It’s Imperative That You Control Flea Infestation
Flea infestation of your home or your pet's habitat is a major problem. Getting rid of fleas takes an all-out effort. After the fleas have been eliminated, routine diligent care will prevent re-infestation. Notice where your pets hang out around your home and yard. A weekly clean of these areas are necessary.
Vacuum Everything
Make sure that you thoroughly clean in and around your house:
1. Clean Your
- Carpets
- Floors
- Rugs
- Drapes
- Upholstered furniture
- Mattresses
- Cushions
2. Dispose of the vacuum-cleaner bag after each use ensuring it is sealed so the fleas cannot escape.
3. Clean wood and tile floors with special attention to grooves, cracks, and baseboards to help control flea infestation.
See A Vet
Make an appointment with a veterinarian. The vet will tell you if your pets need to be treated for fleas. He or she will usually recommend a flea dust; either prescription or over-the-counter dust.
Adult Fleas And Hidden Eggs
Each adult flea lays about 10,000 eggs during its lifetime. These eggs will hatch at different intervals even after the adult fleas are dead. Treating your carpet and your pets bedding with an over-the-counter flea dust is a must. Most pet stores and some supermarkets sell these products. Even the best flea killing products cannot keep up with a heavily infested environment — get rid of those hidden eggs.
Choosing A Product
Knowing what to use is critical. Searching the Internet is definitely the best tool to assist in picking a product. Conventional flea control product ingredients, and even some "natural" flea control products, can be dangerous to your pet's health. Manufacturers of flea killing products have worked over the years to try to make flea control products safer for pets. The ideal flea control product contains an insecticide that is toxic to the flea and safe for both you and your pet.
Type Of Insecticide And Its Possible Side Effects
Before you choose a product to get rid of fleas in your home, you should study the type of insecticide and its possible side effects on your pet's health. Whatever you choose to get rid of the fleas, you must follow the directions precisely. More is not better and may even be deadly to your pets! Do not mix flea control products or use several flea control products at one time, unless under a vet's supervision.
Remember
Before applying insecticides, chemical or organic, place all food in covered containers and keep it inside your cabinets or in the refrigerator. Food preparation surfaces, utensils, and open appliances, such as mixers, must also be covered.
Steps To Flea Infestation
If flea infestation is rampant in your home or pet habitat:
1. Wash or discard all pet bedding. When discarding pet bedding ensure that it is placed in a plastic bag and that the bag is sealed.
2. Then destroy the flea's habitats by eliminating hot spots around the home and yards.
3. Cut the lawns and remove debris and clutter prior to using any flea treatment in the yard.
4. Keep fleas out by screening or re-screening foundation vents and other home access areas to keep mice, rats, squirrels, and other flea-carrying wild animals out.
If flea infestation has taken over, you will certainly have to resort to other remedies by applying chemical insecticides or organic insecticides to parts of the structure and outdoor areas, paying close attention to areas frequented by your pets. You may have to call in a commercial pest exterminator.
