Tea Tree Oil For Fleas - Does Tea Tree Oil Kill Fleas?

The aroma and nutritional actives present in tea tree essential oil carry a wealth of benefits. And it gradually multiplies when it comes to repelling insects and bugs. In earlier times, people used to burn tea tree leaves to repel fleas and ticks from their homes. It not only repels fleas but also purifies the environment. A more important thing is its organic nature. Unlike chemical pesticides, it doesn’t release toxins into the air and cause respiratory infections. This is one strong reason for its excessive use in pet care and flea deterrent products.

It’s not about using artificial solutions for fleas, but more about their long-term effects on health and well-being. 

This blog will discuss what tea tree essential oil is, how to use it the right way, and its adaptability for pets. 

What Is Tea Tree Oil?

Melaleuca alternifolia, commonly known as tea tree, is not just an ordinary herb. It is a traditional Australian plant species laden with hydrocarbons of terpenes. This makes it a natural anti-bacterial and microbial solution for insects like fleas. Pure tea tree essential oil is a delicately distilled liquid from quality tea tree leaves.

It carries the same virtues and effects as the parent plant. But in a slightly convenient and advanced manner. There is a striking jump in the use of tea tree essential oil.

Nowadays, more and more pet parents are switching to the heavenly goodness of tea tree oil. It not only works wonders on fleas but also provides relief from the trouble caused because of them.  

Tea tree oil can be of many types depending on the botanical and extraction process. The most common types of pure oils include tea tree CO2 extract and essential oil. While CO2 extract is more potent, tea tree essential oil is more commonly used. 

Is Tea Tree Oil Safe For Pets?

It all depends on how you use essential oils for fleas on different types of animals. Ingestion of tea tree essential oil can cause toxicity in pets. In some cases, it can be fatal and hazardous too. It’s not just about tea tree essential oil. Any essential oil, when consumed orally, can cause a lot of side effects for our pets. The reason is their delicate respiratory tract and disability to break down strong botanicals found in essential oils. However, the topical application is another promising way to use this nature’s blessing. 

You can always apply well-diluted tea tree oil on your pet's body to get rid of fleas. But make sure that you are using a very considerate amount of oil with a triple dilution ratio.

If you are a dog parent and wondering if tea tree oil is safe for dogs, we've got the right resource for you.  

Does Tea Tree Oil Kill Fleas?

Yes, this skin care marvel has also topped the list of best repellents for fleas. Tea tree essential oil is compounded with terpenes, an excellent antibacterial, and a defensive hydrocarbon. Let’s make it simple. When insects like fleas come in contact with the raw essence of tea tree essential oil, it damages the internal membrane and deteriorates their nervous system. Eventually, killing them in the first use itself. Besides, it also contains other botanical substances like linalool that provide antioxidant support and help with infections caused due to flea bites. 

Read more about essential oils that kill fleas vs repel fleas in our complete guide. 

How To Safely Use Tea Tree Oil On Pets?

• For Diffuser: One of the best tricks to harness essential oils is by diffusing them around your home. It not only prevents fleas but also purifies the air from other germs and toxins. Add 2-3 drops of tea tree essential oil to a diffuser. Now dilute it using 4 tablespoons of sweet almond oil and place the diffuser in the corner.
• For skin: Flea bites can cause tiny bumps and lumps on the skin. Using essential oils for skin helps in reducing the pain and redness caused due to it. Create a natural DIY mix by combining 2 drops of lavender and tea tree essential oil each, dilute it using 20 ml of virgin coconut oil. Apply it to the affected area and let it rest for 5-6 hours.
• For corners: Bedside and corners are the most favorable places for fleas. They love to hide in the dark, isolated corners.  Dip 5-6 cotton balls in tea tree essential oil and place them around your house. It also helps with lizards and flies.
• For pets: Adopting essential oils for pets is slightly sensitive. Start with a mild essential oil like rosemary and dilute it using jojoba oil. Now, add one tablespoon of this mixture to your pet's regular bath water for amazing results.

Possible Side Effects and Precautions To Consider

Some necessary precautions to use when considering tea tree essential oil for fleas:

• Check the amount of tea tree oil and dilute it well using any carrier oil before using it.
• Start slow, be patient, and gradually increase your pace. 
• Maintain a gap of frequent intervals, especially while adopting it for pets.
• Conduct a patch test to check the skin's sensitivity and reaction. It will help in preventing future troubles.
•  Avoid making contact with sensitive areas like the eyes and ears. In case of burning or redness, wash off immediately.

Tea Tree Oil Alternatives For Flea Control

There is no competition for tea tree essential oil when it comes to eliminating fleas. Learning a few more promising options provides us with 360-degree protection and a wider choice space. Here are the top 5 alternatives that you can use in place of tea tree oil.

• Eucalyptus essential oil
• Lemongrass essential oil
• Rosemary essential oil 
• Thyme essential oil
• Lavender essential oil

Concluding Thoughts

While we discussed tea tree essential oil for fleas, it also requires careful application. Why? Simply, because the way we use it decides its effects. New users often get confused by the clutter of advice available on the internet. Therefore, it is very necessary to understand tea tree oil, examine your needs, and source its organic range. If you don't buy quality oil, you are most probably wasting your money. So, always ensure that you get the premium range of tea tree essential oils from a trusted wholesale essential oils supplier like Aromachology Oils. Source the best essential oils for fleas with your trusted bulk natural oils supplier. Natural, pure, and certified. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best homemade flea killer?

Well, there are several  essential oils that are used for killing fleas naturally at home. Let's take cedarwood, tea tree, and rosemary essential oils as a few good examples. Their strong aroma and anti-bacterial properties effectively kill fleas from every nook of our homes. All you need to do is mix a few drops of each essential oil in 30 ml of water and spray it around your home.

How can I get rid of a flea infection?

There are multiple risks associated with fleas and ticks, especially for our pets . One of the most commonly observed is flea infection. Using mild and gentle essential oils like eucalyptus oil helps in reducing the effects of flea bites and also helps in reducing the pain associated with them.

How to safely use tea tree oil around cats?

Pets like cats are highly sensitive. They have a shallow respiratory tract that can cause trouble in breaking down the compounds of essential oils. Nevertheless, there is no harm in using them topically. But make sure you are using well well-diluted essential oil.

What happens if a dog licks tea tree oil?

Rush immediately! Tea tree essential oils can cause toxicity when ingested. It can also be fatal. Wash off your pet's tongue with water and provide proper space to breathe. It is advisable to consult a vet without a second thought for preventing future adversities.

Can you put tea tree oil on your pet?

Yes, we can definitely use essential oils for pets, except for a few spiced oils. These natural oils extracted from plant parts serve a wide variety of benefits for pets. Especially when it comes to protecting them from insects and bugs like fleas. But make sure to dilute them properly using a mild carrier or vegetable oil. It helps in balancing the strong nature of essential oils according to our pet's skin sensitivity.

What is the correct way to apply tea tree oil?

The best method to apply tea tree essential oil is by diluting it with virgin coconut oil or any other Vegetable oil. Use 1 tablespoon of carrier oil for each ounce of tea tree essential oil.