Before calling an exterminator and paying extreme bills, there are some simple yet effective ways to remove fleas from your pets, home and carpet. It is important to note that while chemical use and “Green Cleaning” may be a concern, “Natural” remedies can be HAZARDOUS to your pets or small children too. Whatever methods you choose be conscious of any changes in your family’s behavior and always read labeling information thoroughly.
With the winter months approaching, many Northeast Pennsylvania residents like me will be trying to squeeze in the last few days of nice weather. Walking the dog, jumping in the leaves, cleaning up yard debris around the home and other outdoor activities may potentially expose you to fleas and other insects. It is important to have a 3 step action plan:
- Treatment and care of pets
- Daily vacuuming and housekeeping
- A long term plan for treating carpets, rugs and fabrics
- Ensuring that your pet is not acting as a carrier is the first step in achieving a flea free environment. Eliminate the source by treating pets for existing fleas and from further contamination. Purchase a flea comb from your local pet store and groom your pets regularly, especially before they come inside. Make sure your pet has a flea dip, flea collar, topical treatment or other long term deterrent. Ask your veterinarian about adding brewer’s yeast to your pet’s food, it causes an unpleasant odor causing fleas to migrate. Be careful of home remedies made from Eucalyptus, tea tree oils and lemon as they can have serious health effects on your cat or dog. Nausea, vomiting, lethargy, general weakness and digestive problems may all be indicative of a bad reaction.
- Removing and killing live fleas, larva and eggs in carpets and fabrics is a daily essential. Wash any blankets, bedding or linens that may have contacted your pet in hot water and detergent. Thoroughly vacuum all carpeting, area rugs and upholstered furniture in your home. Use a strong, bag type vacuum without a worn beater bar. After vacuuming promptly remove and seal the vacuum bag inside a plastic bag and then discard outside. Take care to vacuum hard to reach areas as fleas prefer cooler areas not in direct sunlight. Consider hiring a professional carpet cleaning company that offers hot water extraction also known as steam cleaning. An IICRC certified carpet cleaner can effectively reach deep down into the base of the carpet yarns removing much more than a typical vacuum. Remaining vigilant about daily vacuuming of carpet and fabrics is important.
- You will not be able to get every last flea the first time around, so besides daily vacuuming you need to have a long term plan. Even if you manage to kill or remove every remaining flea you still need to combat the eggs and larva waiting to mature. Products known as insect growth regulators (IGR) disrupt the reproductive cycle of insects and are usually harmless to mammals. Products containing Nylar such as Bio Spot from “PETCO” or other products found by visiting http://www.domyownpestcontrol.com are effective long term treatments. Some alternative remedies involve sprinkling diatomaceous earth (DE) or salt directly onto your carpets. Keep in mind you should wear a respirator when using (DE). A mixture of borax and water in your home carpet cleaning machine will drown fleas while the borax attaches to the carpet and prevents others from maturing.
In closing it is important to remember that removing fleas from you home will take time and some effort. Regardless of using a home concoction or a store bought product, always keep an eye out for adverse reactions and follow all packaging and labeling information. Pest control products only go so far. Good housekeeping practices and keeping your pet free from fleas should also be a part of any flea control program.