Are you tired of dealing with fleas at home all the time? Have you tried almost everything but still can’t get rid of them permanently? Fleas can be very annoying and can also affect the health of your pets and even your children.
There are several ways to get rid of fleas but the main challenge is finding the root of it. In most cases, people only treat what’s on the surface, which is why these pesky fleas keep coming back. To completely get rid of flea infestation, every part of your home should be cleaned and treated. Here are some tips on how to get rid of fleas and make sure they won’t bother you anymore.
Why You Need to Get Rid of Fleas Right Now
At the first sight of fleas at home, you need to take action right away as their number can increase instantly. You wouldn’t want to wait for them to infest not only your pets but also your home before you do something about it. Here are some reasons why you need to eliminate them right now.
Fleas Can Spread Diseases
These pests may seem small and harmless but they can cause some real health issues in pets as well as humans. They can spread parasites and diseases that can be very dangerous. Although incidents are rare, you wouldn’t want to be infected first before doing something about it. Some of the most threatening diseases you can get from fleas are bubonic plague and flea-borne typhus. Your pets may also suffer from tapeworm and heartworm if their flea infection is not treated immediately.
Your Whole Family Can Suffer From Flea Bites
Flea bites can cause several problems especially in people who have very sensitive skin. They can be very itchy and uncomfortable, especially for smaller children. Scratching may cause infection and you’ll know it is infected when it turns, warm, red, and has pus in it.
Some people may also have an allergic reaction to flea bites which may cause difficulty breathing or raised welts all over their skin. Pets can also have allergic reactions and if not treated at once may lead to anemia due to loss of blood.
How to Get Rid of Fleas
Now that you are aware of the harmful effects that fleas can bring to your family and pets, it is time to eliminate them. Getting rid of fleas can be a long process depending on how severe the infestations are. It may take several days or weeks to completely get rid of them.
To successfully eliminate a flea infestation, you need to get to the source of it which is mostly your cat or dog. Once you have treated your pets, you can start getting rid of fleas in your home. There are several ways to do it and we will tell you everything you need to know.
Get Rid of Fleas in Your Cats and Dogs
As mentioned earlier you should target the source which in most cases are your pets. If you suspect that your cats and dogs have them, here are some steps to take to get rid of fleas.
Use a Flea Shampoo
If you haven’t tried using a flea shampoo for your cats and dogs, it is time to consider using one. You can ask your vet for a recommendation or you can check out several pet stores for the most effective shampoos that are safe for your pets. If you are into all-natural products, there are also flea shampoos that are made of natural ingredients. One common ingredient that has been proven to be very effective is pyrethrin. This is a substance that is extracted from chrysanthemum flowers.
Buy a Flea Comb
Purchase a good-quality flea comb for your dogs and cats. A good flea comb should be fine-toothed that have at least 0.155mm teeth. To find out if it’s an effective comb, hold it up through light and if you can’t see any light go through it, then it’s a nice quality comb. When combing your pets, focus on tails and neck, these areas are where fleas and ticks usually reside. Prepare a bowl that contains hot soapy water beside you so, you can soak the comb and pest that was trapped.
Treat Your Pet Bedding
Fleas, especially adult fleas, can be hard to eliminate and they don’t just stay in your pet’s hair but can also live in your pet’s bedding. What’s worst is they can also lay eggs and flea larvae on it. This is why it is also important to wash your pet bedding thoroughly with hot water and soap. You can also use soap that contains natural repellents. After washing, always dry it on high heat. Do this at least two to three times every week.
Use Natural Remedies
If you don’t want to use chemicals on your pets, you can opt for natural treatments that are as effective. There are flea sprays that contain natural ingredients available in the market or you can also make your own concoction. Some people use essential oils to create a flea spray. The most common essential oils used are rosemary, citronella, tea tree, peppermint, and eucalyptus. Add a few drops of any of these oils in 300ml of water and put the mixture in a spray bottle. Spray it directly on your dog or cat to repel fleas.
Another effective natural remedy solution is mixing apple cider vinegar with water and salt. Vinegar is known to help balance the pH levels of your pet, which will successfully kill fleas. Mix 6 cups of apple cider vinegar with 4 cups of water and add 2 pinches of sea salt. Mix together and make sure the salt is dissolved completely before spraying it on your pet.
If you don’t like the smell of vinegar, you can use lemon instead. Dilute 1/2 cup of lemon juice in at least 500ml of water and squeeze some of your usual pet shampoo or soap. Use it when bathing your pet and your dog or cat will soon be flea-free.
Take Your Pet to a Veterinarian
If you think your pet is suffering from serious flea infestation, you can bring your pet to a veterinarian and ask for advice. Your vet would be able to provide better treatment for your pet. They may advise giving your pet topical or oral flea treatments. The vet will also be able to check if your dog or cat is suffering from serious flea bites and can suggest how to treat them fast.
How to Get Rid of Fleas Inside Your Home
Aside from your pet, you should also repel fleas inside your home to make sure they won’t spread further and infest your pets again. You need to prepare your home for flea control to ensure every pest is killed.
Set Your Vacuum on High
Vacuuming your entire house regularly can help not only with flea control but with other pests as well. Vacuum every upholstery, carpet, floors, corners, tight spaces, and cracks as fleas tend to hide in these places. Dark and tight spaces are where the pests normally hide their larvae, eggs, or cocoons. Be sure to set your vacuum on high to effectively suck up the nasty fleas.
Once you are done, try to find a disposable vacuum bag and throw it immediately outside, far from your home. If you can’t throw the vacuum cleaner bin, you can empty the contents in a sealed plastic bag. Be sure to do this outside and away from your home. The last thing you want is for these adult fleas to creep back inside your house.
Wash Beddings and Covers
Remove all beddings in the bedroom, seat covers, and other linens inside your home. Wash them in hot soapy water and dry them in a high heat setting or air dry under the heat of the sun. If the infestation is extreme, consider throwing your beddings and other covers. You may also want to wash and clean all your shoes as well.
Consider Using Chemical Treatment
Instead of using foggers, try aerosol sprays instead. They are easier to use and can penetrate areas that are hard to reach. Go for an insecticide that can also kill adult fleas, eggs, pupae, and larvae. When using chemical treatment, be sure to wear gloves and a mask, and let everyone out of the house during pest control. Spray the chemical treatment solution under the beds, sofas, tables, and even cabinets. It’s best to stay outside for a couple of hours after your flea treatment before entering your home again.
How to Get Rid of Fleas in Your Yard
Your pest control does not stop with your pets and house. For flea infestations to be completely eradicated, you should also consider treating your yard as it can be a breeding ground for fleas. The best way to find their hiding places is to understand what fleas like. They are most likely to hide in warm, shady, and humid places so look for areas in your yard that match these descriptions.
Aside from that, consider also the places where your pets love to stay. You’ll be surprised by how many fleas are likely to hang out in those areas as well.
Get Rid of Debris and Dirt
Remove dirt and debris from your yard regularly. As much as possible you want to eliminate any possible hiding spots for the pests. If you have a shady area in your yard, expose them to sunlight for a couple of hours. Fleas hate areas that are too hot.
Mow and Rake Your Lawn Regularly
If you don’t practice this on a regular basis, now is the time to do so. Fleas love to hide in the grass, especially when they are tall. So, keep your lawn well-maintained at all times and rake leaves and grass regularly. Put dead leaves and mowed grass in a sealed plastic bag. You may be tempted to use them as composite but try not to, as your goal is to kill and get rid of the pesky insect.
Put Some Plants That Repel Flea
Try planting some mint, lavender, pennyroyal, and fennel all over your yard. These plants are known to repel fleas and other pests. Plant them in places near where your pets love to hang out. You can also spread some cedar chips on flower beds, and other places where pests might hide.
Try Nematodes and Sulphur Granules
Nematodes are small worms that feed on parasite eggs. Sulfur granules are also known to help kill fleas and other pests. Place them in areas where you suspect they can be hiding.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get rid of fleas in the house?
Don’t expect to manage your flea infestations overnight, as this is impossible. It can take at least 3 to 4 months to fully treat flea infestation as it takes that long for a flea to complete its life cycle.
What do fleas hate the most?
They hate the taste and smell of vinegar. You can try using a mixture of either apple cider or white vinegar with water and spray directly on your pet’s coat.
Will fleas stay in your bed?
Yes, they can, although it is unusual for them to live in humans’ beds and bedding. If these are not washed regularly they may stay there, especially when an adult flea had laid eggs on it.
What kills fleas on dogs instantly?
You can use flea sprays and other natural remedies to kill these pesky pests. Don’t forget to spray them on your pet’s bed as well.
How to spot fleas at home
To check if your home is infested with fleas, wear white socks and walk on your carpet. Check your socks afterward and if there are any tiny black pests, those can be fleas.
How to get rid of fleas on carpets
Vacuuming is one of the most effective ways to remove not only dirt but also fleas and their cocoon and larvae on your carpet. You can also try sprinkling some baking soda or salt on carpets and other furniture before vacuuming.
How can you differentiate flea bites from mosquito bites?
It is sometimes hard to tell flea bites from mosquito bites as they almost look the same. However, flea bites leave red itchy welts that are often found on legs and ankles. Bites from mosquitoes are usually raised pink itchy skin bumps. Avoid scratching these bites to avoid infection.
Conclusion
There are different remedies for flea infestation. What’s important is you take action immediately to avoid severe infestation. Once you have solved your flea problem, make sure to repeat the process even if there are no more fleas at home. Remember prevention is always better than cure. Keeping your home, pets, and yard free from flea is generally easy as long as you clean your place thoroughly, particularly areas where they love to hide like pet beds, carpets, cracks, and dark places. If you think you can no longer handle the infestation, you can always call a pest control company and let them do the work for you. Although hiring a professional can be expensive, they would be able to get the job done.
