How to get rid of fleas for good

I'm here to talk about fleas!

Flea eggs can lay dormant for up to one year!  This
means that they can basically take a long nap in different places in your home.  They then hatch when a warm-bodied host is present. 
Most often, they hatch immediately because a host is present.

Where do you start? There are so many things to choose from that it can be a little confusing, right? I get it.  

I have heard countless stories of flea infestations and I know that I can supply you with the right supplies to fix the problem.  

  You will need to treat your entire home and pet.  You will likely need to do this more than once. 

A couple notes of caution- 

• Do not over treat your pet with chemicals. A flea bath and a spot-on topical treatment is fine in one day but limit any other chemicals. 
• Always watch your pet when applying chemicals.  Weird and not so good things can happen. (unusual lethargy, vomiting, drooling, etc)  Seek a veterinarian if needed.

Here are some of the treatment options-

Flea shampoos

• Flea shampoos- kill the fleas and eggs while washing. Shampoos can help heal the skin and replenish lost oils. 

Flea sprays

•  Household flea sprays-
•  they are designed to treat furniture and surface areas.  Sometimes they can also be used on a pet but are frequently a little too harsh for my liking on your pet.  Read the label and apply them as directed.

Home sprays

• Natural flea shampoos- can be alright but frequently are not strong enough

•  Natural sprays- can work but again, can result in re-infestations.
•  Flea collars- in the past they have only treated the neck area and chemicals are really strong.  The chemicals also rub off on furniture.  They also smell really bad.  Not my favorite. They are useful in a vacuum to kill flea eggs vacuumed up. 



Flea collar

• Natural flea collars- They smell nice and are a nice touch but I would not rely on one myself. 
• Topical treatments-spot-on topical treatments are made to be placed on the skin of your pet. This is the most common and usually very effective.  

Flea topicals

• Flea powders- will help to remove current infestation but are not preventatives 
• Flea and tick pills-  These are provided by your vet and a little costly I have heard.  However, if you want to nip it straight in the butt, go this route! It will work almost 99.9 percent of the time.   

THERE ARE ACTUALLY FLEA CHEWABLES NOW!! 

Highly effective flea preventative

• Flea bomb- Otherwise known as a fogger.  This releases a giant fog of chemicals into your house.  They are not always highly rated.  They have low stars.  They just can't get in the places that you would spray. 
• Hire someone-  When the getting gets rough...Hire someone. There are companies that can come out and treat your home.  Do a quick search for providers in your area.
• Treat your yard- Yard sprays kill fleas, spiders, roaches and ants in your yard.  Read reviews.  Some sprays vary in their effectiveness. 

Here is a list of products to give you an idea as well.  I know that the products available are numerous. Read reviews and if you have any questions, I will gladly help.  Fleas are icky. 

Flea and tick products

There is also a large variety of natural products.

Your pet may be a cat, dog, or smaller critter.  It is important to choose a product that will not harm your pet.  

Cats are very sensitive to chemicals and substances.  Read labels and only used things designed for cats on cats. 

If your cat is not a bath kinda gal or guy-perhaps use a flea and tick powder or cat topical that will kill eggs. 

Topicals are great because they prevent reinfestation. You can use a flea comb and use a waterless shampoo later to get the dirt and yuck out.

If your pet has been in your home with fleas, you will need to start treating your home, bedding, and your pet.  I know you are likely freaking out!  My whole home???

Yes, but it's not as hard as you may think.  It will be ok and it can get resolved.  Start in small areas and move room to room.  You do not need to run through the house all at once spraying things and people. 

Fortunately, most of the sprays will continue to prevent reinfestations.  So, you don't sweep your whole house like the mafia. Unless you're in that kind of mood. Step by step! I will be there with you.

Fleas can cause problems on your pet's skin that cause flea bite dermatitis.  It can make a pet itchy, scratchy, ill at ease, and sometimes really sick. 🐶

They may need to see the vet if they are ill because of the fleas.  Pets frequently regain their strength when the problem is dealt with.

CONCLUSION

 Fleas can be really hard to get rid of.  It is important to continue to use your topical flea and tick treatment on the right day every month or whichever treatment you use.

It is also important to treat your home a few more times as well.  They may seem to be gone but you will be surprised how quickly the situation will get out of hand and become present again. Some flea and tick treatments do not work as well as others. 

Spray your pet bedding and wash bedding.  Clean and vacuum surfaces after you spray the flea chemicals or treatment. Hire that professional if needed! They do a darn good job.

I have seen dogs get fleas and ticks even though they were treated properly.  Some fleas seem to not be bothered by some topicals.  The strongest flea and tick preventative that I have seen is a pill that can be picked up from a veterinarian.  

There are holistic supplements remedies as well.  

If you have any questions on how to use any of the remedies or any questions at all please let me know.  

If you find this content valuable please consider posting it to your social media sources and sharing it with a friend! 

How have you treated your house or someone's house for fleas? What have you done so far?