How Are Fleas Treated?
WouterIf you want to control fleas, you must treat both your pets and the environment. Flea treatments kill adult fleas as well as eggs, pupae and larvae. Depending on environmental factors, fleas may spend anywhere from two weeks to a year on your home. They are attracted to your pets, your clothing, your carpeting, and your furniture, so treating both your pets and the environment is important.
To treat your house, you can use insecticides, which kill adult fleas. These products are made for dogs and cats, and are safer for cats than for dogs. When treating your home, make sure to treat all areas, including carpet pile and gaps between floorboards. Treating your pets’ bedding and other soft furnishings will also kill any immature flea stages. You may need to repeat treatments to completely eliminate fleas from your home.
Identifying fleas in your pets is easy – look for tiny dark spots on your pet’s skin. These fleas will cluster in areas where your pets spend the most time. Try to find a location with low traffic, as fleas prefer areas with low footfall.
Once you have determined whether you have a flea infestation, it’s time to start applying the treatment. Ensure that the treatment covers all likely areas where fleas can develop, including carpets, throw rugs, and furniture. Using a vacuum can also help to kill flea larvae. Vacuuming your carpets and furnishings at least once a week is recommended. You may also need to use sprays on your yard and house to treat bad infestations.
