The Cheapest & Easiest Way to Kill Fleas

Fleas are a source of frustration and irritation to both pets and their owners. While fleas don't often spread diseases to humans these days, they can spread diseases and nasty parasites to pets. Their bites cause itchy red bumps, and can aggravate skin conditions in animals. Most flea infestations occur during the summer, because the fleas breed outdoors and hitch a ride on pets and humans. They can persist indoors indefinitely, as long as there are hosts to feed on.

Things You'll Need

  • Oral or topical flea control
  • Vacuum cleaner
  • Washing machine
  • Clothes dryer
  • Laundry detergent
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Instructions

    • 1

      Treat the pet with a topical or oral flea treatment. These forms of flea control are easy to apply. Oral flea control comes in a tablet or pill form. Some forms are flavored and can be given as a treat. Topical flea control formulas are a liquid that comes in a small tube. The contents of the tube are squirted onto the skin on the back of the animal's neck.

    • 2

      Remove fleas in the environment by vacuuming them up using a vacuum cleaner. Vacuums can remove eggs, larvae, pupae and adult fleas. The vibrations and heat that a vacuum cleaner emits cause adult fleas to emerge from their pupa casings. They hop toward the vacuum, where they are sucked up into the bag or dirt cup. Use the vacuum's crevice tool to get into tight spaces, such as around furniture and in corners.

    • 3

      Spread diatomaceous earth around before and after you vacuum. Diatomaceous earth is dust from a form of natural silica. It kills adult fleas and larvae by working its way into their exoskeleton. The sharp microscopic edges of the dust penetrate the waxy coating on the outside of the insects, which causes them to lose moisture and die.

    • 4

      Wash the pet's bedding in hot, soapy water. It may be necessary to clean the bedding every other day. Bedding can house fleas at all stages of their life. Wash clothes that have been lying on the floor, and sheets if you allow your pets to sleep with you or are getting flea bites all over your body. Fleas can't survive the washing machine and dryer.