Rid Your Home of Fleas Naturally

By Mary M. Alward

Fleas are pesky creatures. They bite the ankles of humans and suck the life out of our pets. Each summer they return with a vengeance. They are nature's number one hitchhiker. They enter your home by hitching a ride on your unsuspecting pets. Once inside, they wreck havoc on all warm blooded creatures.

If your home is infested with fleas, don't despair. There are many proven ways to rid your home of fleas, naturally.

• Vacuum floors and furniture daily. Do so ever before fleas appear. Remove all adult fleas, larvae and eggs in order to prevent re-infestation. Your pets, your home and your yard all need to be treated simultaneously or re-infestation will occur.
  
  
• Be sure to check areas where your pet spends most of its time, such as beside your bed, a favorite chair or the pet's bed. These areas are where you are likely to find the most fleas. Vacuum these areas thoroughly.
  
  
• Each time you vacuum, dispose of the vacuum bag immediately after sealing it securely. If the vacuum bag isn't secured, the fleas will crawl out and re-infestation will occur.
  
  
• Make a natural pesticide by mixing one part table salt with eight parts Borax powder. Spread the mixture throughout your home, especially on stairways, under beds, in your pet's bed and under carpets and area rugs. Use a facemask to avoid inhaling the fumes. The mixture is perfectly safe to leave on the floors after working it in with a broom or stiff bristled brush. Allow the mixture to do its work for 48 hours, then vacuum it up.
  
  
• An alternative pesticide can be made by mixing 1/2 cup of boric acid to three cups of diatomaceous earth, also known as DE. Use the same method as described for the previous recipes. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth in dog runs and the shady areas of your yard. This will decrease flea population. Do this once a week. Fleas cannot live in sunny areas, so there's no need to treat areas that get at least six hours of sunlight.
  
  
• Wash floor mats and area rugs in hot water three times a week. Dry thoroughly in the dryer. Heat kills adult fleas, larvae and eggs. Do not leave rugs or mats damp, as this provides the perfect breeding ground for fleas.
  
  
• Place flea granules in your carpet. These are perfectly safe and remain active for a full year.
  
  
• Flea populations are more prominent in spring and fall, so be sure to treat your home early to prevent infestation.
  
  
• Never use flea shampoo on kittens or puppies. Instead, use dish soap to repel fleas.
  
  
• Keep your vacuum free of fleas by inserting a flea collar in the bag.
  
  
• Be sure to treat areas for larvae and eggs. Unless these are killed, re-infestation will occur.
  
  
• If all else fails, call in a pest control professional to rid your home of fleas. Remember, fleas carry disease and must be exterminated either by natural methods or by a professional exterminator.

© Doityourself.com 2006