8 effective ways to get rid of fleas
Are you looking for simple and effective ways to get rid of fleas in the house? Most flea infestations stem from pets, but irritating pests can bite both you and your animals. If your furry friend has fleas, it's likely your home, garden and furniture will be targeted next.
As well as ensuring you comb your dogs and cats with a flea comb regularly, there are plenty of natural ways to help avoid a nasty infestation. Some of the best ways to get rid of fleas at home include cleaning bedding, vacuuming regularly, and wiping down floors and skirting boards to help destroy fleas at each stage of their lifecycle.
What do fleas look like?
Fleas are a reddish-brown colour, incredibly thin and have big back legs. They're around an eighth of an inch long, but it's unlikely you'll be able to see them clearly without a microscope.
Adult fleas live on the fur of animals where they will lay their eggs. The average life cycle of a flea is around 100 days, however, they can live indoors for up to a year if the conditions are favourable to them.
They go through four life stages:
Egg
Larva
Pupa
Adult
How do dogs get fleas?
Dogs can get fleas in many ways, but the most common way is from one animal to another. Our furry friends are always socialising, so fleas can easily jump from fur to fur. As well as this, dogs can also catch fleas from grass outside.
How do I know if my dog has fleas?
Fleas and ticks are external parasites that can cause extreme discomfort and serious illness in pets. If your dog has fleas, you may notice them itching, scratching or chewing at themselves. This could lead to hair loss or red irritated skin.
Need some additional advice? Take a look at some of the effective ways you can get rid of them in your home:
1. Use baking soda
A surefire way to remove any fleas harbouring in the fibres of your carpet is to sprinkle some baking soda down, give it a scrub and then vacuum it up. Likewise, regularly vacuuming your carpet will also help to keep the pests at bay. Pay close attention to the areas where pets sleep, too. Fleas can transmit diseases to humans, so it's vital you've given everywhere a thorough clean.
Read our guide on the tell-tale signs your pet has fleas for more information.
2. Sprinkle salt
Much like baking soda, salt works in a similar way. According to Rentokil, if you sprinkle some salt on your carpet, leave for two days and then vacuum up, it will help to get rid of fleas quickly. How does it work? The salt acts as a dehydration agent, which will quickly and naturally get rid of fleas without the use of chemicals.
3. Lemon spray
Thanks to its acidic juice, lemons are also a brilliant all-natural way to remove the presence of fleas in the home. To make your own remedy, simply follow the steps below:
1. Cut a thin slice of lemon and place it in a pan over the hob. Add boiling water and let sit overnight.
2. The following morning, decant the lemon-infused liquid into a pour into a spray bottle.
3. Spritz onto any flea-infested areas, such as carpets, sofas, pet beds or chairs. Remember to only light spray and do check against fabrics beforehand. The strong scent will kill the fleas and leave your home smelling fresh.
4. Wash all bedding in hot, soapy water
For mild infestations, wash your bed sheets in hot soapy water. The soap will kill fleas, while also destroying their eggs and larvae. Consider vacuuming your mattress as well. Don't forget to do the same to your pet's bed.
5. Use rosemary
Fleas repel rosemary's strong pungent smell, so this technique also works wonders if your dog has fleas. In order for it to work, all you need to do is boil some rosemary in a pan with water and leave it to cool down overnight. Then, drain the liquid into a spray bottle (make sure you separate the sprigs so none fall in). The next time you wash your dog, spray some of the natural solution onto its fur and it will keep the fleas away.
6. Hire a steam cleaner
Steam cleaning your carpets, furniture and pet beds is a brilliant idea if you have a flea infestation. Thanks to the combination of high heat and soap, the fleas will be gone in no time.
7. Use a powerful vacuum
While steam cleaning can be incredibly effective, using a powerful vacuum often will also help keep your home free from flees. Some of the areas to pay close attention to include floors, upholstery, mattresses, and those hard-to-reach corners. Once you have finished vacuuming, remember to empty the bag or filter immediately.
8. Use a pet-safe flea spray
If your pet has fleas, why not consider using an all-natural flea treatment spray? Simply spray on the required area, re-applying every third day for nine days until they have gone. This will also help to minimise the presence of fleas in your home, too.
"Dogs with fleas will scratch, bite and lick themselves to relieve the itching. Dogs that are allergic to fleas will suffer from crusty rashes and hair loss," say Everypaw Pet Insurance.
"To prevent flea infestations you will need to regularly treat your dog and home. There are tablets, powders, sprays, spot-ons and shampoos available to kill adult and immature fleas. You will need to wash your dog’s bedding and hoover flooring to get rid of eggs."
Remember: If your flea infestation feels out of hand, it's always best to seek expert advice from your vet on getting proper treatment for your pets.
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