How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs & Fleas
Fleas and bed bugs are tough to get rid of once they've invaded your home. Methods including prevention, vacuuming and cleaning are important. It may be necessary to enlist the help of a professional to control the situation. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Vacuum your bed thoroughly for bed bugs. The headboard, bed frame and underneath the box spring are common places for bed bugs to hide.
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Sweep your carpets and upholstered furniture with a vacuum once or twice a day. Cracks, crevices and baseboards are places all stages of fleas hide.
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3
Launder all bedding, curtains and clothes that have been in contact with fleas. Wash and dry using the hottest temperature.
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4
Use diatomaceous earth. This fine powder is made from fossilized remains of diatoms. The grains have sharp edges that penetrate the fleas and bed bugs, dehydrating and killing them. Sprinkle on carpet and hardwood floors, paying close attention to cracks, crevices and baseboards. To treat bed bugs, sprinkle underneath the mattress and box spring, and anywhere in the room where you think bed bugs are hiding.
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5
Wash your animals with the recipe below, or use a flea shampoo. Soak your pets in the soap for at least five minutes to kill fleas.
1/3 cup glycerin
1 cup lemon Liquid Joy
1 cup white vinegar
1 qt. water -
6
Groom your animals daily with a flea comb. Have a bowl with dish soap and water on hand to drown any live fleas.
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Tips & Warnings
If bed bug infestation is substantial, you may need to discard the bed and furniture.
Temperatures over 120 degrees Fahrenheit and below 32 degrees F (maintained) kill bed bugs.
When you travel, always check the hotel bed for signs of bed bug infestation.
Use only 100 percent diatomaceous earth. Do not use diatomaceous earth purchased in hardware or pool supply stores.
