Over 14 million American homes have pest problems. A flea problem can be one of the most nightmarish pest problems to plague your household. A flea problem in household units can make them unlivable.
Fleas are not reserved for pet owners. Fleas on humans can feed off their blood and give them nasty itchy bites. Flea larvae can persist for long times even after the parent fleas have died.
Read on for 5 home remedies and tips that will help you deal with an existing flea problem, or stop a small one from getting much worse.
Table of Contents
1. Catch the Flea Problem Early
The sooner you can identify and eradicate your flea problem, the less miserable and bothersome it will be to you and your family.
Is one flea a problem? The answer all depends on if it is a pregnant female. If it is, it may soon lay eggs and start an infestation. To avoid this, kill fleas on site, even if it is just one flea.
2. Clean Religiously
Fleas love a dirty home. They hide out in dust piles, dirty furniture, and unclean surroundings. Get yourself a vacuum and make a point to use it. The cleaner you keep your home, the easier it will be to spot fleas and kill them.
Target areas where you have noticed yourself or your pet getting bitten. This can be under furniture, near drapes, or on the carpet. Think about replacing your carpet with hardwood if the problem persists.
3. Use Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is an all-natural substance made from the fossilized remains of aquatic diatoms. The nature of this substance causes flea exoskeletons to dissolve on contact.
Sprinkle it around your home and vacuum it up a few days later. Your fleas will be dead and your flea problem may be gone.
4. Use Bleach
Vacuuming may not be enough to stop the hardest infestations. Does bleach kill fleas? You betcha!
After vacuuming and sprinkling diatomaceous earth, spray down suspect areas with a bleach solution as a last step.
Make sure to watch out for any valuable fabrics or clothing, as bleach will leave stains and can damage finishes on some furniture, walls, or flooring.
5. Use Chemicals as a Last Resort
Your last resort in your war against fleas in your home is chemical means. This could mean putting flea collars around your pets. It could also mean using chemical sprays, foggers, or insecticides.
You may want to contact a professional pest control specialist before applying any chemicals. Chemicals can be caustic, so only use them as recommended by a professional and as a last resort.
Say Goodbye to Your Flea Nightmare
Nobody wants to live in a house full of fleas. Fleas spread disease, cause itchy bites, and make you feel gross. If you have a flea problem, catching it early is half the battle. How to get rid of fleas your way is a unique process.
Use the five tips in this guide to eradicate your flea problem once and for all. That way, you can feel comfortable in your home again.
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