Fleas are a major problem for those having pets as well as for families. These annoying parasites can invade your house in minutes, making both your pets and you very uncomfortable. In case you are searching for answers to how to eliminate fleas in your home, this article will cater for relevant natural treatments to use. In truth, making sure that the house is free from fleas is important to all family members including pets.
In this article we will explore best and efficient home remedies for fleas and how to avoid their recurrence.
What Are Fleas?
Fleas are small, wingless, hard-bodied, blood-sucking insects commonly found on animals and birds. These insects are the most threatened, especially for the fact that they multiply at an alarming rate. An adult female flea is said to be able to produce up to 50 eggs in a single day. Fleas undergo four developmental stages as explained below:
Egg: Flea eggs are usually attached to a host (usually a pet); however, they are more often found in carpets, mattresses, and upholstery
Larvae: Flea larvae feed on shed skin, organic debris, and faeces (regurgitated food) of fleas
Pupae: After spinning a cocoon the larvae go into a dormant state (pupae) for a few days to weeks.
Adults: Adult fleas reproduce in the host’s cocoon and come out searching for the host itself in order to repeat the process.
What problems do fleas entail?
Effect on pets and humans: Pets and Humans suffer from scratching discomfort and allergic reactions. In some cases, dogs and cats develop flea allergy dermatitis with inevitable severe pruritus.
Health risks: Fleas are vectors for tapeworms and even typhus. In extreme cases, certain animal species may experience collapse due to excessive fleas in their bodies.
Statistics: As per the reports from the pest control agencies, during summer season there is an upsurge in the flea infestations in houses with pet animals. Reports suggest that around 50% of households with pets experience flea infestations every year.
Also Read: How to Avoid Common Cold and Flu During the Winter Season
How to Identify a Flea Infestation
Signs of Fleas in Your Home
Identifying a flea infestation early is essential to effectively controlling the issue. Some signs include:
Pets infested with fleas: If your pets are scratching or licking themselves more than normal, use a flea comb to check for fleas. These small insects tend to hide in the fur of the animal and can also be seen crawling on the animal.
Flea dirt: Brownish red ingested blood discharge resembling pepper grounded to powder found on animal bodies or surfaces is known as flea faeces (flea dirt). When placed on a wet tissue paper, these specks, which are often sage-green in colour, turn reddish-brown.
Carpets and Furniture: Fleas typically hide in rugs, bedding, and other upholstered surfaces, especially in areas where pets rest.
When to Take Action
Whenever you see any of these signs, it is crucial to find a way out without delay. This is due to the fact that fleas reproduce very quickly and if measures are not taken to troubleshoot the space, the issue may develop into a significant infestation of fleas.
Natural Flea Remedies
Essential Oils for Fleas
Essential oils can be an effective method of flea treatment. Below are the most helpful oils:
Lavender: Fleas despise lavender oil because the strong scent repels them.
Peppermint: This oil helps kill adult fleas and their eggs too.
Cedarwood: This oil protects the home from infestation by fleas.
These essential oils are diluted in water and sprayed on the carpets, furniture, and the pet’s bedding. It is important to note that essential oils should not be applied on a pet without the advice of a veterinary doctor because some oils can be toxic to pets.
Homemade Flea Sprays
With just a few ingredients, you can easily make your own flea sprays at home.
Water and vinegar Spray: For this, you will need a fresh spray container. Take a bottle filled with a half of water and the remaining half of either apple or white vinegar. Afterwards, this mixture is to be sprayed on all the surfaces as furniture carpets and beds for the pets.
Lemon Spray: Cut a slice from a Lemon, Add it to a pot of boiling water. The mixture ought to be covered and allowed to rest overnight before the days’ end. This can be applied when you are spraying the house and on clothes as well.
Flea Traps and Repellents
Besides getting rid of fleas from adults in the house, also a dansomania flea trap can be made by one’s own hands:
Light trap: Find a flat container and pour water almost to the edge and add a few drops of liquid detergent inside. This bowl should be placed attached to a lamp. Fleas will jump into the water if they wish to go towards the lamp and will end up drowning in the soapy water.
Diatomaceous earth: This natural powder can be applied to carpets, hard surfaces, and pet sleeping areas to kill fleas.
Preventing Future Flea Infestations
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
It goes without saying that cleanliness is key in keeping fleas at bay:
Vacuum often: Dust and vacuum almost every corner of the house where insects – flea eggs and larvae especially tend to hide. Do not forget to throw away the dust collector’s bag or clean the container out after use.
Wash clothing and bedding: Ensure to wash your pets ‘bedding and all clothes including blankets on them at least once a week with hot steam. This will destroy any hidden or lying in wait fleas and eggs within the material.
Treating Pets
Fleas tend to infest houses because pets are indoor hosts. Hence, it is important to take the following steps to avoid re-infestation.
Flea Treatment: Have your pets bathed chemically-free on – the – animal shampoos such as eucalyptus or rosemary as a way of avoiding flea menace in future. You can also make calls or use essential oils to make the collar using oils like lavender and cider wood (diluted of course).
Vet check-ups: Make sure that your pet is free from flea and healthy by bringing them to the veterinarian every once in a while.
Professional Help vs. DIY Solutions
When to Call a Professional
If it becomes impossible to get rid of the fleas no matter how one tries, then calling the services of professional pest control would be prudent. Situations that indicate the need for calling pest services are the following:
Severe infestations: the number of affected rooms with fleas is excessive or else, the death of the fleas using dwelling natural methods is inconceivable.
Health concerns: Overt And Suffocating Reactions: When the family or any household members pets are having dramatic reactions to flea bites and fleas themselves
Cost Comparison of DIY and Professional Treatments
Natural treatments: they are all good and cost saving in the case of a few household pests like fleas. They usually consist of essential oils, do it yourself sprays and cleaning agents which are quite cheap.Â
Professional treatments: Seeking the help of the pest control service is quite expensive but very much advised in extreme cases. On average, professional flea control treatments are priced between $100 to $300 depending on the degree of infestation and the area of the house.
FAQs
Are natural remedies effective?
I do not think that non-chemical methods will cause complete eradication of fleas but essential oils, diatomaceous earth and homemade sprays are..
How often should I clean to prevent fleas?
It is best to refrain from or vacuum and wash the pet’s or human’s beddings every week.
Can fleas survive without a host?
Fleas are capable of surviving without a host, more so lapsing into quiescence for a period ranging from a few days to weeks depending on pest habitat.
Conclusion
Every home’s environmental health should not tolerate any flea presence. With the help of natural cures and keeping cleaning schedules, you may eradicate fleas and even avoid their return. Use these natural treatment methods as the first approach against fleas before you seek the services of a pest control company.
Did you use any of the natural treatments to combat the fleas in your house? Please, leave your comments in the comment section below! Also, make sure to share the article to people who might find it helpful.
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