A greater number of people are concerned about the potential health damage caused by the use of chemical flea treatment methods. However, there are other ways, which are safer for our pets and kinder to the environment, to deal with flea infestations. There are many non-toxic approaches to dealing with fleas and, perhaps unsurprisingly, a combination of these methods offers the best results.
How to Get Rid of Flea Eggs and Larvae
Many pet owners make the mistake of thinking that if the adult fleas are dealt with the work is done. On the contrary, where there are, or have been, fleas there are eggs and larvae, which will soon grow into adult fleas who will lay more eggs and the cycle will continue.
Therefore, the key to dealing with fleas is to rid your house, garden and pet of all flea eggs and larvae. In order to completely eradicate flea eggs and larvae from your house and yard, you will need to clean all upholstery, blankets, bedding, carpets and curtains and ensure that all floors and carpets are cleaned or vacuumed at least once a week.
In the yard, it is wise to keep your lawn reasonably short, as this allows the sun to penetrate the soil and kill the larvae and eggs that may be harbouring there. In addition, bear in mind that ants are ferocious eaters of flea eggs and larvae, so do not discourage them from your garden.
Natural Flea Treatments
There are a number of herbal flea powders available from pet stores or via the internet, which are not harmful to your pet, but will kill adult fleas. However, it is advisable to check the ingredients of the herbal flea powder and ensure that it is safe for your animal, because, citrus oil for example, is not suitable for use with cats.
Another handy product is an anti-flea mineral salt, which is intended for use on carpets, rugs and floors. This will kill any remaining flea larvae and eggs.
Natural Remedies That are Ineffective
It is believed that not all herbal remedies are effective in the fight against fleas. For example, veterinarian Chris C. Pinney has asserted that brewer’s yeast, vitamin B and garlic have all been scientifically tested and found to be ineffective as flea repellents. That said, it is widely recognized that these products do offer other health benefits.
In addition, the effectiveness of electronic flea collars has been brought into question. Not only are they thought to do little to help flea infestations, but also the sound can be terribly distressing for a cat or dog.
After the Infestation Has been Eradicated
You can never be certain that fleas will not return, so it is a good idea to have all carpets steam-cleaned. In addition, it is advisable to wash all upholstery at least once a week and ensure that your pet’s bedding is also cleaned regularly. If your dog or cat has recently had fleas, be careful when you transport the bedding to the washing machine that you do not allow flea eggs to fall out of the fabric and on to your floor.
Some pet owners advocate the use of a flea collar in the vacuum cleaner bag, as this will kill the fleas that are sucked up into the machine.
It is also very important to regularly groom your pet with a flea comb, to ensure that there is no return of the adult fleas. After grooming your dog, wash the comb in warm, soapy water to kill any flea eggs and larvae that may have been found.
If you’re worried about the effects of chemical flea treatments on the health and welfare of your pet and family, bear in mind there are alternative methods. Non-toxic approaches to managing pet fleas are supported by the majority of vets. However, if you are in any doubt over a treatment, seek the advice of your local vet.
About the Author:
Samantha Markham is a professional freelance writer. She is currently working on behalf of Remmeer.com, a high quality supplier of pet products. Visit Remmeer.com for an array of items for your dog, including plush dog beds and raised dog bowl stands
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Non-Toxic Techniques for Dealing with Fleas
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We tried every product on the market we could get our hands on, from flea powder to fumigation tabs. The fleas would diminish for a few days, but in no time you would be wearing your black knee high flea socks again. The infestation of fleas made our home feel grimy and dirty. I had problems sleeping as I could feel the Fleas biting me, and I would feel itchy and scratchy the whole night.
the pet store here in our area offers me a great deal of discount when i buy from them “`’