Simple Flea Control

Fleas are one of the nastiest things to deal with in the summer. They get everywhere and on everyone. You need easy ways to treat fleas quickly and safely.

Easy Ways to Treat Your Pet

The best way to stop fleas is to catch them early. When your pet shows the first signs of fleas, bust out your treatment then, not later. Waiting makes it harder for you to deal with later on. Early treatment can save you and your pet from a whole lot of itching.

Find the Best Option for You and Your Pet

The best option is the safest option. Even then, you still have to apply your product carefully.

Shampoo and Combing

You’ll need flea shampoo and a flea comb. Dawn dishwashing liquid is a popular alternative. Wash your put in a tub or basin with the soapy water. Make sure to watch your pet’s face as fleas run high as they can to escape. Then, work the flea comb through your pet’s fur to remove the fleas. Remember to read the label on flea shampoo bottles.

Diatomaceous Earth

Food grade diatomaceous earth is an excellent choice you can use safely. It’s a naturally occurring substance made of plankton silica. It looks slightly off-white and powdery, similar to talcum powder. Meanwhile, you don’t have to worry about a scent. It kills fleas by digging under their shells into their bodies. It destroys them from the inside. This makes an excellent poison free solution to killing fleas. Remember, with any product you have to apply it safely. You have to be careful so that you both don’t inhale too much as it can irritate your nose and mouth. Take a small amount and massage it into your pet’s fur from the neck down. It’s completely safe for your pet’s body. Take your time and let your pet enjoy the massage.

Treat Your Home

Fleas jump off your pet and look for places to live in your home. They especially love your rugs, carpet, and your pet’s bedding. Therefore, treating your house kills your flea problem faster.

• Wash your pet’s bedding in a hot water cycle. Dry it on the highest heat the material allows. Meanwhile, if your pet’s bedding has a mattress or cushion, vacuum it. Then, put all the bedding back into place.

• Vacuum your carpet and rugs. Then, sprinkle diatomaceous earth on top of it. It’ll work to kill fleas throughout your home as you walk it through the house.

A tight application schedule is the best way to treat a severe infestation. Wait for a few days up to one week to vacuum, if you can. Then, reapply the diatomaceous earth to your carpet and rugs. Repeat this process until you are flea free. Dump your vacuum canister or change your bag right after cleaning for fleas. They can come back out of the bag or vacuum dust to infect your home again.

Treat Your Yard

Treating your yard kills the fleas outside before they get to your pet. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth throughout your yard. It’s great to apply after you cut your lawn. This lets it get to the dirt. Make sure to reapply after it rains as it loses its effectiveness when wet.

Call in the Professionals

If these remedies don’t help you, it may be time to call the professionals. They can work with you to decide the best treatment for your pet and your home.

Maintenance

It feels great to get rid of your fleas. However, remember, they’re sneaking around the corner waiting for you to drop your defenses. When your flea problem lets up, you can ease your schedule. Treat your home every two weeks until you don’t have a problem. Then, you can treat a month or two months depending on how things go in your home.

Do you have any flea tips or questions? Leave them in the comments and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Burlingtina Vines, Guest Writer

Burlingtina Vines is a lifelong pet owner and pet sitter. She’s also a freelance writer. Burlingtina has had fish, dogs, and rabbits as family members. She’s also taken care of all of the above, lizards, cats, and hamsters.

To learn more about her freelance writing click here.

Burlingtina can also be contacted regarding her writing services via her Simbi profile.