How to Rid Your Home of Fleas Naturally

Every summer the fleas return, hitching a ride indoors on your unsuspecting pet. Try these non-toxic ways to take back your home from those little bloodsuckers. It's nothing a few cleaning products can't solve.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Steinernema carpocapsa nematode sprays
• Flea bombs
• Vacuum cleaners
• Salt

1. Vacuum all carpets and furniture at least twice a week, even before you spot a flea. Physical removal of the eggs, larvae and adult insects is the safest way to keep flea populations under control.

2. Pay special attention to high-traffic areas, such as stairs and those places where your pet spends a lot of time--for example, next to the bed or under a favorite chair.

3. Empty, dispose of, or seal off the vacuum bag every time you vacuum. Adult fleas can easily crawl back out.

4. Wash area rugs and floor mats regularly with hot water or in the washing machine. Dry each thoroughly to avoid creating a perfectly humid breeding ground for the prolific bugs.

5. Make your own flea remedy by mixing 3 cups diatomaceous earth (DE) for every 1/2 cups boric acid. Sprinkle the powder lightly, yet thoroughly over carpet, under beds and in closets while wearing a safety mask to avoid inhaling the dust. With a broom, work the granules deeply into the carpet. Vacuum after two days.

6. Try an alternative recipe using 8 parts cleaning powder to 1 part table salt. Follow the above procedure, except you should vacuum after 1 week. These powders work by drying out the fleas' habitat and dehydrating both the larvae and adults.

7. Sprinkle DE in pet runs and shady areas in the yard where pets frequent to keep outdoor populations down. Fleas can only survive in moist, shady areas, so there is no need to apply the powder in places hit by direct sunlight.

8. Introduce the beneficial nematode Steinernema carpocapsa to your yard by using a spray available for purchase at your garden store or online. These tiny parasitic worms feed on and destroy flea larvae. Again spray only in shady areas. Reapply if further infestation occurs.

Tips & Warnings

• To avoid frequent infestations, both home and pets must be treated simultaneously. Start your pet on a natural flea control program now.
• Flea bombs and house sprays with the natural toxin pyrethrin do exist. When used properly they are considered safe and effective, but these products are toxic and should be used only as a last resort.
• Although not poisonous, the powders should not be applied while pets or infants are present, nor should small children be allowed to play on the carpets until after the residual dust has been vacuumed up. Extra caution should always be applied when using any pest control measure in households where children, elderly people or persons with a history of respiratory illness reside.

[smurrey]

on 2/23/2009 In-depth article, thanks! But how would you like to stop the fleas at the source?Check my profile out, I have a similar article to Have No More Fleas, Naturally.Thanks and 5*

[spotlight]

on 11/30/2008 Great article. Thanks for the information. Have you heard of delousory parasitosis? Read How to Kill Invisible Parasites and Bugs.

[sporty1990]

on 10/24/2008 Mother brought in two baby kittens she found outside, and i knew these kittens had to have fleas since they came from outside so i used COOKING OIL, you can use any as long as it is cooking oil, then place a table spoon full of oil on a PLASTIC plate not one of your good plates you use for dinner then throw it away lol anyway if you take the flea off your pet put it in the plate of oil and it will die right before your eyes or you can put plates with oil around th house. If you have kids just make sure they dont go near the plate or your pet, and another easier and protectful way to get rid of them is to put oil all over your pet just make sure it's not close to a stove or heater you dont want your pet to roast :) trust me everyone who reads this and longs to get rid of their flea problems. you can email me at ([e-mail]) and tell me if it worked for you

[Sweetpea5]

on 10/17/2008 Before you use any flea or tick product find out if it is safe for your pet and your children. Some flea and tick treatments may contain toxic chemicals that can poison pets and harm people. Even when applied as instructed on the box! Check this list of over a hundred products to see which ones could poison your pet or harn young children:
http://www.greenpaws.org/products.php

[limassol]

on 10/6/2008 Sorry but what is Tomasall and wear can I buy it?