How to Kill Ticks & Fleas

Treat carpet and upholstery surfaces in the home using a canister of table salt. The properties in salt dry out flea and tick eggs that have been laid in the carpeting, upholstery and other soft surfaces. Allow the salt to remain in the carpet until the remaining steps in the process have been carried out.

Treat pets in the home using a topical flea and tick preventative medicine. Advantage and Frontline are two examples of flea and tick preventatives that are applied on a monthly basis for dogs and cats. Both products require approximately 24 hours before fleas and ticks on the body begin to die, and up to a week to be fully effective. These medicines can be obtained at most pet stores or from your veterinarian.

Treat outdoor spaces where fleas and ticks are likely to inhabit. This will prevent them from being brought indoors. Fleas prefer shady areas where moisture is close by, and ticks prefer long grass and shrubs, where they can easily find hosts to feed on. Commercial flea and tick products are available for use on plants without harming the plant or pets.

Treat indoor spaces where fleas and ticks are likely to inhabit. Do this before they are given a chance to lay eggs in the home. Fleas tend to prefer rugs, window areas, under furniture, sofa and chair cushions, and places where animals are likely to sleep. These areas should be treated with a flea preventative spray, and when possible, washed thoroughly.

Vacuum up the table salt that was put down on the carpet and the upholstery during the first step. This step should only be completed once all other areas of the home, the yard and the pets have been properly treated for fleas and ticks. The month-long flea and tick preventative on cats and dogs in the home or yard will work to prevent further flea infestations, but removing dead fleas and flea eggs from the home is also important. Empty the vacuum immediately and dispose of fleas and eggs in an airtight bag.