How to Keep Fleas From Biting You

Fleas (Siphonaptera) spread diseases and parasites and were responsible for causing the Plague, or the "Black Death," which killed millions of people throughout Europe. Flea bites itch and are apt to get infected due to our urge to scratch them even when we sleep. Taking preventative measures to keep fleas away from us is a proactive approach to staying flea-bite free. The fact is, female fleas have to eat a blood meal before they can lay eggs. However, a flea can live without a blood meal for 100 days which means that fleas may infest one's home almost year-round. For the most part, fleas live in carpets and on sofas and that is where their eggs are laid. Concentrating on these areas may keep your flea-infestation under control.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Avon Skin-So-Soft Oil
• Eucalyptus essential oil
• Pennyroyal essential oil
• Salt

1. Measure 20 drops of eucalyptus essential oil into the rinse water of your washing machine. The smell of eucalyptus essential oil is known to kill fleas and putting it into the rinse water is added protection for you when you put on your freshly laundered clothes. Fleas and their eggs cannot survive the dryer.

2. Pour Skin-So-Soft bath oil into your bath and then rub the oil all over your body after your bath and you are still a little damp. Skin-So-Soft by Avon is known to keep fleas and mosquitoes away.

3. Make up a spray bottle of 20 drops of pennyroyal essential oil to 8 ounces of water. Spray this around beds, sofas, chairs and on rugs. Fleas hate the smell and will stay away.

4. Sprinkle salt onto your carpets and leave it there for a few days. Vacuum it thoroughly and apply the salt once again. Leave salt down for two days then vacuum it up once again. All fleas and their eggs should be destroyed after treatment.

5. Sprinkle pennyroyal essentialoOil under your pet's regular collar to keep fleas off him, too. This means that you will be able to pet him without being bitten by fleas. Your pet will be thankful, too.

6. Leave a bowl of water directly under a night light. Fleas will be attracted to it and jump into the water and drown. Throw away the flea-infested water daily and replace it with fresh water.

Tips & Warnings

• Vacuum regularly and thoroughly, taking care to vacuum under furniture and in corners.
• Indoor pets must be treated to be completely rid of fleas. Refer to Step 5 for details.