Control Fleas

Before flea season kicks into high gear, there are a few things that you can do to prepare and prevent a flea problem. Fleas multiply quickly, so keeping your home extra clean is your first line of defense. This will remove larvae and reduce the number of fleas in your home, by breaking the life cycle.

Steam your carpets just prior to flea season. Repeat this several times throughout flea season. Steam cleaning will kill any fleas or larvae embedded in your carpets.

During flea season vacuum your carpets at least once a week to pick up any larvae or stray fleas that have gotten in your home. Pay special attention to areas in which your pet sleeps or inhabits frequently. Make certain to get the corners of the room with your vacuum attachments and you should also vacuum on and underneath your furniture. If you are currently dealing with a flea infestation you should dispose of the vacuum bag outside immediately after vacuuming. If you are not currently dealing with a flea problem, you may want to put a flea collar or powder in the bag to kill off anything that happens to end up in the bag.

Your pets bedding is a prime location for fleas to start up a colony, so keeping it clean is another line of defense. Wash your pets bedding in hot water weekly and dry it in the dryer on a high heat setting. Buying bedding that has removable covers and that is easily laundered is best.

Keeping your lawn mowed is another way to actively reduce flea infestations. The heat from the sun kills the larvae and grass that is cut short allows that process to happen more quickly than if your grass is over grown. Watering your lawn also helps to drown out larvae and fleas. Naturally, the less fleas that you have in your yard, the lower the risk of an infestation in your home.

Grooming is another important part of flea control. Regular bathing helps remove and drown out fleas and larvae that have invaded your pets coat. Try using a natural flea control shampoo and bath your pet more frequently. Additionally, use a flea comb regularly to pick off anything that has gotten on your pet in between bathing. You can use a flea comb daily during flea season if necessary.

Many people have had luck preventing fleas with certain supplements. There are conflicting opinions scientifically on whether or not supplements work, but the people who use them sing there praises. Brewer's Yeast and Garlic are particularly helpful supplements to try for flea control. Most pet stores sell a combined tablet of the two substances and you can give this to your pet daily. If you plan on adding this supplement to your pets diet, your should consult your veterinarian. Starting these supplements before flea season is wise, so that they build up in your pet before flea exposure.

Naturally controlling fleas is always best if it is effective. Often, depending on where you live, natural flea prevention isn't possible. Many pet stores also sell other methods of natural flea control, like herbal flea collars and repellants. However, if natural methods of flea control fail consult your veterinarian to determine the safest alternative form of flea control for your pet.