Fleas are small, blood-sucking insects that are annoying and can latch onto our clothes and shoes. They affect the health and well-being of your pets. They are small, jumpy, and multiply quickly. Pets can pick up fleas and they cause discomfort to both humans and animals. It can be difficult and frustrating to eliminate fleas, but with the right approach, you can keep them away from your home. In this guide, we will discuss about various tips and tricks to get rid of fleas in the house.
Vacuum Thoroughly
Flea larvae their eggs on floors, carpets, rugs, and other upholstery. Vacuum thoroughly in areas where pets spend most of their time. Cracks and other tight spaces provide a perfect hiding space for flea and their eggs. This will also make fleas leave their cocoon prematurely. Remember to dispose of the bag outside the house without coming into contact with them.
Wash All Bedding
Hot water is the best treatment to remove fleas. Wash all the bedding, including your pet’s bedding, in detergent and hot water. High temperature kill the fleas and their eggs. Do not use cold water, as it will not be that effective. Dry them to the highest heat setting. This will leave the chances of any flea remaining alive. If any of your bedding is severely infested, dispose of it off with the new one.
Treat Your Pets
Regular check-ups of your pets will allow you to save them from fleas. They will inspect your pet thoroughly and suggest preventive measures or a monthly medication to save them from fleas. Talk to your vet about flea treatment options like spot-on treatments, flea collars, and oral medications. Comb and groom your pet regularly, and wash their bedding frequently in hot water.
Employ a Steam Cleaner
A steam cleaner works great for bedding, carpets, and upholstery. A combination of hot water and soap can kill fleas in all stages. Also, pay special attention to areas where your pet sits and lies down more often.
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Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a natural repellant that dehydrates fleas and kills them. It sucks all the moisture of fleas until it dies of dehydration. The fleas may die in 4 hours after coming in contact with diatomaceous earth. It is recommended to keep diatomaceous earth for up to 48 hours to ensure its effectiveness. Sprinkle DE powder on surfaces you want to treat or in areas where your pet spends a great deal of time.
Maintain Your Yard
Fleas like to hide in tall grass. Mow the grass regularly, and remove debris, dead leaves, and twigs. Spread cedar chips in areas where your pet likes to sit. Do not overwater your garden, as this may provide a perfect humid environment for the fleas. Animals like rats and squirrels can also carry fleas. You can place a barrier like setting bright lights or playing loud music in the yard.
Salt
You can also use salt to kill fleas. It is best to use extra-fine salt. You can make it in a blender or food processor, where you can easily grind the salt. Spread the salt on carpets and rugs and brush it into the fibers of the fabric, so that it goes inside them. Stay it for 12–48 hours and vacuum them thoroughly. Now, throw away the vacuum bag or wash out the vacuum canister to prevent the possibility of re-infestation.
Treat Your Home with Insecticide Spray
Look for insecticides that contain methoprene and pyriproxyfen, as they are most effective against fleas. You can spot-treat the affected area by spraying these insecticides on them. Commonly affected spots in your home are corners, beneath the furniture, and baseboard seams. They are safe to use around pets and children.
Set Some Flea Traps
Fill a shallow dish with soapy water and keep it underneath the furniture with an incandescent bulb. The flea will get attracted to the heat and light, jump into the water, and drown. You can also use commercial flea traps that have inbuilt lights or glue pads that trap fleas.
Essential Oils
Cinnamon and clove oils are toxic to flea. Just apply a few drops of essential oil in problem areas, and the fleas will die once they come into contact with them. Avoid using essential oils near your pets, as they could be toxic to them.
Hire Professional Experts
If you have trouble managing fleas from your home, you can hire a professional pest control in Ludhiana. They will assess the situation, determine the size and source of your problem, and apply the best treatment to eliminate fleas from your home.
Conclusion
Eliminating flea infestation can be overwhelming, but there are plenty of tools that are effective to remove fleas from your pets and house. Taking quick measures can disrupt their life cycles. This includes vacuuming and keeping your yard clean, doing the laundry at high heat, and treating your pet regularly. Remember to treat your pet, home, and yard altogether. A combination approach will help you get rid of fleas in the present and in the future too.