How to Prevent Flea Infestation in Your Home

Getting rid of fleas takes an all-out effort. After fleas are eliminated, routine but diligent care can prevent re-infestation.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Dog Flea/tick Control Medication
• Flea/tick Killer
• Pyrethrin Flea Bombs
• Vacuum Cleaners & Accessories
• Cat Flea/tick Collars
• Flea Combs
• Flea Shampoos
• Flea Traps
• Prescription Flea-control Medications
• Flea shampoos
• Flea combs

1. Notice where all your pets hang out inside and outside of your home. Clean these areas thoroughly, at least once a week.

2. Make an appointment with a veterinarian. Your pets need to be checked and treated for fleas, especially if you're trying to prevent them from entering your home.

3. Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum. Everything, from carpets, floors, rugs and drapes, to upholstered furniture, mattresses and cushions, should be vacuumed. Dispose of the vacuum-cleaner bag after each use.

4. Clean wood and tile floors with special attention to grooves, cracks and baseboards.

5. Sweep porches, steps and decks.

6. Wash or discard all pet bedding.

7. Cut the lawn and remove debris and clutter prior to using any flea treatment in the yard.

8. Place all food in covered containers and keep it in cabinets or the refrigerator. Food preparation surfaces and utensils should be covered.

9. Remember that you have three ways of preventing flea infestations:

10. Destroy the pests' habitat by eliminating "hot spots" around the home, as above.

11. Keep fleas out by screening foundation vents and other access areas to keep mice, rats, squirrels and other flea-carrying wild animals out.

12. Resort to insecticide remedies, by applying insecticide to parts of the structure and outdoor areas, paying close attention to areas frequented by pets.