Fleas are a common, year-long problem for many home (and pet) owners that seems to peak during the Summer months. Unfortunately, the warmer temperatures are ideal for fleas to breed. Many owners feel like the problem just can not be solved and end up feeling frustrated and at a loss. Fortunately, ending a flea infestation is possible and preventable. Here are some effective treatments if you want to learn how to kill fleas and make those infestations a thing of the past:
When treating for a flea problem, all stages of the fleas’ growth cycle must be taken into mind. Not all products kill the eggs, larvae, and adult stages of the flea, so it is important to read the label carefully to see exactly what each product will remove. Without effective removal of all fleas and eggs, re-infestation of your pet is guaranteed.
To ensure the complete removal of fleas from your pet and home, fleas and their young must also be removed from surfaces such as furniture and carpet. Also, all pet bedding and any areas where your pet likes to hang out or nap should be treated. If these areas are not treated, your pet can easily be infested with fleas again.
To clean pet bedding, simply wash the items in hot water and soap. This will drown the fleas and kill any eggs and larvae that are present. It may be necessary to wash the items more than once. Carpets and rugs can be vacuumed and shampooed to remove fleas. Simply vacuuming can remove up to half of the fleas and eggs in the carpet or rug. Remember to dispose of vacuum bags away from the home.
It may be necessary to bathe your pet daily until the fleas are gone. This can be done with soap and water, as with the bedding. Be sure not to over-bathe your animal, as this can cause skin irritation and dryness. Let the lather set on your pet for a few minutes before rinsing to get the maximum effect.
To effectively remove fleas in house and keep them out, the source of the infestation must be treated. That means not only your pet, but bedding, furniture, and flooring, as well. After the problem has been remedied, proper preventative measures are all that it will take to keep your pet and home flea free.