Flea Treatment in the Rain

Rough weather can be a challenge when protecting your home from fleas.

Combating fleas can seem doubly challenging in the rain as it washes away your efforts and encourages fleas to breed, especially indoors. Do not fear, however;there are many effective methods to remove the biting menace even in wet weather.

Bathing Pets Indoors

Pets can be bathed inside in any weather.

Flea-infested pets can be bathed indoors in a bathtub or shower with a hand-held shower head. A bathmat will reduce fear and slipping. There are numerous plant- and pharmaceutical-based flea shampoos, and warm water increases their effectiveness. Follow the bath with a flea comb for maximum removal.

Monthly Flea Treatments

Waterproof monthly flea treatment is available for most pets.

Monthly flea treatments consist of pesticides in an oil base that sink into the pet's coat and skin. While there is a great deal of question regarding the long-term safety of these medications, they are highly effective and waterproof.

Plant-Based Sprays

Plant-based sprays remove danger of most side-effects.

Plant-based sprays are available that are safe for pets, people, and surfaces. Most of these are made from citrus extracts in an oily base and are water-resistant. They can be sprayed in flea-breeding areas inside or outside, rain or shine.

Flea Traps

Sharing fleas is no laughing matter.

Flea traps lure fleas with a bright light into a container from which they cannot escape. They can be purchased or easily built with household materials and can be used inside in any weather.

Diatomaceous Earth

Flea control is possible indoors and out in any weather.

Diatomaceous earth is harmless to humans and most pets. It consists of microscopic sharp particles that get trapped in the flea's exoskeleton, causing it to bleed to death. It can be used indoors or outdoors but is dangerous to all other insects and invertebrates, so should be used with care.

References

• Flea Control Guide: Flea Control Tipsheet
• Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides: Managing Fleas Without Poisons

Resources

• Flea Control Tipsheet
• Making a Flea Trap
• Safe Flea Treatments