Boric Acid to Get Rid of Fleas
Boric acid is a common insect killer, used for everything from ants to fleas. Unlike many flea treatments, it is effective and actually kills the parasites. It is also safe for use around pets and children. Boric acid can be found at your local grocery store in the cleaning supply aisle. Knowing how to get rid of fleas using boric acid gives you a safe and effective flea treatment that is easy to make and costs little money and requires time to complete. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Vacuum
- Crevice tool
- Boric acid
- Push broom
- Scrub brush
- Zip-top bag
- Trashcan
Instructions
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1
Move everything possible from the room you wish to treat. This includes pet beds, children's toys and clothing. Also remove tables and chairs, but leave upholstered furniture.
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Vacuum the floors, upholstered furniture and walls. Vacuuming helps prepare the room for the boric acid treatment. Move furniture to vacuum underneath and behind it. Use a crevice tool to get into the corners, around window ledges and in the cracks of furniture.
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3
Apply a thin layer of boric acid to the carpets and furniture by sprinkling it around. Be sure to apply the powder behind and underneath furniture as well as in closets.
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4
Distribute the boric acid further into the carpeting using a clean push broom. Go one direction to spread the powder and then back the other direction to force it deeper into the carpet. Repeat this process until the powder can no longer be seen. On furniture, use a scrub brush to rub the powder into the upholstery.
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Leave the powder to sit for up to 36 hours. The longer it sits, the more fleas it will kill. Vacuum the furniture and carpeting to remove the powder.
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Empty the contents of the vacuum into a zip-top bag and dispose of it in an outdoor trashcan. This will keep the fleas from escaping from your vacuum and back into your home.
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Treat the other rooms in the same manner.
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Tips & Warnings
During the resting period of the boric acid, it is best to keep pets and children off of the furniture and carpet. Although boric acid is safe it should not be ingested, which could occur.
Depending on the extent of your flea problem, you may have to repeat this process once a week for up to 6 weeks to get all the fleas. In the meantime, vacuum daily, disposing of the vacuum contents outdoors.
Treat pets at the same time you treat your home. Talk to your vet about the best flea treatments for your pet.
Wash all bedding and pet bedding in the washing machine on the highest heat possible. Use a clothes dryer to dry the clothing, on high heat, whenever possible.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/BananaStock/Getty Images
