With warmer weather and more time outside, even the cleanest homes might find themselves with a flea-carrying furry friend. Unfortunately, fleas on your dog or cat can also mean they are potentially in your carpets, sofas, curtains, bed sheets, and other fabrics. The good news is there are many different ways to combat these creepy crawlies! These are our best ways to get rid of fleas.
Schedule a visit to Longwood Vet Center.
The first step is to get in touch with us and schedule an appointment. One of our veterinarians can ensure that no other complications have arisen from the flea bites and can provide prescription medication to assist in treating the fleas. In addition, flea preventatives are available as chewable, topical, or collar formulations to best suit your lifestyle and personal preferences.
Comb your pet with a flea comb, not just a regular comb!
Flea combs are more narrow and are designed to catch any pesky fleas. Be sure to dip the comb in hot soapy water frequently as you comb. Fleas and eggs might stick to the comb, so dipping it in dish soap and water will rinse them off. In addition, regular flea comb use will let you know if the fleas return and will get them off before they have a chance to breed.
Wash EVERYTHING in hot water.
Well, maybe not everything, but most things. Your pet’s bed, blanket, toys, as well as your bedding, sheets, and even cushion covers on the sofa. All of these things and more can hide fleas, but water over 95 degrees (Fahrenheit) can cook them out. After washing with hot water, you should dry these items on the hottest setting.
Suck the suckers away!
Get out the vacuum cleaner and be sure to go over every corner these pests might be hiding in. Pay special attention to carpets, rugs, upholstery, and mattresses. Don’t forget your car too!
An important note we need to make: be sure to empty the vacuum cleaner bag afterward. Flea eggs can hatch within the vacuum cleaner bag if left there.
As always, reach out to us if you need help.
Due to the long life cycle from flea egg to larvae to adult (breeding) fleas, it may take up to 3 months or longer to completely eradicate a flea infestation. Fleas are prolific breeders, and it can be hard to eradicate them all. If you get the fleas off of your pet, but there are still fleas in the house, then they can quickly take over again.
Diligent administration of monthly flea preventatives for your pet is key to control as well as constant vacuuming and cleaning of the environment to remove flea eggs as soon as they are laid. In particularly difficult infestations, it may be necessary to discuss your concerns with a specialist in home pest removal. It takes patience and hard work, but know we are here to support you in the fight! Learn more about flea and tick prevention here.
Frequently Asked Questions about Best Ways to Get Rid of Fleas
What should the first step in getting rid of fleas be? Scheduling a visit with your vet, ideally at Longwood Vet Center!
Why shouldn’t I just take care of the fleas myself, without a vet? Veterinarians can ensure that no other complications have arisen from the flea bites and can provide prescription medication to assist in treating the fleas.
Can a regular comb get fleas out? No, flea combs are more narrow and are designed to catch any pesky fleas.
Why is it important to dip the flea comb in hot soapy water? Fleas and eggs might stick to the comb, so dipping it in dish soap and water will rinse them off.
Does the water I wash the fabrics in have to be hot? I prefer to wash with cold water. Water over 95 degrees (Fahrenheit) is necessary to cook fleas out. Then dry the items on the hottest setting.
Can fleas from my pet get into my carpet? Yes, fleas on your dog or cat can also mean they are potentially in your carpets, sofas, curtains, bed sheets, and other fabrics.
Anything special I need to do when vacuuming for fleas? Be sure to empty the vacuum cleaner bag afterward. Flea eggs can hatch within the vacuum cleaner bag if left there.
How long can it take to remove fleas from my house? Due to the long life cycle from flea egg to larvae to adult (breeding) fleas, it may take up to 3 months or longer to completely eradicate a flea infestation.
