Aren’t fleas the worst? Not only do these parasitic insects give you itchy red bites and make your pets miserable, but they can also transmit diseases like typhus or cat scratch fever. Worst of all, fleas can be introduced to your environment easily. They might come in on your luggage after you visit a hotel or on your pet after it plays outdoors. A flea infestation can have a simple cause but result in what is often a long and difficult process to get rid of them.
Fleas take a long time to eliminate because of their long life cycle, but it can be done and it is done frequently. Here’s how flea control is done:
- Control the source- If your pet has fleas, no amount of cleaning in your home will keep the problem at bay if you don’t deal with your pet first. Trying to crush the fleas won’t work because they jump quickly. Instead, bathe your cat or dog with soap and water. The water will help drown the fleas, and the soap will act as an insecticide. You should also use a fine-tooth flea comb to remove the insects from your pet’s fur. Be meticulous about this. If your pet doesn’t have a flea collar, investing in one is a good idea.
- Clean common breeding areas- Washing your bedding, pet bedding, and rugs and using a powerful vacuum cleaner is incredibly important. Persistence and thoroughness are key to flea control, so be sure to clean these problem areas frequently over the next few weeks to ensure that all the fleas are gone.
- Treat your home- As you start treating your pet, you should also treat your home. A flea control professional can help you decide which products will be safe and effective in your home and yard.