Can Banana Peels Kill Fleas?

Like other natural remedies, banana peels and their many uses are often viewed with skepticism upon first glance. However, one of the active ingredients found in some flea and tick killers is potassium, and bananas are rich in potassium. Their sweet smell and sticky texture are also good lures to a variety of pests, including fleas and aphids.

Most products designed to rid your home and pets of fleas are highly toxic.They may contain ingredients such as butylhydroxanisole, carbitol, fipronil, imidacloprid, methoprene, permethrin, polyvinlypyrrplidone or pyriproxyfen. Bananas, on the other hand, are safe, nontoxic and all natural. In addition to potassium, they contain calcium, phosphorus and a host of minerals and elements that are actually good for you.

Banana peels make a fine additive to compost heaps, enriching as they decompose. They can also be used to shine the leaves of houseplants and as a direct fertilizer to garden soil; just bury them and let them naturally give off their loam-enriching materials. Chopped peels can also be mixed with water and used as a liquid fertilizer for indoor and outdoor plants.

Fleas are tiny, wingless, parasitic insects that live off the blood of their hosts. They are non-selective in their choice of victim, attacking a variety of warm-blooded animals, pets and their owners. In addition to the itchy red skin irritation flea bites cause, fleas transmit diseases, perhaps the most famous and deadly being the bubonic plague.

Place the banana peels outside in the areas where fleas have taken up residence. Although attracted to the banana scent, fleas cannot tolerate the high level of potassium and other enzymes in bananas. Once the peels have begun to blacken, replace and repeat for as long as necessary to eradicate fleas.

Prevention is the best means to keep fleas away from your pets and your home. Wash your pets and their bedding regularly, and apply flea block. Flea and tick prevention products are available from your vet or over the counter at pet stores. While the most common products contain toxic ingredients, there are a range of products made from botanicals and oils that are quite effective and nontoxic. Because fleas can live for months without a host, vacuum your home frequently to remove them and their larvae. Dispose of vacuum cleaner bags, or leave them in the sun to kill surviving fleas.