Yuma Pest Blog
Fleas can be a nuisance to any kind of pet. They can also be bothersome if they happen to get on your furniture, which is likely if your pets stay inside most of the time. Fortunately, there are a few ways that you can keep fleas off your pet without using invasive techniques that include monthly or quarterly vaccinations.
The first thing that you should do to determine how many fleas might be on your pet is to comb the fur. Try to get as close to the skin as possible, rinsing the flea comb in hot soapy water after each pass. You can also add a small amount of flea and tick treatment to the water so that the fleas will die and so that at least a small amount is transferred to the pet.
Flea The Scene
A nice shampoo is usually relaxing for your pet and can also help to get rid of fleas on the fur and next to the skin. Squeeze a lemon into ordinary dog shampoo, bathing your pet each week to keep fleas to a minimum. Comb your pet after each washing, paying attention to how often your pet scratches. Once the scratching becomes less noticeable, then you’ll know that the problem is usually tamed. Add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to about a liter of water. Pour this water into your pet’s bowl for drinking. The acidity of the vinegar will repel fleas and even smaller ticks. However, don’t put vinegar directly on your pet’s skin. It will likely be too strong and can cause a reaction, such as a rash or hair loss.
When you wash sheets, blankets, and other items that your pets lie on, use hot water and a detergent that is a bit stronger than what you would normally use. If the items are white, then use bleach when washing them. Dry the items on high heat to kill fleas and any eggs that are present. Vacuum your floor regularly. You can also add a few drops of lemon juice to mop water to kill fleas on the floor as well. If you feel like you’re overwhelmed by fleas, then contact Yuma Pest since a professional will have stronger products to use in the home to kill fleas and keep them away.