Measuring at 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch in size, it is hard to believe they can cause so much problems to both you and your beloved pet! They can be hard to control because fleas go through four stages of a life cycle.
If you have an infestation, only about 5% will be adult fleas and the rest will be eggs, the larva stage and the pupa stage.
You have to be consistent when battling these blood-sucking parasites! Be prepared for it take between 2 weeks to 1 month of battle.
Take a look at some of the methods listed below that you can try at home before possibly contacting professional help.
1.
Sometimes it may seem like your pet has fleas but the real culprit, dry skin.
Dry skin can cause your pet to scratch and pull hair out so it is imperative that you thoroughly check whether it is fleas or dry skin.
If you do not already have one, you should purchase a flea comb.
As you run the comb through your pet's hair, if there are any fleas or flea feces, this comb will collect them due to its fine combs.
If you see tiny black specs, place those specs on a wet paper towel and if they turn reddish in color upon getting wet, you have identified flea dirt.
2.
If you detect fleas, the first thing you need to do immediately is either wash your pet's bedding and any of your bedding your pet may lie on or you could just throw out your pet's bedding away.
3.
You can purchase an electric flea trap which is a sticky pad with a light attached.
I have heard of people using this type of trap for a home they may not frequent as much like a vacation home.
These kits usually come with a few replaceable sticky pads and the pads can last anywhere between 3 to 6 months.
4.
If you prefer, you can make your own flea trap just by using a pan, water and Dawn dish soap.
Place a shallow tin pan on the floor underneath a night light filled with water and approximately 1 tablespoon of dish soap.
Fleas are attracted to the light and basically jump into the water, drown and die.
5.
Here is a funny tip...
vacuum! I know that you vacuum, but lots of vacuuming especially in the most common areas your pet lays is essential.
Your vacuuming efforts will pull the eggs and larvae out of the floor and carpet and any eggs that do not get sucked up will probably start to hatch.
It is extremely important that you vacuum just about every day and be mindful as to discarding the vacuum bag as fleas will not die inside the bag (unless you cut-up a flea collar and place some pieces inside).
Remove the bag from your home because you do not want any fleas escaping the bag and then right back into your home.
6.
If you sprinkle salt on your carpet, it will kill the fleas! Figure out all the areas your pet likes to rest, and apply the salt.
After about a week, go ahead and vacuum.