Can Fleas Live On Hardwood Floors: How To Get Rid Of Them?

When it comes to fleas and hardwood floors, it’s worth knowing that these little critters can actually hang out on wooden surfaces.

Fleas usually hang out on pets, but they can also get into furniture, carpets, and even hardwood floors. They hide in the gaps between the floorboards and munch on dust and stuff. The good news is, it’s not hard to stop them from coming in.

Getting rid of them involves more than just cleaning – it requires a thorough approach to tackle both the floor and your pets. So, let’s dig into why fleas might choose hardwood, laminate, vinyl, and other wood floors and how to deal with them effectively.

Can Fleas Live On Hardwood Floors? Why Fleas Like Wooden Floors?

Fleas aren’t picky about where they hang out, and hardwood floors can be a comfy spot for them. The little gaps and cracks between floorboards are like cozy hideouts for fleas (1).

They don’t just chill there; they munch on stuff like dust and debris. But the worry not, you can remove fleas from wooden surfaces, furniture and floors using baking soda, bleach, salt as well as Borax.

I have written a detailed guide on how to get rid of fleas on hardwood floors naturally. Let’s get started.

What To Mop Floors With To Kill Fleas?

When I had to deal with those pesky fleas on my floors, I found a simple homemade solution that worked wonders. I mixed equal parts of water and white vinegar in a bucket. Before that, learn if vinegar is safe for wood floors.

To make sure those fleas didn’t stand a chance, I added a few drops of dish soap to help drown them. I grabbed a mop and went to town, paying extra attention to corners and gaps where those sneaky fleas like to hide.

Before I started mopping, I vacuumed the hardwood floor to clear out any loose debris and flea eggs. Oh, and don’t forget to wash your pet’s bedding and give them a good flea treatment – it really makes a difference!

Here are other methods that I have used to remove fleas on wood floors.

Will Bleach Kill Fleas On Hardwood Floors?

So, I was battling fleas on my hardwood floors, and someone told me about bleach. I mixed one part CloroxPro bleach with ten parts water and mopped my floors using Swiffer with this super-powered solution.

The bleach has a strong smell, though, so make sure to open some windows for fresh air. Also, keep your pets away during this cleaning mission.

I did a little test on a hidden spot first, just to be sure it wouldn’t mess up my lovely hardwood floors. It worked like a charm!

Also Read: Will Hydrogen Peroxide Whiten Hardwood Floors?

Does Salt Kill Fleas On Hardwood Floors?

I also heard about using salt to kick out fleas, so I thought, why not give it also a shot? I sprinkled Fine Ground salt on my hardwood floors and left it there for about 12 to 48 hours – basically, I let it do its thing.

The salt dried out those fleas, their babies, and even their eggs. After the waiting game, I grabbed my vacuum and sucked up the salt and all those flea remnants. Just a heads up, use just enough salt – you don’t want to overdo it and risk harming your wood.

Baking Soda Kill Fleas On Hardwood Floors?

Baking soda is another household item that can help in the fight against fleas. I sprinkled it all over my hardwood floors and let it chill for a few hours.

Then, used with my trusty vacuum, I went to work. The baking soda grabbed those fleas and their eggs like a magnet. Plus, it’s safe for my beautiful hardwood floors. It’s become a regular thing in my flea-fighting routine.

Will Vinegar and Bleach Kill Fleas?

Mixing vinegar and bleach is not recommended, as it can produce harmful fumes. I once thought about mixing vinegar and bleach, but someone warned me against it – apparently, it makes some pretty nasty fumes.

So, I used them separately. I mixed Lucy’s vinegar with water and mopped away those fleas. Bleach, when diluted with water, also joined the party. Just be cautious, especially with bleach – strong stuff. And hey, a little ventilation goes a long way.

Will Dettol Kill Fleas?

Dettol, a disinfectant, can be effective in killing fleas on surfaces. I mixed Dettol surface cleaner with water and mopped my floors, saying goodbye to those fleas.

Just be sure to check the concentration and follow the Dettol instructions – we don’t want any accidents. And, of course, keep your pets away during the cleaning spree and let some fresh air in.

Does Zoflora Kill Fleas?

Zoflora is a disinfectant that can help in killing fleas on surfaces. I diluted it with water and mopped my floors clean.

Checked the product instructions for the right mix, and it did the trick. Remember, consistent cleaning and treating your pets are key players in the flea control game.

Explore: How To Fix Discolored And Sun-faded Hardwood Floors?

How to Use Borax to Kill Fleas on Hardwood Floors?

Clearing the Space

First things first, I cleaned up the floor by moving stuff around and using the vacuum to get rid of debris and those tricky flea eggs.

Borax Time

Next up was the Borax powder, my secret weapon against those stubborn fleas. I sprinkled it all over the hardwood floor, paying extra attention to corners and gaps – the favorite hiding spots for those pesky fleas.

Letting It Work

I let the borax do its thing for about 6-12 hours, sometimes leaving it overnight. This waiting period allowed the borax to dry up and wipe out fleas, their babies, and even the eggs hiding in the shadows.

Vacuuming Away the Pests

After the waiting game, I started vacuuming hardwood floor. I went over the whole floor, including corners and gaps, sucking up not just the borax but also the leftovers of the defeated flea army.

Round Two, If Needed: Repeating the Process

Depending on how bad the flea situation was, I sometimes had to do it again to break their life cycle. A little extra effort ensures those fleas don’t make a comeback.

Handle with Care: Being Safe with Borax

While borax is good for hardwood floors, it’s important not to go overboard. Keep pets and kids away during the application and waiting period to make sure they stay safe.

Tips for a Flea-Free Home

Using borax as part of a bigger flea-fighting plan is the key. Alongside treating pets and washing their bedding, this combo worked well to keep my home flea-free.

Find Out: How To Remove Hardwood Stains?

How Long Can Fleas Live On Hardwood Floors?

On wooden floors, fleas don’t stick around for too long because they can’t cling to the surface. But they might hang out in little hiding spots and gaps in the floor.

How To Get Rid Of Flea Eggs On Hardwood Floors?

Vacuuming not only picks up the fleas but also helps get rid of those tricky flea eggs before they turn into full-grown fleas. And after all that vacuum action, use a damp mop to clean your floor – a disposable one is best to stop the problem from spreading. Easy peasy!

Final Thoughts

Fleas can stay on hardwood floors briefly, hiding in gaps. To tackle them, use simple home remedies like vinegar, bleach, salt, baking soda, or Borax.

Be cautious with strong chemicals like bleach and Dettol. Regular vacuuming helps remove fleas and their eggs, while Borax proves effective against persistent infestations.

A comprehensive plan, including pet care, ensures a flea-free home and keeps hardwood floors safe.