Controlling and eliminating flea infestations on your pet is a hassle that no one wants to deal with. However, if proper measures are not taken, fleas can not only infest your pet and make him miserable, they can also take over your home by infesting your carpets, tapestries, linens and even your clothing. What is worse is that many commercial flea remedies contain harsh chemicals that can make your pet--or you--sick. However, there are natural alternatives to rid your pet of fleas without the harmful side effects of commercial flea killers.
Killing the Source: Outside
To rid your pet of fleas indefinitely, you'll need to kill the source of the fleas. Fleas can take up residence outside of your home in the garden or in your lawn. Every time your pet goes outside, she could be bringing in with her unwanted parasitic stowaways that will then begin to live and reproduce on her skin and fur. Killing fleas outside means that Fido won't bring them inside.
To control fleas outside, Alt4animals.com recommends a product called Gardens Alive!, which contains live nematodes, or small worms, that eradicate flea larvae and eggs by eating them. Other nematode-containing products are available at your local lawn and garden store.
Kill the Source: Inside
If you have mostly bare-wood, tile or linoleum flooring, products identified as flea-growth regulators, which stop the fleas from growing and therefore reproducing, can be applied to bare floors wherever your pet rests. It can also be used on pet beds, linens, kennels, and even furniture with which the pet comes into contact. Alt4animals.com recommends a product called I.G. Regulator, which is sold in a one-ounce bottle that is enough to treat 1500 square feet of surface. These types of products are not harmful to humans or pets, but readily eradicate fleas indoors within just a few days.
If you have mostly carpeted areas, boric acid powder can be applied all over the carpet and is toxic to fleas as well as their eggs and larvae. Boric acid powder is nontoxic to humans and pets. Boric acid-based flea control powders are available at most pet stores. To use them, simply sprinkle the powder on the carpeting, let it sit for a few minutes, and then vacuum it up. Some very small boric acid particles will be left behind and will eradicate fleas from the carpet in which they live and breed.
Killing Fleas on Your Pet
Bathing your pet in warm, soapy water and lathering soap onto your pet's fur will suffocate fleas and their larvae. Take time to carefully massage the lather into your pet's skin and fur, leaving it there for a few minutes so that the fleas die. Rinse your pet thoroughly after he's been bathed.
After the bath, use a flea comb to remove any eggs, larvae or pupae (or even adult fleas) that have been left behind. While the use of a flea comb definitely takes a little more time and effort than the application of a commercial flea killing product, it is also a completely natural and safe way to rid your pet of these annoying pests. Carefully comb every inch of your pet's fur and dunk the comb into a bowl of soapy water after each stroke. This will kill any remaining fleas, eggs and larvae.
As the days pass, you will notice that your pet will be free of fleas, all without the use of harmful chemical pesticides.
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