How To Get Rid Of Fleas
Fleas! They bite, they itch, and they get everywhere. They feed off of you, and the young eat the dried blood defecated by the adults. So how do you destroy these tiny little monsters? Well let us show you how to get some flea control into your life!
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Step 1:
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Eliminate the threat
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Once infestation has been confirmed, you will need to clean like never before to remove eggs, larvae, pupae, and adult fleas from the environment.
Start by quarantining infested pets, and then gather the likes of blankets, rugs, and cushions and wash them in warm soapy water. This will kill fleas in all four of their stages. If your pet has any resting spots outside, soak these in soapy water too.
Now vacuum all carpets, upholstery, curtains, and floor boards, getting right into every nook and cranny. This will pick up most of the eggs. Seal the hoover bag in plastic and dispose of it, preferably away from the house.
Any remaining larvae can truly be finished off by steam cleaning the carpets, or using an insecticidal carpet shampoo.
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Step 2:
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Cleaning people and pets
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To remove fleas from people, bathe once or twice a day (something you really should be doing anyway!) with plenty of soap. Comb thoroughly everyday with a flea comb, and then wash that in hot soapy water.
Cleaning pets is much the same. Just wash with soapy water and use a flea comb. Insecticidal shampoos are available, but are not necessary. On short haired pets, try wrapping sellotape round your hand and pat the pet down to remove the pests.
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Step 3:
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Prevent a resurgence
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Fleas get everywhere, so you are unlikely to get them all in one go. Once you've got their army under control, don't start slacking! For the next few weeks you must vacuum daily, give pets easily cleaned bedding and blankets in their favourite lazing spots, cleaning them at least weekly, as well as combing the pet daily.
Also, choose your pets friends wisely, running around in the park with other dogs is a typical way of bringing fleas back to the house.
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Step 4:
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Flea control products
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If your efforts still aren't enough, you might want to consider some flea control products:
A flea collar on pets can work well, but only use it until the fleas are gone, as they emit poisonous gases that can cause health problems.
Insect Growth Inhibitors prevent fleas growing to adults, but will not kill the adults themselves. Among safer treatments are simple citrus peel extracts to apply to bedding.
You should discuss any chemical solution with a vet or a professional pest exterminator before using it to make sure it is right. For example flea treatments for dogs can easily kill cats! -
If you are still having problems, then it's is time to bring in the big guns. Call a professional and let him show the little bastards who's boss.
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Done