Non-Toxic Methods for Getting Rid of Fleas in the Home
For some, pets are another beloved and devoted member of the family. Less lovable, however, are the insects that hitch a ride on your pet into the interior of your home. As with all pest extermination techniques, safety is a primary issue and you may be looking for viable alternatives to the use of poisons or toxins. Many of these non-toxic options can be used in tandem for the optimal, and safest effect.
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Herbs
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One of the primary reasons fleas enter your house is your pet's exposure to them outdoors. If your pet is an outdoor animal, or is in the garden a lot, a list of herbs can be planted that aid in repelling unwanted fleas. These include Pennyroyal, Catnip, Wormwood, Lavender and mint. Another benefit of planting these herbs is that they can deter the presence of other insects as well. Wormwood is especially useful in this regard.
Steam
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Isolate any rugs or similar materials that can be machine-washed. Along with those items, Beyond Fleas recommends adding any other machine-washable items frequented by your pet, such as their bedding or pillows. Either hire a professional cleaning service that offers steam cleaning, or rent one. If you are experiencing a particularly nasty episode with the fleas, perform the steam cleaning several times, if possible, and continually wash the movable items every couple days or so, until the problem is resolved.
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Non-toxic Traps
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Another good way to avoid introducing chemicals into your home is to use one of the non-toxic trap mechanisms on the market. Some traps work through a combined effort of adhesive or glue and electric power. The electric current allows the adhesive to heat slightly, inviting the fleas to enter. Once the fleas enter, however, they get stuck and perish. Some designs come with trays for the glue you can swap out for fresh ones. These traps may also be a good tracking tool, as you can see the volume of fleas found within your home and determine when more forceful steps are necessary.
Pet Applications
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One of the best ways to stem the incursion of fleas is to use flea and tick collars and/or drops on your pet, and to use anti-flea shampoos and/or soaps when bathing them. Flea powders may rid your carpets of these pests, but could also negatively affect your animal's health due to the presence of insecticides in many products. Before engaging in any flea removal effort, or using an flea control product, consult your veterinarian to as to their safety, according to the breed of your animal and age group. For any concerns related to your young ones, ask the pediatrician if there are factors you should be aware of.
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References
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