What Is the Best Method to Get Rid of Fleas in Your House?

Pets carry fleas into the home, where they can establish a population.

Pets can bring in fleas, which are then able to establish populations if they go unchecked. A multitiered approach is the best way to banish these parasitic blood suckers, according to Vet Info.

Clean House

An essential step in de-fleaing a home is cleaning. Human and pet bedding, rugs, clothes, slipcovers, toys and anything else that can be washed are all candidates for a trip to the washer. Dry items on the hot setting. Thoroughly clean the rest of the house, especially anywhere pets frequent.

Treat the House

Treat the house with chemical flea powders according to package directions or diatomaceous earth, which is a natural, nontoxic flea killer. Remove children and pets from the home. Then, wearing a dust mask to avoid irritation, sprinkle diatomaceous earth on the carpet and anywhere else that can be vacuumed. Let stand for several hours before vacuuming.

Treat the Pets

Treating the house will be wasted effort unless those tracking in the fleas are also treated. Program and topical medications are available at veterinary offices and are safer than store-bought items. Herbal flea powders can also be made at home using a combination of two or more of the following herbs, according to Vet Info: rosemary, eucalyptus, wormwood, fennel and yellow dock.

References

• Vet Info: 9 Effective Flea Control Methods
• Vet Info: A Guide to Natural Cat Flea Treatment
• Living With Bugs: Fleas Infest Pets and Homes