Is Borax for Fleas Safe? Vet-Approved Advices

With summer entering its peak, bugs are using the sun and heat to their advantage as much as us. So it's no surprise that after going for a walk with your pet and enjoying the warm weather, you come home with guests - fleas.

So what's next? Opening Google and looking for a solution, you've probably read that borax could be a possible deterrent against them. But does borax for fleas actually work?

Let's unravel the science behind borax, the risks of using it, and offer some safer natural alternatives, like FurLife, which can protect your furry friend for good.

What Is Borax (Boric Acid)?

So, first things first - what is borax, and does it have anything to do with boric acid? Knowing what these substances actually are and their original purpose clears the confusion.

Borax and boric acid, and boric-based compounds, with borax being a naturally occurring mineral in nature and boric acid being a chemically processed version of it, done in labs.

These substances are mostly used in cleaning, being a staple ingredient in laundry detergents, but people have also used them for pest control (mostly ants) since they are, for the most part, natural.

But natural doesn't mean safe, nor does it mean effective!

Does Borax Kill Fleas? Evidence Review

In the past, when most of the modern pesticides hadn't still invented, borax was a good alternative compared to anything else that was available on the market. Today, on the other hand, newer and better products are being made daily, focusing on natural ingredients and non-toxicity. It can even be said that using borax is outdated.

But let's see what the experts have to say!

According to Thrasher Pest Control, borax is not effective against fleas, and they warn people who use it that it just gives a false sense of security. FleaScience, though, doesn't agree with Thrasher, and they state that boric acid does kill fleas, but only flea larvae, with the key being if they ingest it. They also state that results show up much later since it works slowly.

From a medical point of view, it seems that FleaScience is on to something - Medical entomologists (Medical personnel specializing in insects) state that borates (the active components in borax &boric acids) are a digestive toxin and a drying agent, which only kills larvae, not adult fleas.

So, does borax kill fleas?

How Borax Works Against Fleas?

Kind of.

Under the right circumstances, boric acid for fleas can be effective. Let's explain the science in simple terms:

Flea larvae ingest the borax particles, which begin to disrupt their digestive system.
Aside from that, the borax damages their skin layer, which leads to them becoming dehydrated.

But that's just the larvae. Fleas have three other stages in their life cycle - Egg, pupa, and adult, which aren’t affected at all. This proves that borax for fleas is better used as a supporting step, not as the sole contender against them. Combining boric acid for fleas with other natural-based products, like FurLifes, can make dealing with them much faster and easier!

How to Use Borax for Flea Control (If You Try It)?

If borax still seems worth a shot, there are a few ways to make using it safer and effective:

Vacuum beforehand - this "wakes up" dormant fleas and eggs.
Sprinkle borax on carpets and rugs, and not on your pet's bedding.
Let the borax sit for at least 24 hours.
Vacuum again the following day and dispose of the vacuum bag immediately.

This, alongside a vet-approved flea deterrent, will get rid of the fleas in a few days. Repeat this every 3-4 months to make sure they don't pop up again.

It's very important to limit your pet's walking and lying on the rugs and carpets as much as you can. Never apply borax directly on your pets' fur or their sleeping areas, since ingesting or inhaling borax can lead to toxic signs, such as skin and eye irritation, coughing, and sneezing.

Safety Considerations

There are some safety regulations you need to be aware of before using borax. Just because it is easily available in stores and natural-based, doesn't mean that it's entirely harmless.

Another similar flea remedy is diatomaceous earth, also known as celite. It poses its separate risks. We’ll get to diatomaceous earth in a little while.

So, what's the point? Natural doesn't always mean non-toxic. It is toxic for pets and small children, just as it is toxic for fleas, so keep an eye out in case they accidentally inhale or eat some of the sprinkled borax. In this case, it's better to skip borax entirely and choose another alternative.

Alternatives & Professional Options

There are a lot safer and more reliable options instead of using boric acid against fleas. We previously mentioned diatomaceous earth - Another mineral-based repellent, which is often used in agriculture and gardening against snails and slugs. It works similarly to borax, but it's considered safer when compared. A negative side effect is that it's also toxic if inhaled, causing lung inflammation.

Vinegar sprays are also a popular alternative. Vinegar works the same way as borax for fleas - Dehydrating them. But it's also a temporary repellent and not vet-approved. Some people use essential oils (for example, tea tree oil), but using these oils in their highly concentrated form can be very toxic, mostly to cats.

A professional-grade solution is a natural-based collar, pendant, or topical treatment, just like FurLifes products. They are based on natural herbs and essential oils, which ensure total safety for your pet. It's vet-approved and recommended.

GetFurLife Products

Still looking for a natural alternative? Choose FurLife - A natural, vet-recommended line of products, designed to keep both you, your pet, and the environment safe by not using toxic ingredients. All of our products are developed alongside veterinarians and following the newest discoveries regarding pest deterrence. And the best part is that not only do FurLifes products get rid of fleas, but also ticks!

Here’s what we have on the table to protect your pet against fleas and also ticks:

FurLife Flea & Tick Collar for Dogs and Cats: Long-term protection and style in one! Made with safe concentrations of essential oils such as rosemary and cinnamon oil, which ward off and protect against pests for 8 months.
FurLife - Flea & Tick Defense Chews for Dogs: Perfect for our adventure-driven pets that dislike wearing a collar or have sensitive skin. This is a non-toxic, chemical-free product with natural ingredients like apple cider vinegar. Only one or two chews a day, and your pet will be completely protected from fleas and ticks. These chews are also perfect since they support your pet's immune system.
FurLife Flea & Tick Spray: A fast and effective solution against fleas, which is especially useful after long walks, hikes, and playtimes outside. This topical spray is a safe product based on natural essential oils, such as spearmint and sesame oil, and it is non-toxic both for pets and humans. It's easy to apply wherever it's needed the most and works in the spot.

FAQs

Can I sprinkle borax on my dog’s bedding?

No. Borax is toxic if ingested, and this raises the chance of your pet accidentally inhaling or ingesting it. Be very careful when applying it and make sure to keep your pets away from the area.

Is borax safe if ingested by pets?

Not at all. Try to keep it away from your pets, since even the smallest amount of ingested borax can cause nausea, vomiting, or worse. If you think your pet has borax poisoning, visit your vet ASAP.

How long until I see results?

It takes up to a week until you see results. Since it doesn’t affect adult fleas, you will still see them roaming freely on your dog's fur or surfaces home, but you’ll see fewer larvae since they will be killed by the borax.

When should I call a professional?

If you’ve tried everything, from DIY methods to vet-approved products, but there are still many fleas, you might be dealing with a serious infestation. Then, it might be smart to contact an exterminator.

Conclusion & Takeaway

So what's the verdict? Is borax for fleas good? Borax and boric acid for fleas kill fleas, but only the larvae and only under the right conditions. It's safe to say that it's not a complete solution, not a totally safe one, since it carries risks.

But, by combining good cleaning habits and vet-approved products against fleas, like FurLife, you can form an effective and safe way to keep both your home and your pet flea-free for good.

So what are you waiting for? Place your order now!