Other flea management options
Vacuuming on a regular basis will keep developing flea populations low. Flea larvae are likely to escape capture in carpet because they coil themselves around the fibers. Vibrations caused by vacuuming will stimulate new adult fleas to emerge from their cocoons. These new adults will then be captured in the next vacuuming.
Dust in the vacuum bag will kill most fleas by blocking their breathing apparatus, but to be sure, vacuum up a tablespoon of cornstarch.
Dispose of the used vacuum bag immediately, otherwise they will come right back out again. Badly infested areas should be vacuumed every day. Wash any removable floor coverings, such as rugs. There are also flea powders designed to help kill or to act as birth control, for fleas.
Severe infestations may require the services of a commercial steam-cleaning firm. This process kills adult and larval fleas and probably some eggs as well. Any remaining eggs will hatch a day or two after the cleaning. Continue vacuuming to remove these last few fleas.
Comb pets in infested rooms with a flea comb, dropping the fleas and eggs into soapy water. Wash pets’ bedding regularly. Ultrasonic flea collars are completely ineffective. The regualr kind of flea colar should help keep them off, but they can be toxic around the home and tend to bed less effective if they get wet.
Trained animal-control technicians can remove wild animals around your home with traps. Ask your county Cooperative Extension Service agent for a recommendation. Repairs can then be made to the building to exclude animals from attics and crawl spaces where racoons, possums and so forth might be getting in and allowing fleas to come in with them as well.
Flea and tick season are upon us, so beware the summer and early autumn months in particular with regard to fleas. Flea and tick protection monthly using a spot treatment on your pet like frontline for dogs and cats, especially if you have an outdoor cat, is an idea way to protect yourself and your pet from irritating and potentially dangerous flea infestation.
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