin and coat.
Fleas and soapy water don’t mix. So, if you’re looking for a way to get rid of these pesky pests, then taking a shower is a good option. It will wash them off and even kill some of them. The same applies to those looking for a way to get rid of fleas on their pets. A bath using any mild soap or flea shampoo will do the trick.
Do Fleas Go Down the Drain?
Yes, fleas can go down the drain without wreaking havoc on your plumbing system. However, this might not be the most effective way to get rid of them since they can easily find their way back up. So again, if you can deal with them using other methods, go for the alternative ways instead.
Fleas are too tiny and won’t cause any damage to your plumbing system even if they go down the drain. So yes, you can send them down your plumbing without any worries. But as we’ve mentioned, that doesn’t guarantee they are gone for good unless you’ve actually washed them down the drain.
Do Flea Traps Work?
Of course, flea traps work by luring fleas with a heat source and then trapping them. Actually, they generally are the most effective way to get rid of fleas in your home. But they can be a bit pricey, so you need to consider them.
Fleas are undoubtedly a nuisance to bring to your home. Actually, that has forced homeowners to invent different home remedies to get rid of them. Some work while others don’t. But if you’re looking for an effective solution, you might want to invest in a flea trap.
And if you have to choose this method, expect to spend a little more money since it’s not the cheapest way to get rid of fleas. But if you want something that will give you guaranteed results, then this is it. But as usual, quality and performance differ from one product to another. So, be sure to do your research first before making a purchase.
What Smells Repel Fleas?
Fleas hate the smell of apple cider vinegar, mint, clove oil, citrus, lemongrass oil, and rosemary oil. So, if you can use any of these ingredients to make a flea repellent, that would be great. There’s something about each of these smells that fleas can’t stand.
Fortunately, most of these ingredients are readily available. You can get them from your local supermarket or online. Perhaps you even have some in one of your kitchen cabinets. So, there’s no need to spend much money to eliminate fleas.
Do Dryer Sheets Repel Fleas?
We don’t have any scientific evidence to show that dryer sheets repel fleas. And even if it did, dryer sheets contain chemicals that can harm you and your pet. So, if dealing with a fleas infestation, don’t think about using dryer sheets.
Whether dryer sheets repel bugs has been an attractive research topic for many years. And yes, they do, but that doesn’t cut across all bugs. Several studies have found dryer sheets to repel food-infesting beetles, weevils, German cockroaches, and fungus gnats. But as for fleas, there’s no scientific evidence to support that claim.
But even if they were, they probably wouldn’t be safe for use on fleas. You see, most dryer sheets contain benzyl acetate, chloroform, and camphor. Now, all these chemicals can cause mild to severe illness in pets when ingested. And as we all know, pets like licking themselves. So, there’s a good chance they will eat the chemicals if you use dryer sheets to rub on their fur.
Does Vicks Repel Fleas on Humans?
Yes, Vick repels fleas on humans, thanks to the strong smell of the household product. So, if you are battling fleas in your home, Vick will come in handy. This product repels almost any animal that comes close to it, including fleas.
Vicks is a great product when that moment of the year comes. The little lotion relieves stuffy noses and other cold and flu symptoms. But that’s not all it does – Vicks can also work well to repel fleas from coming near you.
The product contains camphor, nutmeg oil, and menthol, which are effective enough to deter fleas. But again, they are also toxic to pets. So, if using Vicks, avoid exposing your pet to the chemicals in the product.
Final Verdict
Fleas invading the bathroom isn’t something strange. It’s been happening for many years. Even the cleanest of homes can get fleas. So, don’t think your bathroom is safe from these tiny pests. Pets are the most likely source of these fleas. So, if you own a pet, that’s probably how the fleas found their way into your bathroom.
Even so, fleas infestation doesn’t have to worry you much. Fighting fleas will be a walk in the park if you’re well equipped with one or several of the products described. Remember to take precautionary measures to avoid exposing your pets to harmful chemicals.