How to Prevent Fleas Naturally
The Ohio State University Extension estimates that 50 percent of the flea population exists as eggs. During this stage of a flea's life cycle, pets and pests can easily transport fleas into the home. Eggs stay in the fur until they drop. Typical resting places for fleas include grass, carpet, kennels, furniture and litter boxes. These eggs take up to two weeks to hatch into larvae. The key to preventing a flea infestation is preventing eggs from entering the home. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Vacuum
- Dehumidifier
- Plastic bags
- Garlic cloves
- 1 tsp. brewer's yeast
- Dishwashing liquid
- Citrus oil
- Lawn mower
- Lawn sprayer
- Spreader
- Nematodes
- Diatomaceous earth
Instructions
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In the Home
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1
Wash pet bedding with hot water.
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2
Vacuum carpet, pet bedding, furniture and baseboards. Vacuuming can remove eggs, flea larvae and adult fleas. Vacuum at least every other day to prevent a flea infection.
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3
Empty vacuum immediately after usage. Seal in a tightly sealed bag. Dispose of the contents outside the home.
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4
Declutter your home. Decluttering removes refuges where fleas can hide.
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5
Lower humidity to less than 70 percent, if possible. Fleas thrive at that humidity level.
On Pets
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6
Add up to 3 cloves of garlic and 1 tsp. of brewer's yeast to a pet's food. This causes an unattractive and odor in the pet's skin, making it unpalatable for fleas.
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7
Wash your pet with water and dishwashing liquid. This will wash away flea eggs and drown adult fleas.
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8
Apply citrus oils to your pet. Make sure the citrus solution is diluted or that cat-friendly citrus oil is applied to cats. Reapply circus oils every two to three days.
In the Yard.
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9
Cut your lawn and weeds. This creates a drier lawn that's not flea-friendly.
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10
Spray the lawn with nematodes. Nematodes are worms that destroy flea larvae in the yard within 48 hours. Nematodes can be purchased directly from suppliers.
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11
Spread diatomaceous earth on the lawn, bushes and under trees. Diatomaceous earth dehydrates fleas, causing them to die. Reapply diatomaceous earth at least every seven days. You can find diatomaceous earth in stores specializing home and garden supplies.
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12
Seal vents around the home where pests may enter. Mice, raccoons and other animals may carry fleas into the home.
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1
Tips & Warnings
For better results, combine multiple flea prevention methods.
Contact a professional exterminator if flea prevention efforts fail. Some companies provide natural pest control.
Don't feed pregnant animals garlic as it may cause miscarriages.
Some pets may have skin reaction from ingredients such to brewer's yeast and citrus oil.
References
- Photo Credit Ryan McVay/Stockbyte/Getty Images
