How to Rid Your Pets of Fleas the Chemical-Free Way

There's nothing more alarming than seeing those tiny black bugs jumping all over your clothes, carpet, furniture and pets. Most people immediately get strong, toxic chemicals to end the problem, but if you, your family or your pets have weakened immune systems you might want a different plan of action. Maybe you're concerned with using chemicals in your home. Whatever your reason, here is a chemical free way to get rid of fleas on your pet and in your home. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Pet shampoo
• Flea comb
• Vacuum
• Steam cleaner

How to Rid your Pets of Fleas the Chemical-Free Way

1. Put your pet in the bathtub and get his fur completely wet.
2. Using a gentle, chemical free pet shampoo, wash your pet well. Make sure to get lots of suds because that's what's going to help drown the living fleas.
3. Check your pets eyes, ears and genital area well. Fleas are attracted to warm, moist areas. If you see flea activities in these areas do the following. Gently use your fingers to get the fleas out of the eyes. Getting them onto another washable part of the animal is your best bet. Carefully use a cotton ball with 1 part vinegar, 1 part rubbing alcohol and 1 part water to clean out the outer part of the ear. If fleas are in the genital area, carefully clean the area while animal is still in the bath.
4. Dry your pet well and then use the flea comb to remove eggs. Examine your pet daily to make sure there is no further flea activity. You may need to repeat, but it's best if you can get rid of the first time around because animals shouldn't be bathed too often. You may have to resort to chemical methods for bad infestations.

How to Get Rid of Fleas and Eggs on your Carpet and Furniture without Chemicals

5. Vacuum your carpet and furniture several times. This will require moving the furniture to vacuum well everywhere.
6. Washing any blankets or coverings that are washable. This include curtains.
7. Dust all furniture well with duster or vacuum. The vacuuming should get rid of about 50 percent of the fleas.
8. Rent a heavy duty steamer or call a local steam cleaning company. The steam will kill the rest of the fleas. Professional steam cleaning is better than doing it yourself.

Tips & Warnings

• Check with your vet for shampoo recommendations. Be sure to tell him you want to stay away from harmful chemicals.
• Check at your local health food stores for herbal remedies you can give you pet to keep fleas away. Dogs respond well to brewers yeast and garlic.
• Borax is a gentle alternative to chemicals, but should still be handled with care. If you can keep your pets and children away, sprinkle the carpet with borax and table salt and work it in with a broom. Let it sit for an hour before you start the vacuuming. This will help kill the eggs and fleas.