How to Get Rid of Fleas in the House

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The best method of flea control is to take measures to prevent them in the first place. This makes it crucial to be able to identify signs of the fleas, including the best ways to check for them on your pets or in your home. Two of the best ways to put a stop to an ongoing flea infestation are to clean your home regularly and take your pets to the vet.

Fleas are a serious nuisance, but they can be easily prevented by taking certain precautions. These include: keeping an eye on your pests for signs of itching or unsettled behavior; applying insect repellent; keeping your yard tidy (fleas love to seek shelter in densely vegetated areas); and preventing wildlife problems – raccoons, coyotes, deer, opossums, bobcats, foxes, and skunks are all known to carry fleas and drop off flea eggs and larvae in your yard.

What Do Fleas Look Like?

Fleas are tiny, wingless insects, about 1/8 inch long, with a reddish-brown color and flat bodies. They jump quickly and are often found on pets or in carpets. In contrast, ticks like the Lone Star Tick, Blacklegged Tick, and American Dog Tick are larger, ranging from 1/8 to 1/2 inch. Ticks have a rounded body and eight legs, unlike the six-legged flea, and they attach themselves to hosts to feed on blood, rather than jumping.

So what do flea bites look like? Flea bites are small, red, itchy bumps, often appearing in clusters on the skin, especially around the ankles, legs, and waist. Unlike mosquito bites, flea bites typically have a red spot in the center and can cause intense itching.

Keep reading to learn about Active Pest Control’s tips to help get rid of fleas in your home.

Homes Remedies for Flea Removal

Home remedies for flea control, like vacuuming, washing pet bedding, and using natural repellents like lemon juice or baking soda, are cost-effective and chemical-free options. They’re great for mild infestations and ongoing maintenance. However, they may not fully eliminate fleas, especially in severe cases. Professional treatments, while more expensive, offer potent, targeted solutions that can quickly and thoroughly eradicate fleas. For persistent infestations, a residential pest control expert might be necessary despite the higher cost.

Can Baking Soda Kill Fleas?

Baking soda can help control fleas by dehydrating them when applied to carpets and furniture. When sprinkled on infested areas and combined with thorough vacuuming, it can reduce flea populations by disrupting their environment. However, baking soda alone is unlikely to completely eliminate a flea infestation, especially in severe cases.

Is Salt an Effective Flea Killer?

Salt can be an effective home remedy for killing fleas by dehydrating them. When sprinkled on carpets and upholstery, salt absorbs moisture from the fleas, killing them. For best results, leave the salt on surfaces for a few days before vacuuming thoroughly. However, salt is not a comprehensive solution for severe infestations. It works best as part of a broader flea control plan that includes regular cleaning and possibly professional treatments for more persistent cases.

Using Lemon Juice to Combat Fleas

Lemon juice is a popular natural remedy for combating fleas. Its acidic properties can help repel fleas when diluted with water and used as a spray on pets’ fur or around the home. The citrus scent deters fleas, making it a safe, chemical-free option for mild infestations. However, lemon juice alone may not be enough to eliminate a flea problem entirely, especially in severe cases.

Inspect Your Pets for Fleas

Inspecting your pet for fleas is crucial to catching infestations early. Regularly check your pet’s fur, especially around the neck, tail, and belly, where fleas tend to hide. Use a fine-toothed flea comb to part the fur and look for small, dark specks or actual fleas, which can be seen moving quickly through the fur. Flea dirt, resembling black pepper, is another sign of an infestation. If you notice any signs, prompt action is essential—consider treating your pet with a vet-recommended flea treatment and thoroughly cleaning your home to prevent a more significant problem from developing.

The Power of Vacuuming: Does It Really Get Rid of Fleas?

Vacuuming is a powerful tool in the fight against fleas, but it’s most effective as part of a broader flea control strategy. Vacuuming carpets, rugs, furniture, and pet bedding can help remove adult fleas, eggs, and larvae. The vibration from the vacuum also stimulates dormant flea pupae to emerge, making them easier to eliminate. While vacuuming alone won’t completely rid your home of fleas, especially in severe infestations, it’s an essential step in reducing flea populations. For best results, combine vacuuming with other treatments, like insect growth regulators (IGRs) and pet flea treatments.

Dealing with Flea Eggs on Bedsheets

Dealing with flea eggs on bedsheets requires prompt and thorough action. Start by washing all bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, and blankets, in hot water to kill flea eggs and larvae. Dry the items on the highest heat setting, as heat is effective in eradicating fleas. Vacuum your mattress and surrounding areas to remove any lingering eggs. Consider using a flea spray or powder specifically designed for use on bedding and furniture. To prevent re-infestation, treat your pets with a vet-approved flea treatment and regularly wash their bedding. Consistent cleaning is key to keeping flea eggs off your bedsheets.

Comprehensive Flea Management and Treatment Solutions

Comprehensive flea management and treatment solutions from a professional pest control company involve a multi-faceted approach to ensure the effective treatment and prevention of future infestations.

• Thorough Inspection: The process begins with a detailed inspection of your home, identifying flea hotspots like pet bedding, carpets, and furniture. This assessment helps determine the extent of the infestation and tailor the treatment plan accordingly.
• Integrated Flea Control: This step includes both immediate and preventive measures. Professional treatments often involve the use of insecticides and insect growth regulators (IGRs) that kill adult fleas and prevent eggs from hatching. This ensures that fleas are addressed throughout their life cycle.
• Flea Treatment for Pets: Flea management isn’t complete without treating your pets. Veterinary-approved flea treatments are recommended to stop fleas from living and breeding on your animals.
• Ongoing Monitoring: Regular follow-ups are crucial to ensure the infestation is fully eradicated. Monitoring helps detect any new flea activity early, allowing for prompt treatment and preventing re-infestation.

By combining these strategies, comprehensive flea management ensures your home remains protected from fleas.