Using Borax to Kill Fleas

We tend to ignore fleas when we only see one or two. When our pet starts scratching and digging we take them a little more seriously. But when we walk in to a room and see half a dozen on our shoes we know that we are on our way to a flea infestation. Flea infestations don't only happen to those who own a pet. Fleas can come in on anyone and when they make their home somewhere it takes a lot to move them out. While there are numerous products on the market, after a while the expense of trying to get rid of fleas can add up. One of the most effective flea killers, Borax, is also the most inexpensive. Borax kills fleas by attacking their nervous systems and dehydrating them.

Things You'll Need

• Borax
• Vacuum cleaner
• Whisk broom
• Canister with holes punched in top

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Instructions

• 1

  Vacuum carpet area to be treated. If you question how the colorfastness of your carpet will react to Borax, do a test patch. Sprinkle borax on a small patch of carpet and leave on for 24 hours. Vacuum up and check for colorfastness. If the color of your carpet holds, proceed to treat the remaining areas.

• 2

  Sprinkle Borax over your carpet. Put some Borax in a canister with holes punched in the top (for example, a Pringles canister). A canister that allows you to "sprinkle" spreads the Borax on your carpet more evenly. To work the Borax down into the carpet where fleas and eggs live, use your whisk broom and lightly tap the Borax into the carpet. Leave on carpet for 24 hours.

• 3

  Vacuum up the Borax. Immediately remove the vacuum cleaner bag if you have one and dispose of it outside of your house. If you have a bag-less vacuum, empty the canister contents immediately so the fleas can not escape and re-enter the home through the vacuum tube.

• 4

  Treat around your baseboards, on your porch and entry ways with Borax. Borax can also be sprinkled on furniture, being vacuumed up as you did the carpet.

• 5

  Clean bedding and linens by adding Borax to your laundry.