Fleas are a common problem for dogs and cats, but they can also live in your home. Fleas are small, brown, wingless insects that feed on the blood of their hosts. They are hard to see with the naked eye and can be difficult to get rid of.
You may need to treat both inside your home and outside if you have an infestation. The good news is there are many ways that you can fight flea problems without using chemicals or harsh pesticides that could harm your pet or leave toxic residues in your house!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Fleas are a common problem that affect pets and humans alike. |
| Fleas can cause allergic reactions and transmit diseases. |
| Prevention is key to avoiding flea infestations. |
| There are several ways to control flea infestations and protect yourself and your pets. |
| Regular cleaning, vacuuming, and grooming pets are effective in preventing and managing flea infestations. |
Use A Flea Comb
If you want to use natural methods to get rid of fleas, then you could try using a flea comb. This is an old-fashioned method that is still very effective and works well on both cats and dogs. It’s very easy to use and can be bought online or in your local pet store for as little as £5/$6.
The only drawback is that if you have a lot of fleas (for example, if your cat has been playing outside), then it may take more than one session with the comb before all the fleas are removed from their fur.
If you’re wondering how to protect your furry friend from pesky fleas, our comprehensive guide on How to Get Rid of Fleas on a Dog: Vet Answer will give you all the information you need to prevent and remove fleas from your dog’s skin.
Get A Flea Vacuum
A flea vacuum is a must-have for any dog owner. Fleas are notorious for hiding in the carpet, so a deep cleaning with a vacuum can help you get rid of them once and for all.
If possible, opt for one with a HEPA filter to remove as many fleas from the home as possible.
Get your dog’s bedding clean, too: It’s not just the carpet that needs attention! Be sure to wash pillows, blankets and other soft surfaces where your pup might have slept or laid down.
Since these items can harbor fleas as well, wash them often (every week or two) until there are no more signs that fleas are present in your house.
| Key Points | Description |
|---|---|
| Benefits | Helps to control fleas by removing eggs, larvae, and adult fleas from carpets and upholstery. |
| Effectiveness | Flea vacuums are designed to be more powerful than regular vacuums and can adequately remove fleas from the environment. |
| Features | Often come with different attachments to reach tight and hard-to-reach spots like baseboards, corners, and furniture. Some models also contain HEPA filters that trap allergens and dust particles. |
| Maintenance | The vacuum should be emptied outside immediately after each use, and the filter should be washed or replaced regularly. |
| Cost | Price range starts from $50-100 and goes up based on features and quality. |
Rinse Your Pet After They Swim, Bathe Or Play In The Dirt
Get rid of fleas by rinsing your pet after they swim, bathe or play in the dirt. Use a flea comb to make sure all of them are gone. If you have a problem with fleas, get yourself a vacuum and use it often on your carpet throughout the home.
Use An Herbal Flea Spray
If you’re looking for a natural way to rid your pet of fleas, try an herbal spray. These products are made from essential oils and other natural ingredients that can kill fleas on contact.
When you go shopping for one, look for a product that is labeled as “natural” or “organic.” You should also make sure that the ingredients include lemon balm, citronella oil and lavender oil—these are known to work well against fleas when used in combination with eucalyptus and peppermint oils.
To use this product:
- Spray your pet’s fur and skin with the solution after bathing them (you can bathe them without washing away the oil).
- Repeat this process every few days until all signs of fleas have disappeared.
Flea infestations can be a nuisance and stressful for cats and their owners. Learn how to get rid of fleas on your beloved feline companion by reading our guide, How to Get Rid of Fleas on Cats: Explained, that outlines the best practices to keep your cat flea-free
Crush Up A Lemon And Use The Juice
Lemon juice is a natural flea repellent.
You can use lemon juice safely on your pet to kill fleas that may already be there, or prevent fleas from biting him in the future.
If you want to keep fleas off of your furniture or carpet, you can sprinkle some lemon juice on them and then vacuum up the next day.
This will not work for long-term control of fleas, though; if you have an ongoing problem with these pests in your home (hopefully not!), it’s best to try something else first before resorting to this method alone.
Add Some Brewer’s Yeast To Their Food
You can also add some brewer’s yeast to their food. Brewer’s yeast contains a compound called thiamine (vitamin B1), and this will help with the flea problem because it helps to attract parasites.
Try Diatomaceous Earth For Bug Control
Diatomaceous earth is a naturally occurring powder that can help get rid of fleas. It contains the fossils of diatoms, which were once single-celled aquatic organisms. When applied to your pet, it causes insects to dry out and die.
Diatomaceous earth is safe for humans and animals because it’s made up mostly of silica (a naturally occurring mineral), so make sure you give yourself plenty of time before applying this method—if you use it too soon after exposure, it may cause irritation on your skin or in your eyes.
Diatomaceous earth works by cutting through the waxy outer layer of insects, causing them to lose moisture quickly and eventually die from dehydration.
Be sure not to apply any kind of insecticide directly onto the animal’s coat; instead first treat bedding or other areas where fleas tend to congregate so they’ll pick up trace amounts while they’re looking for food elsewhere in the house!
Don’t let flea infestations take over your home! Discover easy tips to reduce and remove fleas from your house with our guide on How to Get Rid of Fleas in the House: Easy Tips.
Use A Good Flea Collar And Shampoos
Flea collars are a great way to get rid of fleas on your pet. They work by placing them around the neck and releasing chemicals that can kill any fleas it comes into contact with.
However, they are not effective by themselves; they need to be paired with other methods in order to be effective.
The best way to use these products is after bathing your dog or cat and drying them off completely before putting on the collar.
You should also check for any irritation or redness around their sensitive skin before putting it on as well, since some dogs may have reactions when exposed to certain materials in the collar itself (such as plastic).
Bathe Your Dog Frequently With Dish Soap Or Dawn
You can bathe your dog with dish soap or Dawn, but you must use hot water. If it’s not hot enough, the flea eggs won’t die. If they don’t die, they’ll hatch into larvae and lay another batch of eggs.
You also want to make sure you get the soap in their eyes—this will help kill any fleas that are on their face (and make it easier for them to see where they’re going). Rinse well after bathing so that no soap remains on their fur.
After bathing, you should use a flea comb to go over your dog’s entire body and check for any remaining fleas or eggs on them before drying them off with a towel or blow dryer.
If you’re struggling with a flea infestation, our How to Get Rid of Fleas: Simple Guide is the perfect resource for you to learn about causes of flea infestations, identifying flea bites, and effective removal methods
Try An Insecticide That Contains Pyrethrin
Pyrethrin is an organic insecticide derived from chrysanthemums. It works by disrupting the nervous system of insects and causing them to overheat and die.
This neurotoxin is safe for use around pets and people, but you should use caution when applying it near food crops (other than ornamental ones).
Pyrethrin can be found in many of our recommended flea treatments, including flea bombs, sprays, and collars.
While it’s not a chemical that kills ticks or mosquitoes, if you have those problems as well—or if you just want all your bases covered—you might want to choose a product that contains both pyrethrin and permethrin (though it should be noted that permethrin isn’t always safe for dogs).
| Key Points | Description |
|---|---|
| Benefits | Pyrethrin attacks the nervous system of fleas and other insects, killing them on contact. It is a natural insecticide derived from chrysanthemum flowers, making it safe for use around people and pets. |
| Effectiveness | Pyrethrin-based insecticides are effective and fast-acting, providing immediate relief from flea infestations. |
| Application | Available in different forms, including sprays, powders, and shampoos. Sprays can be applied directly to the infested area, while powders and shampoos require more extensive application methods. |
| Usage | Pyrethrin is for outdoor use, and its effects last about 24 hours. Indoor usage requires repeated application until the infestation is gone, following product directions is essential. |
| Side Effects | Pyrethrin is generally safe for people and pets but can cause mild skin irritation in some individuals. Prolonged exposure can lead to respiratory problems, which is why it should be used in well-ventilated areas. |
| Cost | Price range starts from $10-20 and goes up based on the type and size of the product. |
Clean Up Around Your Home
Clean up around your home. Fleas are tiny, but they can live in the tiniest of places—including your furniture and yard. If you have a flea problem, there’s a good chance you have an infestation somewhere in your home.
Vacuum and steam clean carpets to remove eggs and larvae before using any chemical treatments as well as to get rid of adult fleas that may be hiding out on rugs or floors.
While fleas mainly affect pets, they can also leave humans with uncomfortable bites. Check out our How to Get Rid of Fleas on Humans: Expert Answer for tips on preventing and removing fleas from your skin, and treating flea bites.
Conclusion
If you want to keep your home and yard pest-free, the best thing to do is make sure you don’t attract them in the first place.
If there are any cracks or holes in your walls or foundations that could let rodents or insects get inside, fill them in as soon as possible!
Further Reading
If you want to learn more about prevention and control of flea infestations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers useful information in their article on getting rid of fleas.
Healthline offers a comprehensive guide on how to get rid of fleas that covers everything from identifying fleas to effective removal methods.
NBC News offers a buying guide with reviews of flea control products and expert tips in their article about how to get rid of fleas.
FAQs
How can I tell if my pet has fleas?
Fleas are tiny, but they can be seen crawling on your pet’s skin. You might also notice your pet scratching more than usual, a lack of energy or small black droppings that look like pepper in your pet’s fur.
Can fleas infest my home?
Yes, fleas frequently lay eggs in homes, carpets, and furniture. If left untreated, a flea infestation can become significant and challenging to remove.
How can I prevent flea infestations?
Flea prevention involves keeping your home and pets clean, vacuuming regularly, grooming your pet, and using flea control products.
What should I do if my home is infested with fleas?
If your home is infested with fleas, you should vacuum your home thoroughly, throw away or clean infested items like pet bedding, and use flea control products to eliminate fleas.
What’s the best way to get rid of fleas?
The most effective way to get rid of fleas is to use a combination of flea control products, vacuuming, and cleaning infested areas. Consult with your vet about the best flea control products for your pets.
Hello! I’m Hellen James, and I write about how to keep pests from invading your home. For the last 10 years, I’ve been working in pest control and am excited to share my expertise with you!
