Home remedies on how to get rid of fleas permanently.
Fleas are tiny insects that can only stay alive by sucking blood from animals or humans. Their bites cause itching, discomfort, and irritation caused by their bites. Fleas can transmit diseases to humans and animals, including tapeworms, plague, and cat scratch fever. In this article we will look at some top home remedies on how to get rid of fleas from your property and prevent them from coming back.
These pests are intricate and sometimes expensive to eliminate. Fleas are unusual among household pests in that they attack humans and animals. A hypersensitive animal may need veterinarian attention since the bites can cause severe itching and inflammation. Tapeworms and bacterial infections are two more diseases that fleas can spread. Adult fleas may reside on your dogs, but thousands of flea eggs, larvae, and pupae may be distributed throughout your home and yard.
Both dogs and cats frequently contract fleas as external parasites. Adults can consume up to 15 times their body weight daily in blood. Whether indoors or outside, adult fleas are the primary vectors of infestation in pets. Adults may readily grab a ride on the back of a passing dog or cat, or even a human’s shoes and trouser legs, thanks to their impressive vertical jumping capabilities of up to around 6 inches. Stray dogs, cats, or wildlife (particularly opossums and raccoons) strolling around the yard are other potential sources of fleas for pets. Contrary to common perception, Fleas rarely transfer from one animal to another via direct contact.
These eggs hatch into worm-like larvae that live in the dark, protective environments of carpet fibers, furniture cushions, and other hiding places. The adults’ eggs and excrement (dried blood) collect in areas where pets sleep or hang out, providing a food source for the developing larvae.
Flea larvae undergo a metamorphosis into pupae in a silken cocoon, developing into adult fleas. The pupa stage lasts for about a month. However, if conditions become unfavorable, such as when a flea-infested home becomes vacant, their emergence could be delayed. Even after treating the pet and the house, some fleas may remain since the cocoon is resistant to insecticides.
Types of Fleas.
The United States is home to over 300 of the world’s 2,500 flea species. However, only a tiny fraction of the world’s flea species pose a health risk to humans.
Cat Flea(Ctenocephalides Felis)
it is also responsible for transmitting flea-borne typhus and cat scratch disease (CSD) In the United States, the cat flea is the most prevalent on pets (including dogs) and other domestic animals. It’s Plague-carrying capacity is low compared to that of ground squirrels or rat fleas
Dog Flea (Ctenocephalides canis)
The dog flea is Linked to the California ground squirrel and the rock squirrel, both of which are known to aid in disseminating the plague bacteria to humans in the United States.
Ground Squirrel Flea (Oropsylla montana)
The ground squirrel flea, Oropsylla Montana, is a vector for the tapeworm Dipylidium caninum, most usually found in dogs and cats but can also infect people. A flea that lives on rats is notorious for spreading the deadly plague bacteria worldwide
Oriental Rat Flea (Xenopsylla cheopis)
Oriental The rat flea, Xenopsylla cheopis, is a vector for various diseases, including plague. Fleas found on rats are notorious for spreading the deadly plague germs worldwide.
However, the cat flea is by far the most prevalent of them. Despite their apparent similarities to the cat flea, dog fleas are uncommon in the Americas. The fleas that infest most canines really come from cats. In addition to being a nuisance, adult fleas can transmit tapeworms to humans and animals, cause secondary skin irritations, and, in severe circumstances, anemia.
Flea bites may feel like a painful prick, but the following irritation from the flea’s saliva differs from person to person. Scratching an itchy rash might spread bacteria and trigger secondary illnesses in those with a severe reaction. Some people are immune to the effects of repeated bites over weeks or months. Humans are most commonly bitten on the ankles and lower legs. A small, hard, red, slightly elevated (swollen), itchy patch encircled by a red halo is the normal reaction to the bite. Biting fleas tend to attack sleeping humans in lines or clusters of two or more. Fleas preferentially target a pet’s head, neck, and back for a blood meal. In severe cases, the fleas will be seen racing across the skin with little to no hair on the belly.
Fleas are known to spread bubonic plague from rodents to rodents and from rodents to people; however, this is highly uncommon in North America. Oriental rat fleas are known to spread Murine typhus (endemic typhus). To infect canine and feline hosts, tapeworms rely on fleas. Flea larvae can ingest tapeworm eggs; subsequently, the development of the eggs into a larva that encysts in the flea muscles, and finally, completion of the tapeworm’s life cycle in the intestine of a cat or dog. Tapeworm infection is uncommon in children, although it can happen if they eat infected fleas or flea bits.
How to tell if your cat or dog has fleas?
1. Scratching, Itching and Licking:
Like all parasites, Fleas require the blood of their host animal to survive, which in this case is your dog. The protein in flea saliva can trigger an allergic reaction in dogs, causing them to itch and scratch at the bite site. A dog might get anxious or upset after only one flea bite, leading to days of persistent scratching.
2. Red pimples or bumps:
Red bumps or pimples may form anywhere on your dog’s body, including the crotch, abdomen, between the legs, near the tail’s base, and rump. Scratching or rubbing these regions excessively can cause hair loss and dry skin. Infected, crusty sores caused by flea bites can worsen if left untreated.
3. Pale Gums:
An infestation of fleas can quickly irritate a pet, resulting in abnormally hostile behavior. While fighting off the fleas, your pet may exhibit some strange behavior.
4. Behavior change:
Pale gums are a sign of anemia, which a severe flea infestation can cause. When the fleas eat too many red blood cells from your pet’s blood, your pet will get anemia. Puppies are more susceptible to this than older dogs since they have less blood on hand.
Here are some of the Best home remedies for fleas
1. Baking Soda
Baking soda is an effective flea treatment at home. Fleas and insects around the house won’t stand a chance against this tried-and-true home cure. You should sprinkle the baking soda on the afflicted surfaces, such as furniture and carpets. The carpet’s fibers will no longer harbor the bug after using the substance. Use a stiff brush to work the powder further into the carpet or fabric, as this is where the fleas will hide. After applying the powder, vacuum the area to eradicate any remaining pests and dispose of the bag outside. Baking soda is all you need to effectively and cheaply eliminate fleas from your home.
2. Salt
The use of salt is another tried and true home cure for fleas. A Huntersville pest control company claims that, like with baking soda, a vacuum is required when employing salt to get rid of pests. Spread salt around in any areas you find fleas. The salt will dehydrate and kill them as soon as they come into contact with it. A vacuum cleaner might be helpful here for getting rid of the salt and dead fleas. You can apply it to carpets where fleas and their eggs are hiding.
3. Vacuuming
You can also use your vacuum cleaner if you want something other than what you already have at home. Pests like fleas might be challenging to eliminate, but a vacuum can get into places you wouldn’t usually look. This will allow you to maintain permanently flea-free carpets and furnishings. Vacuuming with some chemicals, such as salt or baking soda, can completely eradicate the bug.
4. Dishwashing Soap
Dish soap is another effective home cure for fleas alongside essential oils and powdered powders. Its primary function is to quickly and easily remove the pest. A generous amount of soap and enough hot water can make a nice lather. Put the trap where fleas are a problem. If fleas find the bait, the soap will stick to them, making it more difficult for them to flee. This allows you to eliminate the pests over time. For permanent success, you’ll need to do this regularly, and you’ll need to do it at night because they are nocturnal. But using dishwashing soap is dangerous because it can generate a fire hazard.
5. Essential Oils
Essential oils are one of many effective home treatments. You can use a combination of essential oils to keep fleas away from your home and pets. Citronella is an option for essential oils. Several insect-repellent solutions on the market rely on this oil for a good reason: they work. It has the added benefit of protecting your home against mosquitoes, another potentially harmful insect. Essential oils like eucalyptus, cedar, lavender, and peppermint are also effective against fleas. Make a spray out of these oils, but use carrier oil instead of water because the oils won’t dilute in water. Fill a spray bottle with these essential oils and a carrier oil like grapeseed oil. If you have a flea problem, spray the afflicted area or the insects.
6 Citrus Fruits
If you have oranges or lemons on hand, you can use them as a natural flea repellent. Successful insect control using citrus fruit essence. You can use the juice from these citrus fruits to produce a spray and then apply it liberally anywhere you see the bug. However, before you do that, you should ensure no cats are nearby, as some may have allergic reactions. Additionally, you may use it to spray contaminated household items, including chairs, tables, pet beds, and more.
7. Vinegar
Cleaning with vinegar is one option, but you can also eliminate fleas in your home. To make a repellant spray, mix equal parts vinegar and water. Both white vinegar and apple cider vinegar are efficient pesticides. When combined, essential oils like cedar and lavender can produce a potent remedy. To permanently eliminate fleas from your home and pets, use a vinegar solution to wipe down affected areas.
8. Diatomaceous Earth
You should only use non-toxic materials when creating flea home cures. One example is diatomaceous earth (DE). It’s a natural, non-toxic solution to your flea problem. Powdered fossilized algae make the food-grade variety entirely risk-free for ingest. Most pests with a waxy exoskeleton are vulnerable to diatomaceous earth because it can penetrate their defenses. DE penetrates the flea’s outer shell and enters its body, killing it from the inside. Insects that come into contact with the powder will gradually dry up and perish.
The home cure can eliminate adult fleas and their eggs from your premises. Removing the eggs effectively stops the pest from maturing into a more dangerous adult stage. You should only apply the powder to areas with an established flea population. Diatomaceous Earth is safe for pets. Thus, you can use it in pet bedding. To effectively eliminate fleas, you must reapply the powder after three days.
If you find that these at-home treatments aren’t working, consider hiring a flea exterminator near you
Ways to Prevent a flea infestation
Knowing how to prevent a flea infestation is preferable to eliminating one after it has already taken hold. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer these two easy guidelines:
- Sweeping or vacuuming well and often : Remember to vacuum the cushions of your couches and chairs. When finished, take the vacuum outdoors to empty the bag.
- You should regularly use soap and water to clean your bedding, especially if you have pets.