Eco cleaning for flea and tick control: Is it effective?
Introduction
“Natural” or eco-friendly cleaning can support flea and tick control, but it cannot replace a registered pet treatment. The winning combo is simple: safe cleaning for the home and proven products for your dog or cat. This guide was prepared with input from our lead vet and founder, Dr. Feargus McConnell, BVSc.
What eco cleaning can do well
-
Vacuuming lifts eggs, larvae and pupae from carpets, rugs, sofa seams and car mats. Empty the vacuum outside.
-
Hot washing pet bedding and favourite blankets, then thorough drying.
-
Sun and airflow reduce humidity where flea stages thrive.
-
Decluttering sleeping spots so clean-ups are quick and consistent.
-
Yard basics: short grass, raked leaf litter, dry pot saucers to cut mosquitoes.
What eco cleaning cannot do
-
It does not kill all stages hiding in cracks or soft furnishings.
-
It does not stop new fleas or ticks arriving from outdoors or other pets.
-
It does not provide heartworm prevention or cover intestinal worms.
Ingredients to handle with care
-
Essential oils on pets (tea tree, eucalyptus, clove) can be harmful to cats and some dogs.
-
Homemade sprays are often irritating and unreliable.
-
Diatomaceous earth is messy and can irritate lungs and skin. If you use it, apply lightly in empty rooms and keep pets and kids away until dust settles.
A balanced, eco-aware plan
-
Put your pets on a proven product matched to species, weight and age.
-
Run a daily clean in week one, then weekly for three months if fleas were present.
-
Keep yards tidy and sleeping areas dry.
-
Re-weigh growing pets and adjust weight bands.
Products we trust
-
Dogs (monthly all-in-one): Simparica Trio Chewable Tablet for Dogs
-
Dogs (longer-acting fleas and ticks): Bravecto Chew for Dogs
-
Cats (broad monthly): Revolution Plus Spot-On for Cats
-
Cats (longer-acting fleas and ticks): Bravecto Spot-On for Cats
Safety basics
-
Dog products for dogs, cat products for cats
-
Match current weight band and minimum age
-
Do not stack preventatives unless your vet advises
-
Keep cats away from recently treated dogs if a dog label advises it
FAQ
Can eco cleaning replace pet treatments?
No. It helps the environment around the animal and can reduce infestation once eradicated but does not protect the animal or prevent infestation on it's own.
Is vinegar useful for fleas?
It is a cleaner, not a flea control. Stick to vacuuming and hot washes instead.
Want an eco-friendly home routine matched to your pets and products?
Share ages, weights and your home layout and we will map a simple plan
