What Can One Use to Get Rid of Fleas?

Fleas are pests that can infest many animals and readily bite humans too. They are common in yards and can invade your home from your dog or cat going outside. Female fleas lay eggs on an animal, and the eggs can roll off of the animal and onto your animal's bedding, carpet, furniture and in damp soil outside. Fleas thrive in humid weather and hatch from 2 to 14 days. A warm, wet spring will set the tone for a bad flea season. Fleas carry diseases, and some people may develop a severe allergic reaction to a flea bite.

Prevention of Fleas on Pets Without Chemicals

The best way to get rid of fleas from your pets without using chemicals is by taking prevention measures. Do not let your pet roam around the neighborhood into flea-infested areas. Comb your pet daily with a flea comb during flea season, and bathe him frequently. Vacuum your carpets frequently, and wash your pet's bed weekly.

Prevention of Fleas in Your Home Without Chemicals

There are ways to prevent and rid fleas in your home without chemicals. Check around your home for any rodent nests and eliminate them. Keep the grass around your home short so the sun can dry your grass. Flea larvae cannot survive in a dry environment. Make sure the foundation of your home has no cracks and that your windows, doors and vents are tightly sealed. Make sure there are no stray animals living around your home. Make sure your home is vacuumed frequently. Sprinkle Borax on your carpet, and leave it for 24 hours before vacuuming. If you have a heavy infestation, steam clean any carpets.

Topical Treatments for Fleas on Pets

Many top-selling flea-killing treatments are available through your veterinarian. Most of them are almost guaranteed to kill the live fleas and their larvae within 24 hours if applied monthly. Their cost is reasonable (about $13 per month) considering how effective they are. Topical treatments leave your pet free from not only fleas but other pests as well.

Oral Flea Prevention for Your Pets

Oral flea prevention is available from your veterinarian. These pills are given to your pet once per month, and once the flea bites your pet the flea dies. The downside to the oral medication is that the flea has to bite the pet to die so it is not as effective as the topical agents.

Chemically Treating Your Home for Fleas

If you have a pet and you have treated him for fleas, you also need to rid them from your home. Permethrin chemicals kill fleas in your home if treating with chemicals. You can buy chemical treatments at hardware stores. Once you have sprayed your home with Permethrin, you need to still vacuum your carpets, upholstery and any pet bedding. The important thing to remember is that you need to treat both your home and your pet. If you have brought fleas home and do not have pets, spray the home and clean your carpets and upholstery. If you still have fleas within 2 weeks, treat again. Some people also choose to have a professional pest control company treat their home. Pest control companies will usually guarantee to rid pests, and if they don't they will return until the pest are gone. This costs a little more, but many people find it worth it to not have to worry about flea or any other pest infestations in their home.