How Do I Get Rid of Fleas in My Bathroom? (Doing This Works)

Fleas can be a huge nuisance, and if you’re finding them in your bathroom, it can be especially frustrating. Luckily, there are ways to get rid of fleas in your bathroom that don’t involve too much effort.

To get rid of fleas in your bathroom, start by removing as much moisture as you can. This can be done by installing a dehumidifier in your bathroom. You can also vacuum the fleas, then sprinkle the area with baking soda to deter them from coming back.

Of course, there are lots of ways you can get rid of fleas, depending on where you found them and what else you have in your bathroom.  In this article, we’ll be diving into the best ways to rid yourself and your bathroom of these nasty pests. 

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Fleas in the Bathroom

Finding fleas in your bathroom is a uniquely unpleasant experience. Of course, your bathroom should be the cleanest space in your home, but if it’s been defiled by fleas, you need them gone ASAP. 

This section will talk about the best ways to do exactly that. 

Why Do I Keep Finding Fleas in My Bathroom?

Bugs in general, and fleas specifically, love moisture and humidity, so they’re drawn to your bathroom. So if you bathe a pet in your bathroom, any fleas your pet had may have jumped ship to find a new home in your bathroom.  

To deter fleas from making your bathroom their new home, consider getting yourself a dehumidifier for your bathroom. 

Removing some excess moisture may make your bathroom less suitable for fleas and other pests. 

How Do I Get Rid of Fleas in My Bathroom?

There are several great ways to get rid of fleas in your bathroom.  The easiest way is to vacuum them away.  Fleas tend to group in the corners or small crevices on your floor, so be sure to vacuum carefully to avoid missing any groupings. 

You can also use baking soda sprinkled in trouble areas to help get rid of fleas in your bathroom. 

Because baking soda helps dry up excess moisture, it kills fleas and helps prevent an environment where fleas can thrive. 

Is It Okay to Flush Fleas Down the Toilet?

Flushing fleas down the toilet will not hurt your toilet. If the fleas are still alive, doing so will flush them into your septic system and most likely drown them. If they are dead, you can wrap them in a bit of toilet tissue before sending them on their way. 

However, be aware that if live fleas are flushed but do not get carried into your septic system, they may crawl back out of the toilet.

Therefore, this isn’t the best way to rid yourself of pests.  Instead, vacuum them away for the best results.

Do Fleas Go Away With a Shower?

Using warm water and a lot of soap can help rid you and your furry friends of fleas.  However, if you have long hair, clean your hair and scalp thoroughly to ensure there are no fleas, eggs, or larvae close to your scalp. 

If you’re dealing with a significant infestation, you may need to buy yourself some specialized shampoo to assist in getting rid of the fleas. 

You may also want to consider getting a comb designed for egg removal. 

Can You Get Rid of Fleas in the Shower?

Taking a hot shower with plenty of soap can aid in removing fleas that may be crawling on you or your pet’s bodies.  Of course, make sure any shampoos you use are safe for both humans and animals. 

Additionally, fleas love moisture, so make sure your exhaust fan is on while you shower.

You should also make sure there aren’t any more fleas hanging out in your bathroom after your shower, or your problem might get worse instead of better!

Do Fleas Go Down the Drain?

Fleas can go down the drain when you shower, but be cautious because they won’t drown right away.  Consider flushing your drain with hot water and dish soap after you shower to ensure they all get washed into the septic system.  

As always, be careful if you’re going to flush out a drain.  Ensure you are adequately protected from the hot water so you don’t accidentally burn yourself. 

If you’re unsure if you can do this safely, refrain from trying. 

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Ways to Kill Fleas 

If your bathroom has a flea infestation, you definitely need to figure out how to kill them as soon as possible. 

This section will discuss the best way to get rid of these annoying pests. 

What Can Kill Fleas Instantly?

While nothing will actually kill fleas instantly, you can kill them within half an hour using specific chemicals.  If you want something natural, sprinkle salt or baking soda around your flea-infested areas, then vacuum. 

Both salt and baking soda are natural dehydrators. They will cause death to small insects, such as fleas, within half an hour by dehydrating them. 

Plus, this can also work to kill eggs and larvae! Then, use a vacuum with hose attachments in all small cracks and crevices to ensure you’ve gotten all the pests. 

What Do Fleas Hate the Most?

Fleas hate sunlight.  Because they thrive in dark, damp areas, one of the best ways to kill them is to overheat them or otherwise dry them out. Fleas also hate common natural cleaners like vinegar and baking soda. 

You can make a homemade vinegar solution using two parts water to one part vinegar. Then, simply put your solution in a spray bottle and spray it on the affected areas in your home.  

If you notice your solution is a little too smelly, you can dilute it further or use essential oils to help with the scent, just make sure they’re pet friendly!

How Often Should You Spray Your House for Fleas?

If you currently have a flea infestation, you may have to spray your house at least twice.  Once to kill the adults and again a week to two weeks later to kill any fleas that were larvae or eggs that may have hatched since the first spray.  

For preventative care, you should spray your natural remedies at least every six weeks, if not even more often. 

This can help prevent an outbreak. In addition, we recommend discussing your flea prevention routine with your vet if you have pets. 

How Do You Spray Your House for Fleas?

The easiest way to get rid of fleas is to call a professional and have your home sprayed. But, of course, if you don’t want to spend the time and money, you can make your own natural solution. For example, you can use lemon, apple cider vinegar, or lavender mixed with water. 

If you have pets in your home, please consult your vet before using any home remedies to remove fleas from your home.

Also, if you will use essential oils, be sure they’re safe for pets, as most are toxic, especially if placed directly on an animal’s skin. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYhINF2JdBY

Do Flea Traps Work?

Flea traps are an easy way to get rid of fleas. First, they work by attracting fleas, usually by using light and heat.  Then, once the fleas enter the trap, they are either stuck to the trap (if it’s a glue-based trap) or drown in a soapy water solution.  

If you think you might have a flea issue in your bathroom, place a flea trap in each corner.  There will be instructions on each trap on how to set it up correctly. 

Then, check the flea traps daily to see if they need emptying or replacing. 

What Smells Repel Fleas?

Fleas are repelled by certain natural scents, including lemon, cedar, and lavender.  You can use any of these mixed with water and sprayed around your floors or even outside to prevent fleas. 

Of course, if you will spray any of these near animals or plants, do your research first!  Some essential oils are toxic to pets and plants. 

If you’re not sure what is safe for your home, check with your vet before proceeding! 

How Do You Get Rid of Fleas Naturally?

An excellent natural remedy for fleas is a two to one water to lemon solution.  This solution can be combed through the fur of animals (or the hair of humans, if necessary.)  The scent will cause fleas to jump away, and then you can vacuum them straight off the floor. 

Before putting anything on your animals, please check with your vet. Not all essential oils are safe for pets.

If you’re unsure, stick with a different solution. Eucalyptus, citronella, and rosemary may be toxic.

Are Flea Bombs Effective?

Flea bombs are not typically an effective method to eradicate fleas.  Because the chemicals cannot settle in all the cracks and crevices of a home where fleas like to hide, most flea bombs miss pockets of eggs and larvae. 

While you may see a decrease in fleas immediately after a flea bombing (because the flea bomb killed all the adults), once the unaffected eggs and larvae grow to adults, you’ll be right back where you started.  

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Attracting Fleas

If you’ve tried and failed to eliminate your flea problem, you may need to get them all in one place. 

Next, we’ll be discussing the best way to attract fleas so you can administer some, ahem, creative problem-solving. 

What Kind of Lights Are Fleas Attracted To?

Fleas will be attracted by almost any light, except red lights, which they can’t see.  They prefer green and yellow light and the warmth of light bulbs. 

It is theorized that fleas prefer green and yellow light because it reminds them of vegetation and safe places with sunlight. 

Using this thought process, it’s easy to get a flea trap that relies on light to lure fleas into a trap so they can be disposed of. 

Where Do You Put a Flea Trap?

You should place a flea trap in any area of your home where you have seen fleas.  Fleas tend to be attracted to small nooks and crannies where they feel safe and hidden.  

Here are some common areas fleas like to hide:

• Drapes and curtains (including shower curtains!)
• Pet bedding
• Pillows 
• Underside of furniture
• Close to pet bowls, especially if they’re on a hardwood floor or if they have their own shelving or furniture
• Edges of carpets or area rugs (including your bathroom rugs!)

How Do You Draw Out Fleas?

The best way to draw out fleas is to use light and heat. Fleas like bright yellow or green light, as it reminds them of foliage and makes them feel safe.  Place a flea trap in areas where you have seen fleas gather. 

You can easily make your own homemade flea trap by taking a large, shallow bowl or dish and filling it nearly to the top with water.  

Add a couple of drops of Dawn dish soap to the bowl and place it where you’ve seen fleas gather.  Replace the soapy water daily for best results. 

You can also place a small lamp with a green bulb next to the water for extra attractiveness. 

Where Do Fleas Like to Hide?

Fleas like to hide in cracks and crevices where they are unlikely to be found.  For example, you may find them in the crevices of your bathroom grouting, both in your shower and tub and on the floor.  They also like pet and animal bedding. 

You may also find that fleas like to lay eggs in these spots.  One easy way to deter fleas from laying eggs in these spots is to spray the floor and tub with a two to one fresh lemon solution. 

Fleas do not like the scent of lemon and are much less likely to lay eggs there. Plus, it’ll make your bathroom smell great!

How Do You Attract Fleas to One Spot?

Fleas are attracted to heat and moisture.  You can attract fleas to one spot in your bathroom by placing homemade water traps.  Simply fill a large shallow bowl with water and dish soap, and the fleas will drown themselves. 

You can also add a desk lamp above the flea trap to keep the water warm and more tempting for the fleas.

You should change the water daily until the fleas are all gone.  Make sure that any pets in your home do not have access to soapy water!

What Is the Best Indoor Flea Trap?

The ultimate indoor flea trap features a small bulb trap with glue.  Fleas are attracted to the warmth and light, then find themselves stuck to the glue patch.  Then, all you have to do is switch out the old glue trap for a fresh one every day!

A Heyouou flea trap is the highest-rated sticky indoor flea trap on Amazon. They are small and discrete and can be placed in your bathroom or anywhere else in your home where you see a flea. 

Plus, they are non-toxic and contain no chemicals, so they are safe for pets and children. 

Common Hacks

There have been a number of tips and tricks going around that tell you how to get rid of fleas, but how many of them will really do the job?

So we’re going to break it down right now!

Does Dawn Soap Kill Fleas?

When used with water and placed in a shallow bowl, Dawn dish soap is an excellent way to rid your bathroom of a flea infestation.  Using Dawn lessens the surface tension of your water, allowing fleas, which are otherwise too buoyant to drown, to sink to the bottom of the bowl. 

If you decide to use Dawn-based flea traps, be sure that the bowls of water are safely away from any pets. 

While Dawn isn’t toxic, it’s never a good idea to allow an animal to drink soapy water. 

Do Dryer Sheets Repel Fleas?

A common hack is to rub a dryer sheet directly on your dog or cat to prevent fleas from climbing on them.  We don’t recommend you do this without consulting your pet’s vet first. 

Depending on the type of dryer sheet you use, it may contain chemicals that are not pet-safe. 

Rubbing a dryer sheet on their skin may help prevent fleas, but it can also hurt your pet, and no one wants that!

Does Vicks Vapor Rub Repel Fleas?

Because Vicks Vapor Rub contains eucalyptus, which fleas don’t like, it can help repel fleas.  However, eucalyptus essential oils are typically not safe for pets, so they should be used with extreme caution. 

If you want something natural to repel fleas, consider using fresh lemon (not essential oil) instead.  If you must use Vicks,  keep it far away from your pets.

As always, if you’re unsure what is safe for your pet, we recommend you consult your veterinarian before use. 

What Are Three Remedies for Killing Fleas?

Killing fleas is definitely a top priority.  You can use Dawn dish soap, install a flea trap, or use lemon and water to deter them.  Let’s break that down a little more. 

Our top three remedies for killing fleas are:

1. Dawn Dish Soap and Water – Using Dawn in water in a shallow bowl, placed where you’ve seen fleas gather, can cause fleas to drown.
2. Flea Traps – These safe, non-toxic traps use heat and light to lure in fleas, which are then stuck to a glue trap, which is easily disposed of. 
3. Lemon and Water Spray – use a two to one mixture of water and pure lemon juice (not an essential oil) and spray around your bathroom to kill and deter fleas.

Will Vinegar Get Rid of Fleas?

Using a solution of apple cider vinegar and water can help deter fleas. Fleas do not like the strong acid of vinegar and will avoid laying eggs in places that have been doused in the stuff.  

Unfortunately, using apple cider vinegar to deter fleas does come with the cost of your place smelling like vinegar. 

You also need to ensure that you’re not spraying the vinegar on any delicate surfaces that may stain. 

How Long Does It Take Baking Soda to Kill Fleas?

It typically takes baking soda about 12 hours to fully dehydrate and kill fleas.  Start by applying the baking soda to the affected areas in your bathroom.  You can sprinkle the baking soda while dry, or you can mix it with salt and water and spray the solution on. 

Once it’s fully dried, use your vacuum to suck up the dead fleas, along with the baking soda.  Ensure that any pets or children cannot access the area where the mixture is sitting.  

Why Are Fleas Attracted to Soapy Water?

Fleas aren’t actually attracted to the soapy water part of a water-based flea trap. They’re attracted to the light.  When they try to jump towards the light, they fall into the water and drown. 

Fleas are phototactic, meaning they’re attracted to light sources.  They tend to prefer yellow or green lighting, as it reminds them of sun and foliage, at least according to the internet.  Who knew?

Related Questions

Can Fleas Be In Only One Room?

Flea’s don’t keep themselves in one room, as much as we might wish that to be true.  Often, fleas are brought inside by pets or people, and unless you and your pet are only hanging out in one room, the fleas are going to be everywhere you are. 

Fleas can also travel, jumping from human to human or crawling. 

They will try to find a safe place to hide and lay eggs, and once those eggs hatch and grow, they will go looking for a blood meal so that they can reproduce. Gross. 

Can Fleas Travel Through Pipes?

Fleas love moisture and humidity, so your pipes are a potential hiding place.  Fleas are naturally buoyant and won’t drown in water unless the water has been treated with soap to lessen the surface tension.

You can put baking soda on the edges of your drain to help prevent fleas from crawling out of your pipes and causing problems in your bathroom. 

The baking soda will dehydrate and kill fleas. 

Can Fleas Live in Human Hair?

While it’s certainly not common, fleas can survive in human hair.  Because fleas need a blood meal before they can reproduce, they will feed on humans if other creatures, namely dogs and cats, are not around to feed off. 

The good news is that fleas don’t lay eggs in human hair as they might do to animals. 

If you think you have a flea problem, you can safely use most flea and tick shampoos, but if you’re not sure what’s safe, please contact your doctor. 

Final Thoughts

Having a flea infestation is a nightmare of the worst order.

However, we hope these ideas gave you some hope and that you soon find yourself having happier experiences in your bathroom, no pests allowed!