Does Lysol kill fleas and eggs? If you are a pet owner grappling with fleas, this may be a question you are asking about this common household product.
It kills all sorts of bacteria and germs…might it kill these pesky critters making your beloved pets uncomfortable too?
Many people wonder if DIY treatments may help get an infestation under control.
However, in many cases, you may eventually need to employ the services of a professional exterminator. Many natural and DIY treatments often work best to keep infestations from coming back, or starting in the first place, rather than getting rid of them.
This guide answers the question, does Lysol kill fleas and eggs, and explores some additional options that can help prevent fleas from making your home…theirs.
Does Lysol Kill Fleas and Eggs?
Many household products may have uses beyond what they are specifically designed for, and you may be wondering does Lysol kill fleas and eggs?
You may have heard it does and here is what you need to know about using it for this purpose.
Lysol As Insecticide: Will Lysol Kill Fleas?
Lysol is a cleaning product known for its disinfectant properties. It contains hydrogen peroxide, which may have insecticide properties and be effective in killing fleas and other insects.2
However, studies looking at this have used concentrations of the substance that are much higher than those found in Lysol products.
Because Lysol is not designed as a flea-control product, it will probably not be as effective as the ones designed specifically for this purpose.
Does Lysol Kill Fleas and Eggs? How To Use Lysol To Kill Fleas
Spraying Lysol directly on any fleas you see will kill them in a few minutes.
Regularly spraying Lysol in your home may serve as a preventive measure to keep an infestation from developing.
As far as directly applying to surfaces, Lysol is designed more for hard surfaces like countertops.
You really shouldn’t use it on areas like bedding or upholstery, and since it is these areas of the home where fleas will most likely reside, its effectiveness as a flea killer will be limited.
And you definitely should not spray it on your pet’s bedding.
What Are Fleas and Why Are They a Problem?
These tiny, wingless insects feed on the blood of animals, including your precious cats and dogs, and can be found anywhere warm-blooded animals call home. They can live indoors or out, and once they find a host, their ability to multiply quickly can lead to an infestation in no time at all.
They can impact your pet’s health in a variety of ways from causing skin irritation to allergic reactions to anemia. Flea bites cause constant itching and scratching, leading to hair loss, secondary skin infections, and open sores.
Fleas may also carry diseases they can pass onto not only pets but humans as well.1 Fleas can be a formidable foe for a number of reasons.
They reproduce quickly, laying up to 50 eggs a day. Fleas have the ability to survive in a variety of environments.
These insects don’t just live on your pets–they will set up shop all over your house in places like upholstery, carpets, and bedding. Their extremely small size makes them hard to see, and therefore harder to get rid of.
Dealing with them promptly is important for the health and well-being of your pet.
Limits of Lysol for Flea Control
The fact that Lysol is not specifically designed as a flea treatment automatically takes it out of the running as a primary means of managing your flea problem. And in asking does Lysol kills fleas and eggs, it only kills the former and not the latter.
Like many DIY infestation treatments that may effectively kill any adult bugs you see, Lysol will not eradicate eggs, pupa, and larvae. And any treatment that cannot do this can never be the primary one used for getting a bug problem under control.
In the average infestation, adult fleas only make up about 5 percent of the total amount of fleas with the rest being in earlier stages of development. No infestation can truly be brought under control without employing treatments that can kill them as well.
Is Lysol Toxic to Dogs?
While it probably goes without saying, you should never spray Lysol directly onto your dog’s fur as a means of killing fleas. Not only would it cause skin irritation, it can lead to more serious issues such as respiratory illness.
It contains a substance called phenol, which can be harmful to pets in particular if ingested or inhaled. If you plan to spray Lysol to kill fleas, keep your pet in a separate room.
The bottom line when it comes to the question does Lysol kill fleas and eggs? It may help eradicate adult fleas but it will not kill the eggs and any treatment that doesn’t kill the eggs is not one on which to rely.
Does Bleach Kill Fleas?
Bleach is a very powerful cleaner and disinfectant and it may be a valuable tool in managing a flea infestation. But like Lysol, it is not designed for this purpose, and generally speaking, the most effective products for managing a particular problem are ones designed to manage that problem.
One reason bleach might have some value as a flea-killing treatment is its ability to kill fleas in all stages of the life cycle, not just adult ones.
There are two ways you would typically use bleach for this purpose: applying it to surfaces in the home and washing items infested with fleas, like clothing and bedding.
Cleaning Surfaces
When applying bleach to surfaces where fleas may be living, here are some basic steps to follow:
- Create a cleaning solution comprised of one part bleach to 10 parts water.
- Wear protective gloves and clothing to protect your skin–it can really irritate your hands.
- Properly ventilate the areas where you are spraying and keep kids and animals out.
- Thoroughly spray all surfaces you believe may have fleas. Don’t forget the cracks and crevices where these extremely small insects can easily hide, as well as dark and damp areas.
- Don’t let animals or children near treated areas until they have dried completely. To be on the safe side, keep them away from treated areas for at least several hours.
Cleaning Infested Items
- Use a solution of one part bleach to 10 parts water
- Check the items you are washing can be safely used with bleach
- Wash on the hottest setting possible for the type of fabric
Does Alcohol Kill Fleas?
Rubbing alcohol, also known as isopropyl alcohol, is a very popular disinfectant due to its extremely strong germ-killing capabilities. And like other disinfectant products, it will kill fleas that come into contact with it.
But it probably isn’t the ideal treatment for many reasons. Rubbing alcohol can be very toxic to pets so it should never be applied directly to their fur or skin.
Its danger lies in how easily it is absorbed into the body. While alcohol may be a common ingredient in many commercial flea sprays, it is present in small amounts and should be safe when used as instructed.
Accidental ingestion can also prove very harmful. Its highly flammable nature is another reason to avoid using rubbing alcohol to kill fleas if you regularly smoke, use incense or candles, fireplaces, or other things that cause an open flame.
Even though it dries very quickly, the vapors and fumes can still ignite a flame. Covering the items in your home with a substance that can easily catch fire just doesn’t seem like good sense regardless of the level of risk in your home specifically.
Can You Use Baking Soda for Fleas?
Killing fleas with baking soda could be a DIY treatment worth trying because it may kill fleas at earlier stages of the life cycle, where it is most important to eradicate them.
This is a treatment you would primarily use on your carpet and other areas where you can vacuum it up.
You might consider combining the baking soda with salt for a more effective treatment. The baking soda has the ability to dehydrate the eggs and larvae, while the salt’s coarse texture can break down the hard exoskeleton allowing the baking soda to do its job more effectively.
You will need a fresh box of baking soda. One that has been opened for a long time will not be as effective.
The mixture is not harmful to animals in any way, but if they have any open wounds, the salt may irritate them. Mix the salt and baking soda in equal measure and apply liberally to the carpet or any other affected areas.
Leave it on overnight and thoroughly vacuum the next day. Carefully clean and empty the canister.
Do this again in a few days to catch any leftover eggs.
What Is Flea Dirt?
Flea dirt is actually feces. Female fleas consume 15 times their weight in blood and it passes through the digestive system and ends up on your pet’s fur.
Seeing flea dirt is one of the most common ways you are alerted to their presence on your pet and in your home.
Do Fleas Prefer Certain Areas of My Pet?
They tend to gravitate towards areas where it would be difficult for your pet to reach them, such as their rear end and head. They may also congregate on his belly.
If you have cats, another common spot is along the spine between the shoulder blades.
Other DIY Methods
Read more below on DIY methods for getting rid of fleas and eggs.
Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
If you are wondering how to get rid of fleas with natural DIY treatments, no list would be complete without DE.3
This is probably one of the best-known natural remedies with which to experiment when dealing with insect infestations of any kind.
This powdery substance acts as a powerful desiccant–a drying agent–and basically draws all the moisture out of insects, leading them to die of dehydration.
While it looks smooth and soft to the naked eye, its particles are actually very uneven and jagged, allowing it to break down an insect’s hard exoskeleton as it walks through it.
But if you are wondering whether diatomaceous earth kills flea eggs, the answer would be no. To use DE for flea control, sprinkle it in any area where fleas might be and vacuum it up a couple of days later.
Vacuuming
Don’t underestimate the power of regular vacuuming to keep insect infestations under control.4 This extremely easy method is one of the most powerful because a vacuum will easily suck up eggs and larvae, the most problematic elements of an infestation.
In addition to your floors, you might consider regularly vacuuming couches, your pet’s bedding, curtains, etc. Empty the canister immediately after finishing.
Lemon Spray
The acidic nature of lemons may make it a good flea killer. Make a spray by placing a lemon in a pot or pan, add boiling water, and let it sit overnight.
Pour the liquid into a spray bottle and use it anywhere there are fleas. This safe non-toxic substance can be used pretty much anywhere, but spray it lightly and be mindful of items where it could do damage.
For such items, test a small area first to see how it reacts. Citrus fruits of all kinds can be a potential allergen for cats, so it is best to keep them out of the room while spraying them.
But to be on the safe side, you may want to try other methods.
Rosemary
Rosemary doesn’t have any flea-killing properties, but its pungent odor may repel them, making it a good treatment to apply directly to your dog in particular. Boil the herb in a pan with water and let it cool overnight.
Drain the liquid into a spray bottle, remembering to keep the sprigs out. The best time to apply it would be after your dog’s fur is clean from a washing.
You can also ground the herb into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle, and sprinkle it around the house. Important spots to hit include carpets, furniture, blankets, pet bedding, and window sills.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is one of those household products that seems to be a jack of all trades, being used for everything from salad dressing to hair rinses. Its slightly acidic pH creates an environment inhospitable to living and reproducing on your pet’s fur.
Mix 6 cups of ACV with 4 cups of water and spray on your pet–don’t worry the smell fades as it dries–making sure to avoid their eyes and any wounds. Adding some salt to the mixture may increase its effectiveness.
Plants Fleas Don’t Like
Numerous plants contain oils, compounds, and chemicals that fleas apparently don’t like so putting them around your home may keep them away.5 They include:
- Lemongrass
- Mint
- Lavender
- Sage
- Oregano
- Rosemary
- Marigolds
- Eucalyptus
- Thyme
- Chrysanthemums
Dish Soap
You can create a flea trap with dish soap and a bowl of warm water. Mix the two in a bowl and put them anywhere fleas tend to congregate.
This will be most effective at night when they are most active.
Steam Cleaning
The simple combination of soap and hot water can be very effective for killing fleas, and a steam cleaning treatment provides both. Steam cleaners are typically available to rent if you don’t have your own.
However, you may want to consider hiring a professional service to get the most out of this treatment method.
Treating a Flea Infestation Professionally
There is no hard and fast rule for determining when to call an exterminator for fleas or any other insect infestation. It is probably one of those ‘you know it when you see it’ type situations.
While many natural and DIY methods may have some effectiveness if you have a more serious infestation.6 they may not be enough, and the problem will continue to get worse the longer you delay hiring a professional.
Natural and DIY methods tend to take a longer time and require patience and consistency, and you may not have the time or inclination to go this route. Treatments of this nature may work really well if you start using them in the earliest stages before you have a true infestation on your hands.
But these methods really shine in their role as preventive measures to keep infestations from happening in the first place or prevent another infestation after a prior one has been completely eradicated.
Average Exterminator Prices
The most pressing question when it comes to treating this problem professionally is almost certainly, how much does a flea exterminator cost? And the answer is that it will vary greatly depending on a number of factors, from the level of infestation to your geographic location.
Flea treatments tend to fall on the lower end of the spectrum as far as insect infestations go. The average Terminix pricing as of 2023 for a 2 bedroom, 1500 square foot home is $249 for a one-time treatment and $149 for a quarterly treatment, which is every 3 months.7
How You Are Charged
Exterminator prices may be determined in one of three ways:
1. Flat fee
A flat fee is a fixed cost for the treatment regardless of the severity of the infestation or the size of your property. The advantage of a flat fee is knowing the total cost right up front with no surprise charges.
It is important to ask the company about how follow-up visits work if required. The original price may include them or may not.
Flat fee pricing is probably the most common and will almost certainly be used for more extensive treatments like fumigation.
2. Hourly Rate
Hourly rates may offer more flexibility in that they account for varying degrees of infestation and property size. This mode of payment may work well if you require multiple appointments or have a larger home.
If you are on a tight budget, this may not suit you since you won’t know upfront what your total cost will be.
3. Per-Room Charges
Per-room charges may be a cost-effective option if you live in a smaller space since you will only pay for the areas treated. But depending on where the infestation is located primarily, this may leave some flea larvae untouched, and if you don’t eliminate fleas in all stages of their life cycle, they will just continue multiplying.
Flea infestations can be particularly distressing as they will make life miserable for your pet and will probably bite you plenty as well. They can also carry disease.
Understanding the answer to the question, does Lysol kill fleas and eggs (yes for fleas and no for eggs), can help you plan and create a flea pest control plan that works for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Does Lysol Kill Fleas and Eggs
How Quickly Do Flea Eggs Hatch?
Half of all flea eggs will hatch anywhere from 36 hours to 6 days depending on the temperature. Combine this fast hatching time with the fact a female flea can lay 50 eggs a day, and it is easy to see why flea infestations can take root so quickly.8
Why Do Fleas Like Pets More Than People?
Fleas like dark areas and your pet’s furry body makes the perfect hiding spot. Once you part the hair and expose it to light, it will scurry elsewhere on the body, and this is why they are hard to find.
References
1Houseman, R. M., & Jones, F. G. (2014, August). Fleas. University of Missouri Extension. Retrieved November 25, 2023, from <https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g7380>
2United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2023). Hydrogen peroxide (Hydrogen dioxide) (000595) Fact Sheet. EPA. Retrieved November 25, 2023, from <https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/reg_actions/registration/fs_PC-000595_30-Jan-02.pdf>
3National Pesticide Information Center. (2023). Diatomaceous Earth Fact Sheet. National Pesticide Information Center. Retrieved November 25, 2023, from <http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/degen.html>
4Potter, M. F. (2018, June). Flea Control and Prevention. University of Kentucky. Retrieved November 25, 2023, from <https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef602>
5Mississippi State University Extension. (2018, April 13). Can Fragrant Plants Help Repel Insects? Mississippi State University Extension. Retrieved November 25, 2023, from <https://extension.msstate.edu/blog/can-fragrant-plants-help-repel-insects>
6Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, August 13). Getting Rid of Fleas. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved November 25, 2023, from <https://www.cdc.gov/fleas/getting_rid.html>
7Horvath, S. (2023, September 13). How Much Does a Flea Exterminator Cost in 2023? Market Watch. Retrieved November 25, 2023, from <https://www.marketwatch.com/guides/home-improvement/flea-exterminator-cost/>
8Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center. (2023). Fleas. Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center. Retrieved November 25, 2023, from <https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/health-info/fleas>
9Photo by Squirrel_photos. Cropped, Resized, Changed Format. Pixabay. Retrieved April 10, 2024, from <https://pixabay.com/photos/disinfectant-spray-cleaner-5032675/>
10Dog Flea (Ctenocephalides canis) Photo by Ben P (deboas) / CC BY 4.0 DEED | Attribution 4.0 International. Cropped, Resized, Changed Format. iNaturalist. Retrieved April 10, 2024, from <https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/202892762?size=medium>