Easy Ways to Get Rid of Fleas

A flea is a small wingless insect. They are parasites that live off the blood of birds and mammals. They are very small only 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch and flat of both sides, compressed.

Fleas are a nuisance and cause itching and sometimes an allergic reaction. They are tough and very adaptable, making it hard to get rid of them.

Here are some simple ways to get rid of those pesky fleas.

1. Fleas can not tolerate Diatomaceous earth or DE, which is actually lethal to fleas. DE is fossilized shells of minuscule organisms that are ground very fine. On contact the sharp, very small, fine edges dry the fleas' outer shell. The fleas dehydrate and die within hours. They also die when they eat the dust.

De can be purchased in a powder form and sprinkled around the house including the carpet, furniture, floors and pets bedding. DE will not harm your pets if they eat it.

2. Chances are you already have ingredients in your kitchen to prevent fleas. Garlic is said to repel and prevent fleas. Add a little garlic to your pets' food and they will free of those little pests.

When adding garlic to pets' food, pay special attention to the amount used. Too much garlic can be toxic, if you are not sure how much to use, contact your pets vet. It is best not to guess.

Brewer's yeast can also be used to repel fleas.

3. Vacuuming is a safe way to get rid of fleas, as long as you vacuum often. Vacuuming in not 100% guaranteed to get rid of fleas. It will however reduce the amount of fleas, eggs and larva, but will rarely eliminate them altogether.

Fleas can live and reproduce in a vacuum bag and should be cleaned regularly. Also vacuuming up some DE powder will kill the fleas in the vacuum bag.

4. In order to get rid of fleas, you first have to get rid of flea eggs and larva that are hiding in carpet, furniture and your pets bedding. Sprinkle some DE or Mule Team Borax on your rugs, carpet, and furniture, anything that is upholstered.

Let it sit for a few hours and vacuum it up, discarding of the vacuum bag as soon as you are done. Wash all bedding, your and your pets, in hot water and with bleach if possible.

5. If your pets are indoor pets only, keeping control of fleas shouldn't be too much trouble. Pets that sleep inside, but play outside can be more challenging. Sprinkle your pets' yard with DE or put it in a sprayer with some water and spray the yard. Do this twice a week, going about 50 out from where your pet plays, to get any intruders. Help keep the amount of fleas down by not allowing other pets into your yard. This is harder to do with cats than it is with dogs.

6. Flea collars and chemical drops are always an option for flea control. Herbal flea collars are available in different scents to drive fleas away. Chemical drops work as preventatives, getting rid of existing fleas and some are for immediate extermination.

Many flea killer chemicals have to be purchased from a vet's office with a prescription. Chemical flea killers include Biospot, Frontline, K9 Advantix and Advantage.

Sources:

Dogs.about.com

Wikipedia online

www.fleacontrol.com