Does Hydrogen Peroxide Kill Fleas?

Recently Mira got her first rabbit “defending” our garden from these furry critters.

Though I keep Mira on flea preventative, I worry that the animals she catches have fleas. She is on Bravecto, but she will continue to carry them throughout the house until the flea bites her.

To minimize the risk of her bringing fleas into the house, I bathe her immediately in a flea treatment.

I prefer to use a natural flea remedy since she is already on a commercial flea medicine to lessen her exposure to different chemicals.

When telling a friend about what happened, she mentioned she heard peroxide (or more commonly, hydrogen peroxide) was an excellent way to get rid of fleas.

I was a bit skeptical about using peroxide to kill fleas, but I thought I would investigate it.

Related: Does Lysol Kill Fleas? Should You Use it on Your Dog?

Does Peroxide Kill Fleas?

Hydrogen Peroxide does kill some bugs when used at a higher concentration^[1].

But, no studies have been done to see if it is specifically effective against fleas.

However, hydrogen peroxide is frequently used in gardens to kill insects, and it destroys eggs too.

Unfortunately, peroxide, especially at higher concentrations, is not safe to use on or around dogs.

The good news is that you can use a peroxide mix around your gardens to deter and kill fleas.

However, be sure to use an adequately diluted mix so you do not destroy your plants.

Related: Does Palmolive Kill Fleas?

How Does Peroxide Kill Fleas?

Hydrogen peroxide destroys living cells, including skill cells.

And though bugs have an outer carapace and not skin, hydrogen peroxide can eat away at their outer shell.

After the peroxide damages the flea’s shell, the flea will dehydrate and die.

Plus, peroxide is toxic when ingested, which is another way it would kill a flea.

Is Peroxide Safe for Dogs?

Peroxide is not safe for dogs, especially at higher concentrations.

The only time I have used hydrogen peroxide with my dogs was when my parent’s Golden Retriever ate rat poison, and we had to induce vomiting.

Peroxide is not recommended for use on wounds since it kills living cells, including those attempting to repair injuries².

If you were to use peroxide on your dog for fleas and if your dog were to ingest even a tiny amount, it can cause GI upset.

Plus, if your dog has any open sores from flea bites, the peroxide will slow the healing process since it will kill the fibroblasts³, the cells that aid in regrowing healthy tissue.

How to Use Peroxide for Fleas Outdoors

If you would like to treat the foliage outside to help keep the flea population down in your yard, using a peroxide mix may be the perfect option.

Peroxide is a recognized insecticide for use in gardens and other agricultural applications. Hydrogen peroxide will take care of fleas and their eggs, plus, it is effective at killing other bugs too.

Remember, it will kill various bugs, including those you want to keep around, such as ladybugs and pollinators.

To create a hydrogen peroxide spray, mix equal parts of 3% hydrogen peroxide, found at most drugstores, with water in a spray bottle.

Test on a bit of foliage in your garden first before spraying all of your plants.

Let it sit for 2-3 days; if there is no damage to the plant, spray the areas most likely to be infested by fleas, including woodpiles.

Be sure to keep your dog away from those areas until it has time to dry.

Alternative Options to Kill Fleas

Because peroxide isn’t a safe option for use on your dog, I would recommend other alternative safe solutions such as:

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is my favorite option for fleas and other treatments like ear infections, hot spots, and paw care.

For fleas, you can use coconut oil both topically and orally. 

I warm the coconut oil with my hands and add it to my dog’s favorite shampoo.

I let the mixture sit for up to 15 minutes. Yes, it’s a long time, but it will kill all fleas.

If you choose to use coconut oil as a preventative, a daily dose of coconut oil will keep the fleas away and keep your dog’s coat looking great.

Be sure to use the proper dosage since it can cause GI upset if too much is given.

To read more about how you can use coconut oil in the war against fleas, click here!

Essential Oils

Essential oils are a great add-on to make your flea shampoo more effective and add repellent qualities.

Try a drop or two of cedarwood, peppermint, thyme, or lavender to the above coconut mixture.

Though, do not overdo it with the essential oils, since the aroma can be overpowering to your dog. 

For more information about using essential oils for fleas, check out our article: Using Essential Oils to Kill Fleas.

Other Options

Baby powder is another safe option that you can use on your dog and your home to help get rid of fleas.

Epsom salt is another one of my favorite flea remedies.

Epsom salt not only rids your dog of fleas but also soothes your dog’s skin, helping to keep your pup more comfortable.

Conclusion

Hydrogen peroxide could be effective at killing fleas as it is a component in several agricultural pesticides.

However, just because something is safe to be used on plants does not necessarily mean it is safe for dogs.

Though peroxide would likely get the job done, it could cause more harm than good when used directly on your dog.

But peroxide is not the only available choice. There are several very safe and effective ways to kill fleas on your dog and in your home.

It is always nice to learn about different methods for killing fleas, but before you use any of them, it is essential to do your research first.

Our number one priority for our dogs is to keep them safe and healthy, which is why it is critical to choose the best remedy for your dog when it comes to getting rid of fleas.

FAQs

Resources

1. https://homeguides.sfgate.com/hydrogen-peroxide-garden-bug-spray-88685.html
2. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/care-of-open-wounds-in-dogs
3. https://www.preventivevet.com/dogs/peroxide-is-not-for-cleaning-pet-wounds