8 Essential Oils for Fleas

First, you think it’s a random itch. Then, it happens again: but more like a bite. When it keeps happening every few minutes, you start to wonder—oh no. You’ve got a flea problem!

Fleas happen from time to time, especially as a pet owner with dogs or outdoor cats. But can you deal with the problem naturally? Could something like essential oils help?

In this article, we’ll explore the potential of essential oils for fleas, whether you’re just looking to prevent infestations or rid yourself of an ongoing problem.

Where do fleas come from?

The first question you may have is, “Why are fleas turning up in my home?” There are a few places they typically come from and that you can quickly target right away. That said, doing some additional detective work can help when you’re not sure.

If you have a furry pet for example—cat, dog, or other— this is your first and best culprit to check. Fleas can also come in by human contact and traffic. They are usually found on clothes or other fabric belongings where fleas might hide much like they would in animal fur.

All types of fleas, no matter how big a problem they become indoors, always originate from outdoors. They’re usually found in shady, grassy, or damp lowland areas that wild animals frequent. Whether from a human or animal “transporter,” fleas then travel inside to infest indoor areas on furniture, couches, curtains, bedding, or clothes.

Can essential oils get rid of fleas?

For hundreds—maybe even thousands—of years, aromatic herbs and botanicals have been used to repel insects and pests. This includes fleas.

Some essential oils from these plants are still used in mainstream bug repellents and treatments today. You can also use essential oils for fleas to help prevent them. Some may partially get rid of fleas, too, while others may help get rid of fleas completely if the infestation is small.

Essential oils may not be as totally effective as mainstream chemical flea treatments, however, such as flea bombs. That said, they are natural and gentler alternatives that won’t harm your health when using them in the same space as yourself—provided that they’re used correctly.

What are the benefits of using essential oils for fleas?

There are many good reasons to use essential oils for fleas. These include:

More affordable. Essential oils are cheaper and more accessible to most people, compared to the costs of name-brand flea repellents or treatments.
No need to leave your home. When used and prepared correctly, essential oil treatments for fleas can be used within the same space as where you, your pets, and loved ones are.
Safer for health of family and pets. Compared to chemical treatments—and when used correctly—there are far fewer risks to health, via inhalation or skin contact, in essential oils compared to common chemical flea treatments.

What are the best essential oils for fleas?

Nature never has a shortlist of natural remedies for anything—and that includes for fleas. While we focus on only these top 8 essential oils for fleas, there are far more options to explore out there.

However, the following are supported by the most research and are the most accessible kind of flea-fighting essential oils you can find at stores.

Citronella

citronella plant next to essential oil bottle

This botanical is already a common ingredient in many mainstream bug repellents, especially for mosquitos. With its pleasant trademark aromatic smell, citronella can also be a potent flea fighter and repellent.

In a study on the use of essential oils for fleas, citronella was a very effective and safe treatment for topical use in dogs, and also for diffuser use in environments where people and animals are present. The oil was beneficial for both repelling and killing fleas on contact.¹

Citronella was also used in combination with ginger, peppermint, and clove essential oils, which may have also enhanced its effectiveness.

Cedarwood

Burning cedarwood has roots in ritual use. This sometimes also involved keeping pests and insects away. In the modern home, however, there is no need for cedar smoke. You can try cedarwood essential oils instead.

Cedar trees of many types from the Cedrus genus (or even Juniperus genus) may contain natural flea-repellent compounds. One study focused on the use of cedarwood specifically for ridding areas of fleas and other arthropods (like ticks) and found them effective.² Cedarwood is generally considered safe for both topical and diffuser use as an essential oil, when used safely and properly, with both humans and animals.

Clove

Besides pumpkin spice (and everything nice), clove essential oil could make a great addition to a natural flea defense blend. Its aromatics are strong enough not only to keep small bugs away, but could also deter larger pests, such as mice or voles. It is not recommended for use directly on pets.

Multiple studies on the herb reference clove as a good choice for flea prevention. In one study, clove and cinnamon essential oil used together had an insecticidal effect, killing off flea infestations while also repelling the pests.³ Clove was also found effective for the same when used with ginger, peppermint, and citronella essential oils.¹

Citrus

orange essential oil bottle wrapped in orange peel

Oils from fruits like orange, grapefruit, or lemon could be useful for indoor flea infestations—such as on furniture, bedding, or other objects. However, they may not be safe for direct use on pets. At the same time, these powerful citrus aromas could help freshen up your space with its wonderful fragrance!

Citrus zest or peel oils are widely accepted as both antiseptic and pest-repelling—all the way from traditional use in homes to medical and mainstream use. While there are few studies examining citrus against fleas effectively, others show the essential oils could be useful for preventing and killing very closely related arthropods, such as bed bugs—evidence enough that it could be good against fleas.⁴

Eucalyptus

This tree from Australia famously contains cleansing oils with a fresh “just out of the shower” scent. These happen to be safe and beneficial for topical use on humans and animals for flea prevention, when properly diluted and used safely.

In fact, of all essential oils for fleas, eucalyptus may be the safest and most widely useful for the problem. Studies show it can repel fleas as well as kill them when used topically (and safely) on animals. It is also effective when applied to furniture, bedding, and more, or used in diffusers as an aromatic preventative.⁵

Mint

Mint plants are classic natural bug repellents around the world—especially peppermint, while spearmint is a close second. Though this essential oil can be used on furniture, bedding, and other objects, some completely advise against topical use in dogs and cats for health and safety reasons. It can be considered toxic.

All mint species (plants of the Mentha genus) may be useful for preventing and repelling fleas. One review of Mentha essential oils appraised them as very useful for both killing and preventing fleas.⁶ Peppermint essential oil, in particular, is one of the most commonly used and studied oils for flea infestations.¹ ⁷

Rosemary

rosemary sprigs and bottle - best essential oils for hair

This Italian herb of remembrance may pack a powerful punch that fleas will never forget. If you’re also looking for a safe and useful remedy that is agreeable (and safe) for cats, then rosemary could be your natural go-to.

While there are more than a handful of studies on rosemary for repelling insects, one trial on cats found that even an herbal supplement containing rosemary in cat food could effectively prevent and repel fleas. It was also shown to be safe for cats.

This suggests that topical use for your feline would be a safe option, too, if well-diluted. The supplement also contained lemongrass, lemon balm, thyme, fenugreek, and wormwood, which were all deemed effective for the issue as well.⁸

Tea tree

If all else fails when it comes to plant-based flea fighting, tea tree essential oil is a strong option. It’s safe for use on infested bedding or furniture, though hold off on use with animals—some sources say the oil could be harmful.

All that said, a major review on tea tree found it highly effective against fleas and similar insects: both for repelling and killing them, as well as eradicating their eggs and breaking the pest’s life cycle.⁹

How to use essential oils for fleas

As mentioned, essential oils can be used on places or objects where you suspect fleas are. You can also add them to flea shampoos. Certain oils may be safe to apply to pets when heavily diluted, though there is controversy around whether this is a safe practice.

Using essential oils on furniture, bedding, etc.

For ridding your home of fleas on furnishings, bedding, or other objects where fleas can burrow, you can use a heavy solution of essential oils directly.

A good standard for dilution could be 10-12 drops of essential oils, or combination of essential oil blends, per cup of water. You can increase or decrease this concentration to your liking. Next, place this dilution in a spray bottle, and spray infestation sites regularly. To be safe, keep pets away from these areas for a couple hours after you spray.

Adding essential oils to flea shampoos

bathing a dog with flea shampoo

Essential oils may also be diluted or incorporated into flea shampoos for animals or added to a regular shampoo for human use.

For animals, combine 2-3 drops of essential oil per large dollop of shampoo used, taking care to use only oils or blends that are safe for these animals topically. Avoid contact with eyes or mouth.
For humans, you can add 2-3 drops of essential oil per dollop of your regular shampoo.

Using essential oils directly on pets (Is it safe?)

Direct application for pets is possible, with the right dilution of oils—and with certain safety considerations. However, DO NOT use clove, citrus, mint, or tea tree oils on dogs or cats. Many deem these too toxic for these animals.

For dogs, dilute seven drops of any pet-safe oil (citronella, cedarwood, eucalyptus, or rosemary), or blend of oils in each cup of water. Apply with spray bottle to dog’s coat, taking care to avoid spray getting in eyes, mouth, nose, or ears. To avoid this, you may want to spray the mixture into your hands first and then rub onto the dog’s coat.
For cats, safe use of essential oils is controversial. Some sources deem all oils completely unsafe for cats because of their grooming habits. Others recommend a dilution of 3-5 drops per cup of water for topical coat/application. Use your own discretion with your cat, or refer to veterinary advice before use. Apply the mixture only where the cat is not able to groom to be safe (back of the neck and shoulders).

What about diffusers for flea control?

For overall flea prevention for home and pets, some people use an essential oil diffuser in their home. However, some sources consider diffusers harmful to dogs and cats due to inhalation. If you do want to diffuse oils for flea prevention, make sure to move pets out of the room while diffusing.

Keep in mind: while certain essential oils have been determined unsafe for dogs and cats, overall safety of essential oils with pets has not been studied, tested, or reviewed by the FDA or other health authorities.

Other home tips for flea prevention

Want to equip yourself with more natural remedies against fleas? Explore and research these for both your pets and your home:

Diatomaceous earth
Neem oil
White vinegar spray
Apple cider vinegar spray
Witch hazel
Baking soda
Salt
Natural dish soap

If fleas continue to plague your home or your pets, contact a pest control specialist. Talk to your veterinarian too if your pets’ fleas are not improving. It is highly recommended that you always use a typical flea and tick treatment with your pet along with essential oils for fleas for the best results.

About Adrian White
Adrian White is a certified herbalist, organic farmer, and health, food, and agriculture freelance writer—and upcoming author. She is a past contributor to Healthline with bylines in The Guardian, Civil Eats, and Good Housekeeping. Adrian is also the co-owner and operator of Jupiter Ridge LLC, an organic farm growing diverse vegetables, mushrooms and herbs.