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Whether you’re finding fleas on your pet, in your yard, or all of the above, you may need a quality flea treatment that you can count on. Very little flea infestations will come directly from your pet, as the vast majority is usually from areas and surfaces of your home. This is why it’s critical to treat your pet for fleas but also your home.
Read on to discover the best flea spray and learn why these products are great options so you can protect both your home and your pets.
- BEST OVERALL: Adams Flea and Tick Home Spray
- BEST BUDGET: Adams Plus Flea and Tick Spray for Cats and Dogs
- BEST NATURAL: Pet Naturals of Vermont – FLEA + TICK Repellent Spray
- BEST FOR YARD: Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Yard and Kennel Spray
- BEST FOR CARPET: Advantage Carpet and Upholstery Spot Spray
- BEST FOR FURNITURE: Vet-Kem Siphotrol Plus II Premise Pest Control Spray
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Flea Spray
There are a variety of things to consider when choosing the best flea treatment. You should consider whether chemical, natural ingredients, or a combination of both suits your needs, the insect type you’re trying to eliminate, along with the different types of applications out there, how long they take to kick in, and how often you need to use them.
Chemical vs. Natural Ingredients
Some people are nervous about the idea of using a chemical-based flea spray, especially on their pet. Fair enough, because certain chemicals (like imidacloprid, fipronil, permethrin, methoprene, and pyriproxyfen) have been known to cause serious health problems in animals. Even if you don’t have pets, people can be sensitive to chemicals, so it’s important to pay special attention to specific ingredients when shopping around.
The good news is there is another option; natural sprays. These are designed to kill and repel insects on contact. Natural sprays are intended to be used around the home on things like bedding, carpets, upholstery, and in the yard. Unfortunately, natural sprays aren’t always as effective in getting rid of fleas as their chemical counterparts can be.
Here’s a quick guide to common chemicals and natural oils that can help repel fleas:
- Chemical flea sprays include the following:
- Etofenprox: kills adult fleas
- Nylar/pyriproxyfen: prevents flea eggs from hatching and young fleas from growing
- Permethrin: treats many parasites, like fleas and lice
- (S)-Methoprene: kills flea eggs and newly hatched fleas
- Natural Oil flea sprays include:
- Cedar oil: naturally repels fleas and ticks; safe for dogs and cats
- Clove oil/eugenol: may kill fleas, but not all formulas are safe for cats
Insect Type
Some flea spray products work against more than just fleas. You may need protection against a number of other pests, like ticks, flies, mosquitoes, and cockroaches, so know that there are all-in-one options on the market. Some flea sprays can be used directly on a pet as well as on surfaces around the home and in the yard.
Application
Consider the various types of flea treatments available and choose the right one for your needs:
- Insecticide sprays with insect growth regulators (IGR) kill adult bugs on contact by preventing the eggs and larvae from developing into biting adults, eliminating the flea life stages at the beginning.
- Diatomaceous earth, a natural, soft, white sedimentary rock powder, kills fleas, ticks, and pests on contact when the rock particles cause dehydration as they cut the exoskeleton.
- Natural sprays kill insects on contact and repel others. Natural sprays can be used inside and outside your home in spots where fleas will likely be drawn to (such as carpets, upholstered furniture, bedding (including your pet’s), baseboards, and patio furniture/items).
- Concentrated IGR prevents eggs and larvae from developing into biting adults.
- Flea traps coerce pests over with lamplight, heat, and smell of the bait. Once there, the adhesive won’t allow them to move from the trap.
- Flea foggers/bombs are not too effective because very little insecticide gets into cracks and hidden places.
Working Time
The amount of time flea sprays require to become effective is an important consideration in the spray you choose. To get the most time-efficient product, read the labels and specs of any spray you’re considering using and be sure to follow the directions carefully.
If the source of fleas is from your dog, removing them from your pet must be done along with all other areas of your home. Depending on the product used and level of infestation, it can take as little as 24 hours for the best flea sprays to work. But often, an entire infestation removal can take 3 to 4 months, as the fleas’ life stages may last this long. If all of the eggs and adult fleas are killed off together, you will successfully break the cycle.
Spraying Frequency
Flea home sprays come in bottles that range in size from 8 ounces to 1 gallon. The best option depends on the size of your home. Some manufacturers clearly label how much of the spray is needed to treat a particular area, so choose the appropriate amount.
Buying in bulk gives you the best value, but you don’t want to waste money on a formula you aren’t sure is effective. When trying a spray for the first time, it’s often best to start with a smaller bottle to make sure it works and that you’re satisfied with its results.
Our Top Picks
Before you pay for an exterminator, we’ve found the following products that will get rid of fleas and other pests in and around your home and on your pet. But, be aware of sensitivities or reactions from your pet after use.
Besides adult fleas, some of the insects that Adams Flea and Tick Home Spray kill include flea eggs and flea larvae (before they become biting adults and cause reinfestation), bed bugs, ticks, cockroaches, ants, spiders, mosquitoes, earwigs, and silverfish.
This Flea and Tick home spray begins to kill after five minutes and a single treatment on pre-adult fleas continuously protects against them for 2 months. With it, you can target fleas hiding in your upholstery, pet bedding, and carpets. This product can be safely used throughout a home, including the attic and garage, but do not spray it directly on pets.
Product Specs
- Type: Chemical
- Compatible Insects: Fleas, ticks, bed bugs, cockroaches, ants, spiders, mosquitoes, earwigs, and silverfish
- Application Type: Insecticide spray
- Working Time: 5 minutes
Pros
- Kills fleas and larvae as well as full-grown insects
- Requires a single treatment to work effectively
- Protects for 2 months
- Suitable for upholstery, pet bedding, and carpets
Cons
- Carpets may require washing before using this spray
This flea and tick spray (for cats and dogs) provides pets with relief from biting fleas and breaks the flea life cycle for up to 2 months with an insect growth regulator integrated. It continuously kills adult fleas (with etofenprox), flea eggs, and flea larvae before they turn into adults (using S-Methoprene IGR), along with ticks that find their way onto your pet. The product also repels mosquitoes for up to 2 weeks.
Product Specs
- Type: Chemical
- Compatible Insects: Fleas, flea eggs, flea larvae, and mosquitos
- Application Type: Insecticide spray with an insect growth regulator
- Working Time: 5 minutes
Pros
- Works for over 2 months
- Kills fleas, flea eggs, and flea larvae
- Keeps mosquitos away for 2 months
Cons
- Small bottle
- Meant for use on pets only
Pet Naturals of Vermont Flea and Tick spray offers a natural, clean, and non-sticky solution, without drugs or synthetic chemicals, that protects from fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and flies. Brazilian oils of lemongrass, cinnamon, sesame, and castor from certified forests naturally protect your pets from pests. The spray smells nice and refreshing, and can be safely used on a pet, including their collar and grooming tools.
Product Specs
- Type: Natural Oils
- Compatible Insects: Fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and flies
- Application Type: Natural spray
- Working Time: Immediately
Pros
- Natural, non-sticky formula
- No drugs or synthetic chemicals included
- Leaves a fresh scent behind
Cons
- For use on pets and pet tools only
This Vet’s Best Flea and Tick spray is great for active infestations or routine mosquito, flea, and tick control, for up to 5,000 square feet. It effectively kills mosquitoes, fleas, flea larvae, flea eggs, and ticks on contact.
Without any harsh chemicals, Vet’s Best flea and tick spray remains gentle. It hasn’t been found to harm plants, shrubs, or trees, and it’s made with 100 percent natural certified, potent essential oils that help fight pests. This Vet’s Best Flea and Tick product is easy to use with its hose attachment that quickly applies the spray to outdoor surfaces and items like your lawn or astroturf, your patio or deck, and your pet’s kennel.
Product Specs
- Type: Natural Oils
- Compatible Insects: Mosquitoes, fleas, flea larvae, flea eggs, and ticks
- Application Type: Natural spray
- Working Time: Immediately
Pros
- Covers over 5,000 square feet
- Essential oils don’t harm plants after application
- Hose attachment built-in
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Should not be used directly on pets
- Should not be used immediately before or after rain
Advantage Carpet and Upholstery Spot Spray kills fleas, ticks, and bedbugs on soft surfaces such as couches, chairs, carpets, and bedding, and helps to control infestations in your home. It gives two-week control indoors on carpet, wood, and ceramic surfaces, and won’t stain fabrics or surfaces that are water-safe. It’s intended for use around the home, but not on people or pets.
Product Specs
- Type: Chemical
- Compatible Insects: Fleas, ticks, and bedbugs
- Application Type: Insecticide spray
- Working Time: Immediately
Pros
- Protects for over 2 weeks
- Safe to use on couches, chairs, carpets, bedding, carpet, wood, and ceramic surfaces
- No stains left behind after application
Cons
- Not intended for spraying on people or pets
- More expensive than comparable options
Vet-Kem Pest Control spray works to control and kill adult fleas, ticks, ants, and cockroaches in up to 2,000 square feet of your home, on furniture, and on other soft surfaces. It is used for spot flea treatments on places fleas can hide—likely where your pet has laid down—such as carpets, rugs, upholstery, pet bedding, and drapes. This product also works inside garages, vehicles, and kennels, but it is not to be applied directly on animals.
Product Specs
- Type: Chemical
- Compatible Insects: Fleas, ticks, ants, and cockroaches
- Application Type: Insecticide spray
- Working Time: Immediately
Pros
- Covers over 2,000 square feet
- Suitable for furniture and soft surfaces
- Can be used as a spot treatment
- Safe for pets, garages, vehicles, and kennels
Cons
- Pricey
Our Verdict
Selecting the best flea sprays for your intended use may be difficult with so many options on the market. One of the best options overall for use around the home is the Adams spray which treats fleas, ticks, bed bugs, cockroaches, ants, spiders, mosquitoes, earwigs, and silverfish in just 5 minutes. Alternatively, for a natural option with essential oils for pets only, the Pet Naturals spray kills fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and flies and kills on contact.
How We Chose the Best Flea Sprays
We researched the most sought-after flea sprays in their respective categories and discovered that the best options are determined by their type, compatible insect types, compatibility with multiple surfaces, and working time.
When searching for the best flea and tick home sprays on the market, the chemical sprays appeared to be the most popular for their immediate or quick effectiveness, their ability to kill ample types of insects, and, in some cases, an integrated insect growth regulator.
Though less popular, the natural remedies are ideal for the eco-conscious consumer and are safer for use directly on pets. No matter the type, the above picks focus on many insect types including Fleas, ticks, bed bugs, cockroaches, ants, flies, spiders, mosquitoes, earwigs, and silverfish.
While select options are meant for spraying on pets directly, many are made for use on furniture, carpeting, pet tools, plants and lawns, and even in the garage. While some may take a few minutes to kick in, most of these flea sprayers kill on contact and keep pests away for weeks or months per application.
Tips for Using Flea Spray
There are many factors to consider when choosing the best flea spray, depending on your needs and those of your household members, including pets. Pay attention to the listed ingredients, the pest(s) you’re trying to eliminate or prevent, and the types of applications on the market, how long they take to kick in, and how often you need to use them.
- To eliminate fleas and other pests together, look for an all-in-one option.
- If you have pets, get a treatment that can be used directly on your pet as well as on surfaces inside and outside your home.
- Watch for chemical sensitivities—natural products are always an option.
- Though buying in bulk gives you the best value, don’t invest in a large quantity of a new product until you know it will work—start with the smallest size to ensure you like the formula before buying more.
FAQs
Eliminating and preventing the onset of fleas and other pests can be a big headache, and if you’re new to tackling the problem, you may have additional questions. Here we’ve listed some commonly asked questions and their answers.
Q: Is flea spray harmful to humans?
When package instructions are followed, the risk of human toxicity from flea spray products is very low, and effects from large exposures would likely be mild and temporary.
Q: Can flea sprays be harmful to pets?
Some pets may have a reaction if they are allergic to the flea spray you use. If it develops any unusual symptoms, including skin irritation, sneezing, watery eyes, vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in behavior, immediately wash the product off, discontinue use, and consult your veterinarian.
Q: What chemicals kill fleas and their eggs?
Insecticides containing adulticide, such as permethrin, kill fleas, and insect growth regulators, such as methoprene or pyriproxyfen, kill flea eggs.
Q: Where do you apply flea spray?
Apply it to your pet’s hair indirectly around the head, eyes, and ears, and inside or outside your home, according to package instructions.
Q: Should I vacuum after flea spray?
Vacuum prior to and 24 hours after flea spray, and at least twice a week for the next 2 weeks.
Q: How long until fleas go away?
Depending on the product used and level of infestation, it can range from 24 hours up to several months. Often, it takes 3 to 4 months to get rid of an infestation.