Fleas pose one of the most significant health challenges among human beings. Similarly, it is not uncommon to find your loving pet cats and dogs infested by fleas. This dilemma can lead to several health problems. Having said that. It is paramount that individuals gain a comprehensive understanding of the most effective home remedies for fleas in a home.
Home Remedies for Fleas
The problems associated with fleas make home remedies a matter of urgent concern. Prevention (flea deterrence) may not necessarily be a sustainable solution.
Instead, one of the most dependable solutions is killing the fleas. The University of California Pest Management Program notes that new, safer, and more effective products have profoundly impacted flea management.
Home Remedies for Fleas on Humans
Home remedies for fleas on humans can prove difficult but not impossible. Jamie Simpson, an Indianapolis based researcher, and journalist says that home remedies for fleas on humans should also involve treating the environment.
Carpets are a significant breeding ground for fleas; therefore, carpets and rugs need spraying with insect growth regulators, preventing young larvae from developing into mature adults. One should also carefully vacuum the carpet.
Natural methods of treating fleas among humans include the use of lemon juice, lavender oil, aloe vera, and washing with soap and water.
In particular, home remedies for fleas in the yard mainly involves controlling the movement of the infectious pests.
Fleas on Dogs
One of the causes of a dog’s irritation and discomfort is the presence of fleas. Home remedies to kill fleas on dogs come in two groups, natural and artificial.
There are several ways you can eradicate fleas on dogs. First, a combination of boric acid and a vacuum goes a long way in getting rid of the fleas in dogs.
In this regard, apply the boric acid to all areas that came in contact with your dogs. Also, you can use this method on the carpet, furniture, and hard flooring.
Second, carry out a rosemary flea dip on your dog. Afterward, do not rinse; let him dry naturally.
Third, cedar oil has anti-bacterial properties and pesticide effects. In connection to this, a cedar dog bed is essential in repelling fleas.
Lastly, spraying your dog with lemon spray is another natural remedy for getting rid of fleas. Other home remedies for fleas on dogs include a flea collar, flea deterring drink, and the use of a flea comb.
Claire Goodall, a nature enthusiast, adds that a flea (be-gone) bag can help in repelling fleas.
The Natural Resources Defense Council notes that the artificial home remedy for fleas primarily involves the use of pests and flea formulation.
Similarly, the Pesticide Research Institute says that low toxicity pesticide is safe and effective in interrupting the flea life cycle.
Concerning the use of chemicals to treat fleas among human beings, one can apply the topical or systemic antipruritic treatment. If one is allergic to insect bites, the use of oral Benadryl can reduce itching and swelling.
Fleas on Cats
Cats, just like other pets, are not immune to a flea infestation. Repelling fleas among the cats is more complicated than it is among the dogs. The reason is that cats are sensitive to essential oils, and they lick themselves a lot.
Nevertheless, there are plenty of solutions to fleas on cats. It is essential that an individual clearly understood the most effective home remedies for fleas on cats.
To start with, a mixture of water and white vinegar has a significant bearing in getting rid of fleas on cats. At first, your cat may not allow you to spray him.
However, it realizes in time that the spray does no harm and adapts to it. The mixture should be spread around the house and on the cat’s bedding.
Second, apply hydrogen peroxide to the cat’s fur to get rid of the pests.
Third, treating the cat’s skin and fur with lemon juice will see the fleas starting to disappear. This treatment should be repeated every week for several weeks until all the fleas are gone.
Lastly, several spices contain natural properties for getting rid of fleas. These include oregano oil and cumin.
Several synthetic pest-control products can help in getting rid of fleas on cats. These include powders, collars, and sprays.
However, one should always read the instructions contained in the label and consequently follow the instructions carefully. In addition to that, following the correct dosage is essential.
Safety Measures
Medline Plus says that children should not be at home during flea home remedy treatments. Similarly, when spraying and dispersing chemicals in the environment, one should take concrete measures to ensure that the birds and fish are protected.
Jennifer Kvamme advises that if you are in a household where dogs and cats stay together, getting the same treatment for both dogs and cats is not a prudent idea.
The reason for this is because dogs and cats do not have the same physiology. Consequently, what may work for the dog may not necessarily work for the cat and vice versa. Some canine formulations of flea prevention may be lethal to cats.
It should be noted that chemical flea treatment carries the risk of a toxic reaction. In addition to that, fleas can cause an allergic reaction among some pets and humans, a condition known as allergy dermatitis.
Professional Home Remedies for Fleas
Getting rid of fleas can be a challenging task and may require many attempts. Sometimes, your efforts on home remedies may not work after all.
In such a case, the most feasible thing to do is to seek the services of pest control professionals.
One of the most significant advantages of seeking professional flea control services is that experts can identify the vulnerable areas and offer a permanent and sustainable flea control solution.
Conclusion
Fleas are obnoxious and persistent pests. If left untreated, they can cause several health problems such as anemia.
Another cause of concern is the distress that the pests can cause on both human beings and pets. In extreme cases, fleas can cause the death of your pet.
It is, therefore, crucial that households lay concrete measures aimed at keeping the pests at bay. Overall, getting rid of fleas is indispensable in ensuring the health of human beings and pets.
