The best ways to get rid of fleas in your home

A common fear among pet owners is that their dog or cat will pick up fleas, although humans also get bites from the pests. Fleas jump on any animal or person they can reach, feeding on the blood they need to survive.

People can pick up fleas in the same ways that pets do: Walking in the woods, doing yard work, or touching infested furniture or clothing. Most commonly, people are exposed to flea bites, which come from their pets. Even if your dog or cat doesn’t show symptoms of flea bites, fleas may have already laid eggs in their fur or on carpets or couches.

Fleas are annoying pests, spreading in your home and disturbing you, which requires following a set of effective and quick home solutions that help you get rid of these insects. In the following guide, perfect ways to fight fleas and get the best result, using household ingredients.

Signs of fleas in your home

Signs of fleas in your home

Signs that you have fleas in your home include:

• Black dots on the floor, furniture or your pet’s bedding; these are flea droppings.
• Flea bites are small bumps on the skin, similar to red spots, that are itchy and, in some cases, inflamed. They may swell and turn into a rash.
• Pet hair loss or skin inflammation.
• Visible fleas, which are clearly noticeable around the house.

Flea Control Cleaners

• Baking soda: Baking soda powder has many uses, from cleaning to controlling insects and pests, including fleas. You can sprinkle baking soda powder in the area where the fleas are, and then vacuum up any residue with a vacuum cleaner. You may have to do this several times before the fleas are removed.
• Jelly liquid: To eliminate fleas, you can mix a little warm water and dishwashing liquid in a bowl or plate, which attracts fleas. Due to the high viscosity of the mixture, fleas stick to it. It is advisable to leave the bowls of soapy water overnight, as fleas are mostly nocturnal.
• Salt: Another option for an easy flea treatment is to sprinkle fine salt in all carpeted areas of your home for at least 24 hours, as the salt dries out the fleas. Vacuum the carpets afterward, making sure to dispose of the vacuum bag outside.
• Lemons: Lemons control fleas at home; boil water and lemon juice together, add to a bowl, and allow to cool overnight. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and shake well. Apply the spray to the affected areas.
• Neem oil: Neem oil can be used to repel fleas; dilute the oil with another oil (olive oil, for example), i.e. one part neem oil to ten parts olive oil. Place the diluted solution behind your pet’s ears to get rid of fleas.

Flea Repellent Steam Machine

A steam machine helps get rid of fleas. So, in order to preserve your bed mattress and kill fleas, vacuum the mattress first, then pass the steam machine, and leave the mattress to dry completely. Due to the combination of the steam machine’s high heat (100°C) and soap, fleas will be eliminated, and the steam cleaning machine can remove dirt and eliminate unpleasant odors from furniture as well.

Home garden cleanup

Pets can pick up fleas from outside, specifically from the garden. To control this, try the following tips:

• Mow the lawn and remove yard waste, including clippings, twigs, and leaves, as fleas love dark, damp, and shady places.
• Keep pets away from confined spaces or other areas where wild animals infected with fleas may go.
• Treat dog cages, dog runs, or kennels where your pets spend time outdoors.
• Repel fleas by planting fennel, lavender, mint, or other plants that fleas don’t like; these plants are generally safe for your pets, but they shouldn’t eat them.