Living with pets is amazing 99.9% of the time. But like everything in life, there are always some less than pleasant things to deal with. No pet parent is able to escape some of the less fun things. Recently, I was asked by a friend for some insight - and realized that I should actually include those insights right here on my blog!
One of my friends texted to say they have discovered fleas in their house. They have several cats - including kittens. Fleas are not a fun thing to deal with. It's truly a pain and a lot of work. Fortunately, we have only had the flea issue once or twice. Both times after we bought our house - an old farm house with an unfinished basement, 2 stories, and an attic. Early on, we let the cats have full access to the entire house. So the first time we got hit with fleas - it was a true infestation. Just shy of a dozen cats at the time - it was a headache.
So, if you've been struck with fleas - hunker down for a bunch of work. Generally, people rush for the high chemical type stuff to take care of pest problems, which works, but isn't always a great idea in a pet-friendly house. Treating for fleas is no different. Lots of research, trial and error, frustrations, and major time investments in cleaning - I have some pretty good tips to get you through a flea situation.
First up - Laundry by the ton. This may be easier to do at a laundromat versus at home. We are fortunate enough to have a washer/dryer that can handle larger items. Wash EVERYTHING - toys, blankets, pillows, pet beds, this includes your bedding if they sleep in bed with you. Wash, dry (in the dryer), and repeat until your fleas are gone. You might consider washing and then storing those items outside of the house; otherwise, wash them daily.
Second - Vacuum every day, all floor surfaces. It's important to vacuum daily with fleas - this ensures that you are keeping your house flea-free as you wash everything and go about killing any live fleas and their eggs. The most important thing to remember here - empty your vacuum OUTSIDE into a trash bag and tie it up, toss it immediately into your outdoor trash can. While you're busy vacuuming, you'll also want to use a household flea/tick treatment. Raid does have a good flea/tick bomb - but the pets can't be in the house for a few hours. If you have the ability to get all your pets out, this is a great treatment option. If not - go the natural route - takes a little longer and more work. Diatomaceous earth is pet-friendly, sprinkle it on your floors and vacuum it up. Sprinkle the perimeter of your basement (inside) with it - and leave it. We also used Natural Care Flea & Tick Home Spray (you can get it from Walmart) this is a pet-friendly spray that I would spray everywhere multiple times a day.
Of course, you should start a flea/tick treatment immediately. Our experience has been that the "over-the-counter" flea/tick meds don't work as well - specifically the Hartz one. We ended up getting Revolution for our cats; it's by prescription only but really and truly works. Peppermint was allergic to flea dander and fleas, and that was the one that worked best for her. Start a treatment and keep up with it for a few months until you're all clear of fleas. Flea treatment should be applied in the middle of the cat's back just below their ears - it's the one spot they truly cannot lick. You can also sprinkle Diatomaceous earth on your pets and brush it out. We never really did that, as we opted to flea comb with warm water and Dawn dish soap, which does actually kill the fleas as well.
Til our tails cross,
Mel
Comments