How Much Orange Oil or Peel, D-Limonene or Linalool Ratio to Water to Kill Fleas?

Why Oranges?

The d-limonene or linalool contained in orange oil is an effective agent in the battle against fleas. The substances cause the fleas' waxy protective coating to dissolve, causing the fleas to dehydrate and eventually die. Creating an orange solution to use at home is inexpensive and simple, and it will lessen your family and pets' exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. However, it is imperative to dilute the orange oil you use with water to make it safe and not irritating to your pets' skin.

Grab a bag of oranges and cut them into wedges to start brewing up a pot of all-natural flea-killing spray. Place the orange wedges into a cooking pot with 1 to 2 tbps. salt and 8 to 10 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil and allow it to cook for about 10 minutes. Remove the pot from heat and allow it to cool. Strain the orange wedges from the pot and empty the mixture into a spray bottle. Apply the spray to any area your pet frequents such as bedding, certain areas in the yard, favorite spots on and underneath furniture, and along baseboards. Apply the spray directly to pets after they are bathed and dry, avoiding the eyes. Ask a veterinarian about using this spray on cats, as orange products sometimes make cats ill.

Make an orange-based shampoo by adding 1/2 tsp. orange oil to 1/4 cup of basic pet shampoo and combining thoroughly. Give your pet a bath with this shampoo. Make sure to wash the head and neck with the shampoo, but do not allow the shampoo to drip into your pet's eyes. Rinse the animal with enough water to completely remove any traces of shampoo from your pet. Remember to ask your veterinarian before using this shampoo on a cat, as citrus oil products may make cats ill.

Diluted orange oil products work wonders for flea control, but to be most effective you should combined them with other flea control products and methods. Try tossing banana peels under your deck or under shrubs in your yard to repel fleas. Polish wood surfaces with orange oil to repel fleas from furniture. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around your yard, home or on your pet to help dehydrate and kill fleas. Finally, vacuum daily to remove fleas from your home. Empty the vacuum after each session and add a cotton ball soaked in orange oil to the bag or canister to eliminate fleas that may still be inside the appliance.