One of the biggest problems when you have a cat or dog in your home is that they can bring some tiny unwanted friends in with them; in the form of fleas. If you have a real problem with these creatures, you can call pest control experts for help. But, you can try preventing a flea infestation yourself.
There are several things you can do to try and prevent fleas from being a problem, or deal with an issue before it gets out of hand. Here are some of them.
Easy Steps to Get Rid of Fleas
Use a flea comb on your pets
Doing this can help get rid of fleas that are present in your pets’ fur, before they start to multiply. As you comb through the fur, make sure that you dip the comb in a solution of dish washing soap and water. This kills the fleas that attach to the comb, before they have chance to come loose. It’s not always easy to persuade your pet to stay still, so be prepared to have treats to hand.
Apply a Flea Control Product
There are plenty of flea control products on the market, which can help to kill adult fleas that are present on your pets, as well as preventing immature fleas from developing further. It’s usually easiest to start by applying these treatments to the back of your pet’s neck.
Removing fleas from your home
Once fleas are in your home, it’s possible for them to hop onto bedding and other items. This is why you should:
• Change all bedding and make sure it’s washed thoroughly.
• Vacuum all of the carpets and rugs in your home and throw away vacuum cleaner bags.
• Vacuum upholstery.
• Vacuum and clean curtains thoroughly.
You need to be meticulous in the cleaning process, if you want to make sure that you get rid of the fleas from your home.
Reducing the Chance of Fleas in your Yard
It’s important to carry out flea control outside your home, as well as inside. Cut back foliage in your yard and mow the grass. This helps to expose the larvae of fleas to sunlight which is not good for them. Flea larvae flourish in areas which are dark and damp. You should also think about using cedar wood chips and eucalyptus leaves in your yard. They are safe to use, and fleas do not like either of these items.
You should always be on the look out for signs that your pet might have fleas, and apply appropriate treatments if you suspect there might be a problem. You can also take the preventative measures we have suggested, in order to make it less likely that you will have a flea problem in your home. Spending money on flea protection is a good investment as it can save you from having to invest a lot of effort, and more money, in the long term.
