How to deal with the curse of fleas
So, the worst has happened, and you discover there are fleas in your home. As all pet owners will understand, these pesky critters will not stop, will not give up and go away but will infiltrate every corner of your home and bite everything with a pulse! Here are some helpful hints on knowing your enemy and how to vanquish them:
Flea Facts – Know Your Enemy
Amazingly, there are more than 2,000 varieties of fleas across the globe but thankfully, they can be eliminated from your home. They are tiny, often not even visible unless you know what you’re looking for. If you or your dog start scratching and appear to have slightly raised red bumps, you could well have an infestation. They will jump from pet to person and then onto other people. They are not choosy, they just love to feed off a fresh blood supply! They can jump up to 7 inches high and 13 inches sideways.
Find the Source
If you have Itchy Dogs or scratchy cats, the problem might stem from your pet. Regular tick and flea preventative treatment should be given monthly to prevent the problem reoccurring. If you have the critters in your bedding or carpet, these will need to be treated too to stop your pet from being infested again.
Wash
Before using treatment, give any pet bedding a thorough wash, vacuum the carpet and sofa and put vacuum contents straight in a tied binbag outside. Bathe your dog before treatment. To ease any discomfort from itchiness and scratching, try a soothing cream on their skin, like that available from http://www.stinky-stuff.co.uk/product-cat/dog-remedies/
Natural Elimination
There are many natural options to eliminate fleas from your home including sticky pads. You plug in the device close to the main area of infestation and the fleas are drawn to the heat and light. They stick to the pads and die but this method does take a long time. Boric acid is non-toxic to people, but it does kill fleas. Sprinkle over carpets and flooring, you will need to vacuum regularly. Lavender oil is another popular choice for health-conscious pet owners. Brewer’s Yeast and Apple Cider Vinegar added in small amounts to a dog’s diet are said to make your pet taste disgusting to fleas.
Chemical Elimination
If your infestation is particularly serious and you need it cleared up immediately, you might want to choose a chemical option. Hiring a professional company to get rid of the fleas is one option and they should offer a guarantee so if you still have fleas after the treatment, you’ll get another treatment free of charge. A cheaper option is to purchase a powder from a pet store and attempt to rid your home of fleas by yourself. By fay the best course of action though is preventative and ensuring your pet receives a monthly tick and flea treatment. This way, your family, pets and soft furnishings will remain pest free.
