Owning a furry, four-footed companion can be one of life’s greatest pleasures. However, one of the downsides of welcoming a dog or cat into our homes is the additional critters they can sometimes bring with them – namely, fleas and ticks.
Fleas, in particular, can quickly become a real household nightmare, as they leave itchy bites in their wake and can even spread disease such as typhus and, most famously, the bubonic plague. They can also turn your home into a veritable breeding ground that quickly results in a serious infestation. As a result, not only will your pets be scratching, but so will you and your family.
Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to tackle a household flea problem and rid both your home and your pets of these irritating little critters. Read on to find out more.
Treat Your Pets
If you notice any of your pets beginning to scratch or gnaw at their fur in frustration, they are most likely harboring fleas. As soon as you spot this kind of behavior, it’s important to treat your furry friends as quickly as possible, to prevent the fleas from breeding and spreading through your home.
Various topical treatments and pills are available, though it may take some trial and error before you find one that really works. You can also purchase insecticide sprays for your home which can be used on your pet’s bedding; however you should proceed with caution when using these sprays, read the instructions carefully, and remove any food and water bowls from the vicinity before spraying to avoid contamination.
Embark On A Rigorous Cleaning Campaign
As well as treating your pets and your home with flea-killing chemicals, it’s also a good idea to step up your cleaning game to help eliminate all adult fleas, larvae and eggs from your house.
Start by washing all bedding in the house – including your pet’s – with detergent at a high temperature, and employ a steam cleaner on your carpets and upholstered furnishings. You should also hoover your mattresses, floors and rugs, ideally using a hoover with a bag which you can then remove and throw in the trash when you’re finished.
Give The Professionals A Call
If you are worried that you have a severe infestation in your home and you don’t feel equipped to deal with it yourself, the best course of action is to call a professional extermination service. An experienced flea exterminator will not only conduct a thorough assessment of your property, but they will also safely and effectively treat your home.
They can also help to ensure that the fleas don’t come back in future, with convenient follow-up sessions that will make sure the little pests are well and truly eradicated.
A Final Word
Tackling a flea infestation in your own home can make you feel like tearing your hair out, particularly if you’re finding it hard to locate a really effective treatment for your pet. However with a consistent approach, methodical treatment and cleaning – and perhaps some expert help – you will be able to free your home from these irritating interlopers, so that you and your beloved pet can relax in comfort.
