How to Get Rid of Fleas, Part Two

But Wait, There is More

Last week I talked about the different stages of a flea's life and the importance of attacking the problem at all four stages. I also discussed how to get rid of the adult flea, but that step only takes care of one stage of the life cycle. Now I will address some tactics for intervening in the development of fleas at the other stages of their life.

Clean Up the Environment

There are many ways to clean the environment where your pet lives, sleeps and plays. Here is a list of actions to take to rid your pet and house of fleas:

1. If you have a cat with a flea problem, you have a little more cleaning to do than if you have a dog. Cats go everywhere in the house, so you will need to clean on top of high things and underneath low things, as well as all the known nooks and crannies your cat inhabits.

2. Vacuum and sweep—everywhere and often. You might try some flea powder to further retard the growth of larvae and pupae. Sometimes throwing away area rugs and doing without them until you are sure there are no more fleas can be worthwhile. Steam cleaning can also help destroy the pests. You might need to steam clean sofas and chairs, especially if a pet sleeps on them.

3. Common sites of egg and flea concentration are in a pet's bedding, so wash it in water above 95 degrees once a week until you are certain that the flea problem is under control. You also might consider getting rid of the old bed and buying a new one.

4. Groom your pet outside in a location where your pet or other pets are unlikely to pick up the eggs or adult fleas again. Combing your pet outside on a cold day will help reduce the chance that the adults and eggs will survive. 

5. In extreme cases, taking the animal out of the environment for three to four months will help immensely. Without a food source, the adult fleas will not be able to reproduce, thereby reducing eggs, larvae and pupae. However, keep in mind that pupae can lay in wait for up to a year until the conditions are right. So, make sure to clean and decontaminate the entire area. Before bringing the pet back into the environment, make sure that he or she is treated and free of fleas.

6. Don't forget about your yard. As long as it is not too cold, fleas can live outdoors. Try a natural and inexpensive defense with naturally occurring microorganisms (known as beneficial nematodes) to treat fleas on lawns, pet runs and exercise areas, around food and water bowls and elsewhere in the yard. Make sure to get the right kind of nematode as some species can ruin plants. You can also check out a number of chemical products available on the market. 

Do not be daunted by the many tasks ahead. Be vigilant, and you will prevail. Your home and your pet will soon be flea free.

Do you have any tips for getting rid if fleas?