Fleas can infest dogs and cats and then settle in carpets, floors, sofas and just about anywhere. It is even possible to have fleas in the home without pets, as they stick to clothing and shoes.
In any case, fleas become a problem because of their bites and the diseases they can transmit. For this reason, in this article on our site, we tell you how to remove fleas from your house with several effective methods. Keep reading!
How do I know if I have fleas at home?
Detecting fleas is easy, but you need to know the signs to look for. First of all, observe your pet and verify that it presents these signs:
- Constant scratching.
- Bare spots.
- White or black residue on fur similar to dust or dirt. White dots indicate the presence of larvae in the hair, while black dots are flea droppings.
If you don't have animals but suspect fleas, pay attention to the following:
- Samples of skin bites: mosquito bites occur in isolation, that is, a single bite appears, while that fleas are seen in groups of three.
- Small insects crawling on your couch or carpet. Fleas can survive a week without feeding, so they will stay in these places, on the lookout for a host.
Now, how to get rid of fleas at home? Learn all the steps below.
How to fight fleas at home: deworming and cleaning
Before applying products to eliminate fleas at home, you need to thoroughly clean spaces and objects, as well as deworm your animals in case of an infestation.
Remove fleas from your dog and/or cat
Depending on the age and size of your dog, cat, hamster, rabbit or any other pet affected by fleas, you need to apply repellent products formulated for him or her.
There are commercial products, such as pipettes, collars or tablets, and also homemade flea repellents. Consult your veterinarian or the pet supply store about the most suitable brand. Also, follow the instructions for use to the letter.
Removing fleas from your dog or cat is the first step to get rid of fleas at home. Do it away from their belongings, preferably in a room where you can protect your animal while you follow the cleaning recommendations. Likewise, do not forget to establish a deworming schedule to avoid future infestations.
Animal spaces and objects
An antiparasitic product will not be effective without thoroughly cleaning the bed, blankets, toys, food containers, combs and spaces where your animal spends more time. This cleaning should be done the same day that you apply the antiparasitic product for greater efficiency.
To remove fleas from bedding and other cloth items, vacuum a couple of timesemphasizing the seams. Then, use a steamer and, finally, put all the clothes in the washing machine and do two cycles with hot water.
Plastic and metal objects should be thoroughly cleaned with hot water and a detergent safe for your pet.
Home clean
Vacuuming furniture, carpets and floors is essential to remove flea eggs and larvae. Put special emphasis under and behind objects, as well as in the corners. Once the entire house has been vacuumed, close the vacuum bag and throw it away. Then wash the floor with one part water and one part bleach. Of course, keep your animals away, as there is a risk of poisoning. And if you prefer not to use this product, use enzymatic products, since the result will be the same and they are not so harmful.
As with your dog or cat's objects, use the steamer to remove fleas from bedding and carpets. All household linen should be machine washed twice using hot water.
How to remove fleas from clothes?
In the same way that it is necessary to clean furniture and carpets, it is necessary to do a good cleaning of clothes that may have been in contact with fleas. The method is the same, vacuum and carry out a double wash. Of course, watch the temperature of the water because not all clothes can be washed with hot water.
Once the cleaning is finished, it's time to use different products to get rid of the fleas definitively. Next, we offer you natural remedies and simple methods to apply.
Home flea removal products
There are products on the market to fumigate fleas at home, however, they are not the most advisable when animals or children due to its aggressiveness and toxicity. Now, if there are no animals or you have the opportunity to spend a few days in another place, the most effective products to eliminate fleas at home are the following:
- Special spray insecticide for fleas.
- Special liquid insecticide for fleas.
- Environmental antiparasitic spray.
Does ammonia kill fleas?
Yes, just like bleach, ammonia is a product that kills fleas. However, it is an aggressive product that can be replaced by natural remedies that are less harmful. In addition, it is important to highlight that both ammonia and bleach are products that encourage dogs to urinate indoors. This is so because the dog's urine contains ammonia and, when using it to clean, the animal may believe that another dog has marked its territory, leading it to mark again.
Are there flea traps?
Yes, there are also flea traps that allow you to attract and trap them, however, we prefer those remedies designed to scare them away and keep them away from the home.
For a large infestation of fleas at home, it is best to go to professionals to take care of eliminating it. On the other hand, if you prefer natural remedies, read on!
Home remedies to eliminate fleas at home
Using flea repellents and products that eliminate eggs and larvae is essential to kill these parasites. However, as we said, sometimes commercial products are too toxic for people and pets, for this reason we recommend opting for home and natural remedies, less harmful to household members but fatal to parasites. We recommend the following methods:
1. Neem oil
Neem is a tree that grows in tropical areas and has insecticidal properties, since it prevents many species from completing their development. For this reason, it is effective in eliminating flea larvae and eggs.
Pour a tablespoon of this oil into half a liter of water and place it in a spray bottle. Spray carpets, furniture and kitchen surfaces. Repeat the procedure every five days for two weeks, after a deep cleaning.
two. Cedar Bark
The cedar is a popular tree due to the smell of its trunk, a property that has been used since ancient times to repel insects, which is why it is among the repellents for most effective fleas.
Buy some pieces of bark and place them under and behind your furniture, this way you will drive away those annoying external parasites. You must use this method in conjunction with others for it to be effective.
3. Apple or white vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a popular ingredient in all kinds of home remedies and cleaners. The way to use vinegar for fleas is mix one part with one part water and scrub the floor with the solution.
In addition, vinegar works to eliminate fleas from your dog and can be used as a preventive antiparasitic method by mixing it with your regular shampoo. For more details, don't miss this article: "How to get rid of fleas on your dog with vinegar?"
4. Aromatic plants
Aromatic plants serve as repellent for fleas, since the odors they emit are unbearable for these and other insects, such as flies and mosquitoes. We recommend locating basil, citronella, lavender, peppermint, spearmint, chamomile, or thyme plants in various locations, including near doors and windows
Without a doubt, this is one of the most used home tricks to eliminate fleas at home because of its effectiveness and because it allows you to keep the home smelling pleasant at all times. Now, keep in mind that some of these smells are hateful to dogs, so if you live with one, try to opt for those that are less unbearable.
5. Lavender and olive oil
Another way to eliminate fleas from home is through one of the most widely used oils in the world, olive oil. Thus, you can make another repellent using lavender and olive oil Place half a liter of water, 10 drops of lavender oil and 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a spray bottle. olive. Shake to mix and spray your house with the preparation.
This and the other home remedies to eliminate fleas at home should be applied after deworming and deep cleaning. After 2 weeks, repeat the cleaning and apply new home remedies to eliminate any remaining fleas. If in 4 weeks the problem persists, you should go to specialists to fumigate the house.
With these methods we answered the question of how to eliminate fleas at home, but what to do to eliminate them from the garden? Let's go there!
How to eliminate fleas in a field?
Removing fleas from your patio, garden or land is an important step to get them completely away from your home. You'll notice fleas in your yard if you look at the bugs this way: Put on white socks and walk around your yard. If there are fleas, they will stick to the fabric.
How to eliminate fleas in a field? Follow these steps :
- Mow the lawn and remove weeds.
- Rake all spaces.
- Dispose of dead leaves, dry stems and pruning results in airtight bags.
- If there are doghouses in the yard, do a deep clean.
- Spray the tiles and cement areas with neem oil or apple cider vinegar, being careful not to soak the plants.
- Plant aromatic plants to keep fleas away.
With these simple steps, fleas will be gone from your garden and home.
