Got Fleas? 7 Easy Ways To Get Rid Of Them
Fleas are pesky critters that can transmit a variety of
diseases and illnesses and make life miserable for your pet as
well. Getting rid of these pests is essential for a healthy,
happy home for all of its two-legged and four-legged
inhabitants. Here are seven easy ways to prevent and control
the flea population around your house.
Prevention is Key
The best method in the fight against fleas is preventing an
infestation in the first place. Since they thrive in heat and
humidity, be sure to check your pet frequently during the
hotter months as well as in the fall or autumn. Another
critical preventative measure is keeping your yard trimmed and
free of weeds and to keep the foliage pruned as much as
possible. It’s also wise to wash the pet’s bedding in very hot,
soapy water on a weekly basis as this is the most likely site
for flea eggs and larvae.
Keep an Eye on Your Pet
It should go without saying that it’s necessary to watch your
pet for commons signs and symptoms of a flea infestation. Keep
an eye out for excessive biting and scratching, particularly
around the tail and lower back areas. Watch for raw patches of
skin where your dog or cat may have been scratching at fleas
for some time. Another bit of evidence is “flea debris,” specks
of dried blood that are black in color.
Ask for a Professional
Consult with your pet’s veterinarian for their thoughts on flea
control. They can recommend a few treatment options for you to
decide which would be best for your particular situation.
Flea Collars and Powders
If you have caught the problem relatively early, it may be
possible to eliminate fleas by simply using flea collars and
powders. There are several brands and types to choose from, and
many contain a special comb with fine teeth that is designed to
remove fleas from fur.
Flea Baths
It’s helpful to bathe your pet frequently using a specially
formulated soap or treatment. It’s necessary to take into
consideration the type of fur or coat your pet has when
bathing. This is particularly true for dogs as some breeds have
essential oils that shouldn’t be washed away with soap and water
more than once or twice a year. If bathing in a flea bath isn’t
an option for your pet, consult your vet for other
alternatives.
Monthly Medication
There are pills available for your pet to take on a monthly
basis that will prevent fleas from reproducing, but they do not
kill the ones that have already reached adulthood. There are
also multi-purpose medications and products available that are
designed to prevent fleas from reproducing as well as
controlling heartworm, hookworms, whipworms and roundworms.
An Unconventional Method
This simple home remedy is touted by many as a sure cure for a
house infested with fleas. At nighttime, simply fill a few
bowls of plain water and place them underneath a lit
flashlight. It is said that the fleas will be attracted to the
light, jump into the water and drown.
About The Author: Jean Morgan is a writer of articles
concerning pet health and pet health matters. To learn more
about killing fleas please visit http://killfleasnow .com