Fleas: their types and how to eradicate them effectively at home?
Fleas are one of the most common pests that inhabit homes. They make a warm and comfortable home by jumping off the fur of animals, but this is far from their only route of entry.
Fleas can also feed on human blood, spreading allergies, diseases that are dangerous to humans and parasite eggs. Flea bites are also very unpleasant, as they cause a lump to form at the site of the sting, reddening of the skin, itching, and sometimes a red circle around the bite site. It is therefore necessary to eradicate these pests. Let’s discuss the types of fleas and the methods of exterminating fleas at home.
Table of contents
Flea types
- The human flea. They are black or blackish-brown, 1-4 mm long, and have a beetle that pierces the skin and sucks blood. When satiated, females lay up to 4-8 eggs. Human fleas can carry diseases and bacteria, including the plague-causing Yersinia pestis.
- Dog flea. They are brownish-black in colour and look reddish-black when they suck blood. The flea has a body length of 1-4 mm and can jump up to 15 cm. Dog fleas have spines on their body that help them to stay on the animal’s fur. Dog fleas feed not only on the blood of dogs, but also on the blood of cats and sometimes humans. The dog flea can carry the eggs of the flatworm of dogs.
- Cat flea. These are slightly smaller, up to 2-3 mm long, with flatter sides than other fleas. Cat fleas breed and mature in cat beds. This flea species can also bite humans, but feeding on human blood interrupts their life cycle.
- Bird flea. They are brownish (yellowish) in colour and can have a larger body than other flea species, up to 8 mm. Poultry fleas usually live in bird nests, poultry houses, incubators where birds are hatched; conditions are not favourable for breeding at home.
And what is the life cycle of fleas?
Adult fleas lay eggs that are not attached to the fur and can spread throughout the house. The eggs hatch into small larvae that are hardly visible to the naked eye. They live on floors, furniture and pet beds. Finally, a cocoon is spun and the adult flea is born. The adult flea lives for about 3 weeks.
How do I control fleas at home if I have pets?
First of all, we will treat the animals if we spot fleas. However, remember that flea eggs can be found all over the house, not just on their fur.
Consult a veterinarian
Ask your doctor how he recommends dealing with your pet’s fleas. A product that works on fleas in all stages, from egg to adult, and is adapted to our climate should be available. Very importantly, all pets need to be treated: dogs, cats, rabbits and ferrets.
Use special combs
This may seem like an old-fashioned way to control fleas, but combing through the animal’s fur with a comb with extra-dense teeth is a great way to remove most of the pests. Be sure to brush your pet outdoors (you don’t want fleas and flea eggs to spread further around the house), focusing on the neck and tail area. Place a bowl of warm, soapy water nearby so that you can rinse the comb over and over.
Bathe your pet using a special flea shampoo
Finally, to “consolidate” the course of treatment, feed the animal. Rub its coat with a special flea shampoo: you can get it from veterinary pharmacies.
Fleas in the house – how to get rid of them? Cleanliness and hygiene are key
Use a vacuum cleaner frequently
If you rarely vacuum your house, a flea infestation should encourage you to change this habit. Regular vacuuming of rooms, carpets, cracks in wooden floors and upholstered furniture will significantly reduce the number of fleas and their eggs. Vacuum especially thoroughly the areas where your pet or you spend most of your time – sleeping and eating.
Empty and clean the vacuum cleaner bag immediately after vacuuming to prevent bloodsuckers from getting back into the house.
Clean your home with hot steam
If the flea infestation is high, clean floors, carpets and furniture with hot steam. The heat will kill the fleas themselves, but bear in mind that flea eggs can survive, so repeat the process at least a couple more times.
Wash bedding and animal beds in hot water
Hot water, at least 50-60 °C, helps kill fleas, so wash your dog or cat’s bed at least once a month. If your pets sleep in your bed or with your children, be sure to wash the bedding for the whole family more often.
Folk tips against fleas
It is important to know that folk remedies work as a preventive measure or help when there are only one or two fleas in the house.
- If normal vacuuming is not enough, you can sprinkle the carpets, the pet’s bed or the mat generously with salt or baking soda. Both salt and baking soda encourage fleas to dry out. After a day, vacuum up the salt and baking soda with a vacuum cleaner. You can also use the salt and baking soda solution to wash floors and all other surfaces in the house.
- Fleas don’t like the smell of citrus fruits, wormwood, eucalyptus, so you can add dried plant and fruit peels everywhere.
- Also, fleas don’t like kerosene and ammonia, so they can be added to the water when you wash the floors.
- Essential oils with a pungent smell can be used as a complementary remedy: they can be added to spray surfaces and animal beds.
- Important: make sure your home flea treatment is safe for people and animals.
What do I spray my house with for fleas?
Eradication of fleas with vinegar
Internet users often search for information on whether flea control with vinegar is effective. However, vinegar works more as a preventive measure against fleas: a mixture of vinegar and water can be sprayed on flea infestations.
Generally speaking, flea control with vinegar and baking soda and salt is too mild, and you probably won’t be able to get rid of fleas with these home remedies alone.
Flea control at home with special insecticides
It is very effective to use special insecticides to control fleas. It is advisable to spray flea migration routes, hard-to-reach places (such as floor cracks), animal beds or even their fur.
However, bear in mind that not all products can be sprayed on the animal’s fur, which can be poisoned if the insecticide is spilled on it. Always wear a respirator when using insecticides and ventilate the area well. Make sure you read the instructions on how to use the flea treatment before you buy it or after you have bought it.
And if you can’t eradicate fleas on your own, don’t bother and leave it to the professionals. Flea extermination will be done quickly, efficiently and, most importantly, in a way that is safe for you and your pets.
