Spring and summer weather bring a number of exciting outdoor opportunities for pets, but can also produce a dangerous and irritating consequence: fleas. During hot summer weather, a flea can go from a pupa to a full adult that is laying more eggs in only two weeks. This fast production rate can mean that your home and yard can be infested in no time. If you are looking for a safe, non-toxic way to kill fleas, use a variety of heat-based cleaning resolutions, since heat will kill a flea at all stages of its life, from egg to adult.
Things You'll Need
- Vacuum cleaner
- Steam cleaner
- Washer and dryer
- Flea comb
- Cup
- Water
- Soap
- Flea-control shampoo
- Black plastic
Instructions
Vacuum your home and clean your floors and furniture at least once per week to remove fleas, eggs and larvae. Concentrate on the areas where your pet sleeps.
Steam clean your carpet once or twice per flea-fighting season. Water in steam cleaners can reach more than 130 degrees Fahrenheit; the hot water application will kill fleas and their eggs.
Wash your pet's bedding, blankets, toys and other washable items in hot, soapy water at least once per week. Dry bedding in a machine dryer set to its highest heat setting safe for the fabric.
Comb your pet with a flea comb to catch bugs and their eggs and larvae. After each stroke, dunk the comb into a cup of hot, soapy water to kill the fleas and eggs that come off your pet so that they cannot jump to another area. Flush the water down the toilet when finished to instantly remove it from your home.
Bathe your pet in hot water and flea-control shampoo to kill fleas and prevent them from returning to your pet. Be sure that the water is not so hot that it will harm your pet.
Sterilize bare areas in your yard where your pet likes to lie. Rake away any debris from the area and cover it with thick, black plastic. Leave the plastic in place for at least one full hot and sunny day. The heat building up under sheet will kill the fleas.