Having a pet can increase the risk of having a flea infestation at home, and that’s not a pleasant thing to encounter. Owners should continually check and maintain a pest-free home.
How can you fully eradicate fleas in your home? First, you can immediately hire a pest control company, but that would be an expensive solution. Second, you can control the situation using a flea product for cat.
This article helps you address and get rid of fleas at home.
Start with your pet by using a flea comb
Before checking your pet, make sure you have a flea comb at hand because fleas always move away from an exposed area which makes it harder to know if the pet has fleas. Pet shops sell special flea combs that make it easier and more convenient for owners. Here’s a guide you can follow:
- Prepare a bowl and mix soap and water. This mixture is for killing the fleas if they’re present in the pet’s fur.
- Get the flea comb and start brushing on the head area of your pet. Make sure you do quick back and forth movements.
- Do the same for other parts such as near the ears, the body, the tail area, and the legs.
- Immediately dip the comb in the soapy solution to avoid detachment of the fleas and at the same time, kill the pests.
- Get a towel and dry the comb. Redo the steps if needed.
While combing, entertain your pet by giving them a toy or try giving them treats. This tactic is to distract them and keep them from being agitated.
Don’t exclude yourself
Owners can also be a cause for flea infestations, especially if the pets rarely or never go out of the house. Fleas can jump on your shoes, slippers, pants, or bags while you’re out of the house. So, make sure to immediately wash your clothes and bags in soapy water once you get home if you highly suspect there are fleas in your home.
Make a natural lemon spray
Lemon is a widespread pest killer in most households because of its acidic nature. Not only does it get rid of fleas, but it also effectively kills bacteria. There is no need to mix other ingredients or chemicals because it may cause redness on your pet’s skin. Also, you may spray onto different house areas, near the door, on the rug, or small crevices the fleas can go into and lay eggs.
- Start by getting fresh lemons and slice them.
- Boil the lemons and let it simmer for a few minutes.
- Drain and transfer the lemon water in a spray bottle.
- Spray onto your cat’s fur and observe for any redness or inflammation.
- Spray every other day until the fleas are completely gone.
However, if your cat is uncomfortable with being sprayed by water (just like most cats), get a bowl and place the lemon water there. Brush through the cat’s fur and immediately dip the comb in the liquid. If your pet has a bed of its own, add one cup of lemon to the soap solution to further kill remaining ticks.
Place flea repellent plants inside the house
Although there are a lot of flea-repelling plants, some are toxic to dogs and cats such as Pennyroyal (a.k.a Fleabane), Fleawort, Citronella, Sweet Bay, Wormwood, Eucalyptus, and Tansy. Some pets tend to munch or bite leaves, which is why you should place plants in areas that won’t affect or harm them. Here are safe and effective flea repellent plants:
- Catnip
- Sage
- Mint
- Rosemary
- Lemongrass
Make a lavender & chamomile solution
Just like the lemon spray, you can use lavender and chamomile on both your pet and parts of the house. A bonus is that this solution is naturally gentle on the skin, lessening the chances of having any redness or inflammation on the cat’s skin. Start by boiling lavender or chamomile and apply it onto your pet’s fur, and repeat as needed. You can combine both or you can make individual liquid repellents.
Use any form of cedar
Cedar has an overpowering aromatic smell that effectively drives away ticks. Essential oils are available in mall stores or online, but make sure to choose the non-toxic kind and put a few drops on your cat’s collar. You may also put cedar oil on the cat’s bedding. Another option is to place cedar chips in places that are prone to flea infestation.
Sprinkle salt on the carpet
Salt is a known dehydrating agent, and it dramatically affects adult ticks more than the eggs. The adult ticks lose water content in their bodies and dry up, effectively killing them. Sprinkle the salt on the carpet and leave it for one to two days. Make sure that the salt is finely ground, close to powder. After one to two days, vacuum the carpet.