How to Get Rid of House Fleas Fast
It’s no secret that fleas are a pesky problem, especially when they invade your home. These tiny insects can hop from host to host, causing itchy and painful bites. Fleas are not only an annoyance but can also be a health risk. Not only can they transmit diseases, but heavy flea infestations can lead to anemia in animals.
Fortunately, there are numerous ways to get rid of fleas quickly, effectively, and without the use of harsh chemicals. In this article, we’ll explore the top methods on how to get rid of house fleas fast.
Identify the Source of the Flea Infestation
The first step in getting rid of fleas is to identify the source of the infestation. Fleas tend to lay their eggs in warm, humid areas, including carpets, rugs, bedding, and furniture. When trying to locate flea nests, pay particular attention to areas where pets spend the most time. It’s also essential to look for flea development sites, including dark and moist areas where fleas and their larvae thrive.
Vacuuming
Vacuuming is an excellent way to reduce the flea population in your home. Fleas, eggs, and larvae will latch onto carpets, furniture, and crevices of the floor. Vacuuming with a strong suction vacuum can remove these tiny pests quickly. Make sure to vacuum all areas where your pet frequently spends their time, including furniture cushions, area rugs, carpets, and baseboards, as these areas are all high traffic routes for fleas.
It’s also important to get rid of the vacuum bag or empty the canister from your vacuum after use immediately. This will prevent the fleas, and their eggs re-entering your home.
Use of Essential Oils
Essential oils like rosemary, lavender, and eucalyptus are natural flea repellents. The scent of these oils is known to repel fleas and control their population. To use these essential oils, add a few drops to a spray bottle of water and spray it around the house. Alternatively, you can also add a few drops of oil to a diffuser and let it diffuse throughout your home. Mix four to five drops of oil per 20-ounce bottle of water and avoid using more oil as this may cause irritation to the pet’s skin.
Note: Do not apply essential oils directly on your pet’s skin. Cats are more sensitive to essential oils, thus avoid rubbing the oil on them entirely.
Flea Foggers and Bombs
Flea foggers and bombs, also known as flea foggers, are insecticides that rapidly kill fleas in highly-infested areas. They work by dispersing chemicals into the air, killing fleas and their larvae. Carefully read the instructions on the flea bomb package before using as improper use can cause injury to you and your pets.
It’s paramount to follow all safety guidelines outlined on the flea fogger package. Flea bombs contain insecticides that can be harmful to you, the pet, or the environment. It is advisable to evacuate the household for the number of hours indicated in the package.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is an all-natural flea killer. This powder made from the fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of algae, has sharp edges that damage fleas’ exoskeletons, ultimately causing death. Sprinkle the diatomaceous earth onto areas that are heavily infested with fleas, including bedding, carpeting, and furniture.
However, when using diatomaceous earth, it’s important to wear a protective mask and gloves and keep pets away from the treated areas. Diatomaceous earth is non-toxic but can cause respiratory distress when inhaled in high amounts.
Hiring Professionals
If the flea infestation is extensive, it’s best to seek the services of professional pest control companies. These companies have specialized equipment, knowledge, and experience necessary for effective pest control. A seasoned pest control professional can help identify the source of the infestation and recommend the best course of treatment. Working with an expert will also ensure that the flea population is eradicated and will not return.
Conclusion
Getting rid of fleas in your home is crucial to keeping both your family and pets safe and healthy. There are different ways to achieve a flea-free home without the use of harsh chemicals, including identifying the source of the infestation, vacuuming, using essential oils, and diatomaceous earth. When the problem is extensive, consider seeking the services of professional pest control companies. Whatever method you choose, stay consistent in your approach, and you’ll have a flea-free home in no time.
