How to Kill Fleas Once and For All

Fleas are the tiny wingless external parasites that are enough to drive you crazy! They feed on the blood of mammals and birds. Flea bites can make the skin red and itchy and at times it even bleeds. Fleas can multiply to being 500 in number within just 5 days! Usually fleas come into our homes along with pets.

The best time to start a flea control program is in the late spring, prior to an infestation. Frequently and religiously dust, sweep, and mop all surfaces where your pets roam about. All affected pets need to be treated - so consult a vet at once. There are several flea powders and sprays and other medicines available to control cat and dog fleas. Give your pets a bath on a regular basis with soapy water. Avoid anything containing DEET for it can cause serious adverse reactions.

Always spray your carpets with an insecticide but do read the labels carefully before applying. Many chemicals can harm you, young children and your pets as well. You can also get your carpets professionally steam-cleaned.

After infestation, do clean up everything that has come in contact with the infested person or the pet, as the egg of a flea can survive for more than 200 days without a host. Drench the usual resting place of your pet every now and then so that no fleas might be waiting for him when he comes back.

Bathe once or twice daily if you are infested and then use a special flea comb which is designed to draw fleas out of their hiding places. You can measure flea populations by wearing a special pair of flannel "booties" over your shoes and pants because the fleas get caught in the material and can then be counted, removed and disposed of.

While cleaning your pets be careful about using the treatment meant for that particular animal because a treatment for dog fleas can kill a cat itself! Use a special flea comb for your pet too.

Many people get allergic reactions to flea bites and these symptoms can be improved by applying ice, calamine lotion or camphor. Vitamin B1, taken orally, is proved to repel fleas so you can certainly start taking it.

After exterminating the majority of the fleas you need to continue whit the process to make sure that they stay under control. You might need to keep this up for two to three weeks after you have seen the last flea.

Restrict your pets to areas that are easily cleaned. The bedding of your pets should be easily removable. Clean those regularly along with cleaning the pet toys. Apply a liquid insect growth regulator (IGR) to the environment.

Some popular flea control products are: Insect Growth Inhibitors, Citrus peel extracts, Sorptive dusts, Flea collars. Flea collars can however be harmful for pets and humans.

Do not forget your yard or garden! You can use the same spray that you sprayed your house with. Spray around where the pet sleeps, gravel and sandy areas.