Less-Toxic Weapons for Winning the War Against Fleas

If you’ve got cats or dogs – you’ve got fleas. You’ve got kids, too. How do you get rid of the pests without harming the kids? They’re not only a nuisance, but their bites can cause irritation and even serious allergies in some people. What can you do to beat the buggers? These less-toxic tricks will have your home itch-free in no time:

For your Pet:

✔ Comb constantly. Groom your cat or dog with a metal flea comb, available at pet stores. Focus your efforts on the neck and tail area. Keep a bowl of hot soapy water nearby to drown the captured critters (ruthless enemies call for ruthless treatment).

✔ Bathe Dogs Daily. Until the infestation is under control, using shampoo or dog soap (insecticide not required). It’s the best way to get a flea infestation on a larger animal in check. Take the comb into the bath for an extra measure of flea catching-and-killing.

✔ Launder washable pet bedding it hot water and bleach at least weekly.

✔ Think (and apply) topically. Topical flea-busting treatments such as fipronil and imidacloprid can be applied to an animal’s skin in small amounts while wearing gloves. From there it spreads over the entire body of the pet and is effective for at least a month.

For Your Home:

✔ Treat carpets, pet bedding and other non-washables with less-toxic products. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth (DE) on carpets, upholstered furniture and pet bedding. It has little toxicity to pets and people, but kills fleas handily by absorbing the waxy coating on their bodies, causing dehydration and death. Wearing a dust mask and goggles, sprinkle a fine layer of DE on your home’s infested surfaces. You can blow DE into cracks and crevices, too. Other good less-toxic choices include borate-based carpet treatments and flea traps.

Preventing Future Fleas:

✔ Keep your pet indoors.

✔ Restrict your pets to a regular sleeping space so you can better focus your flea-busting efforts.

✔ Use washable pet bedding.