Humans and their pets are in a constant war with a tiny parasite that can make life miserable for dogs and cats with a single bite. Although there are sprays, bombs and medications to repel fleas, some pet guardians prefer to stay away from chemicals and drugs--fighting the war with more natural weapons.
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Flea Comb
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Grooming and bathing can cause fleas to retreat for the short-term, but it will not win the war.
Your first weapon in fighting fleas naturally is the old-fashioned flea comb. The flea comb has fine teeth that will capture fleas as you comb it through your pet's fur. Depending upon how bad your infestation is, you should comb your pet a couple times a week to a couple times a day. Concentrate your efforts on the lower back, belly and the back of the pet's neck. Drop the fleas into a bowl of soapy water to drown them.
Bathing
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If your pet is heavily infested, begin by bathing the pet. Use a quality, non-medicated natural pet shampoo, or make your own using glycerin, vinegar and liquid soap. Leave a thick lather on the pet for 10 to 15 minutes to drown the fleas. Use care with puppies and kittens so that they do not become chilled or overheated. Because bathing dries out the pet's skin, don't bathe dogs or cats more than once per week.
Sprays/Powders
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There are several flea sprays and powders on the market that are made of natural ingredients. Most use essential oils to repeal fleas and/or diatomaceous earth, which plugs the pores through which fleas breath. Powders often leave the pet's coat feeling gritty, and essential oils evaporate quickly, requiring frequent reapplications.
House
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Treating pets alone will not end a flea infestation. You must also treat the environment in which your pet lives.
Another major weapon in your war against fleas is your vacuum cleaner. Frequently vacuuming not only eliminates adult fleas, it also removes flea eggs and larvae. Put a mothball in the vacuum bag to kill the fleas once they're removed. Or remove the vacuum bag, seal it in a plastic bag and put it in the freezer overnight.
You should also wash your pets' bedding frequently, at least once a week during flea season. Use hot water and mild detergent or vinegar.
Yard
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A natural way to control fleas outdoors is with nematodes--microscopic bugs that hunt and destroy flea larvae and cocoons. The bugs are applied once every four weeks to the area you want to rid of fleas.
It's important to keep grass cut short and rake leaves where eggs, larvae and pupae can live. Flood areas of the yard with your garden hose that are frequented by your pets. This can drown adult fleas and kill larvae, pupae and eggs.
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