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How Do I Choose the Best House Flea Treatment?
Choosing the best house flea treatment program for your home depends on several factors. If the extent of flea infestation is widespread, treatment may require the services of a professional pest control company. For homes experiencing minimal flea problems, house flea treatment products available at local grocery stores are an option for the interior and exterior. Using a flea fogger or flea spray specifically formulated to kill adult fleas, flea eggs, and ticks are inexpensive ways to minimize flea problems before they begin inside the home.
When using the services of a professional pest control company, it is important to choose a reputable company that uses environmentally safe and friendly products that are not harmful to pets, wildlife, and humans, especially children. An application of the flea treatment solution to the yard and exterior perimeter of the home may be necessary to prevent re-infestation of the home. Be sure the company guarantees the solution used does not harm or poison water sources, such as birdbaths, swimming pools, and wells; or damage soil where plants, vegetables, and trees grow. When thoroughly treating the inside of the home, it is equally important that the spray used does not leave any residue that is harmful to pets or residents.
Preparing the home using over-the-counter products and prepping the pet with a veterinarian approved flea product helps eliminate flea problems and minimize the need for treatment. Choose a quality spray or fogger only if you are able to remove pets and family from the areas to be treated. Sprays require excellent ventilation due to the fumes. Foggers, on the other hand, require leaving the affected area until the fumes have dissipated. Read the directions carefully and follow them exactly to ensure safe application of the product.
Selecting a quality flea treatment for your pet is another option for incorporating a viable flea treatment regimen. While there are a variety of less expensive over-the-counter brands of flea treatment products available at the drug store or supermarket, they may not last as long as name brand or veterinarian approved medication in preventing fleas. Some liquid flea products may produce adverse affects such as itching, rashes, and loss of fur due to allergic reactions to the ingredients in the product. Before applying any brand of flea shampoo, powder, or spray to your pet, consult with your veterinarian to avoid costly bills resulting from an adverse reaction to flea control medications or products used for house flea treatment.
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![A veterinarian can help a person decide which flea treatment best for their pets.]()
By: Gabriel BlajA veterinarian can help a person decide which flea treatment best for their pets. -
![Ensure that a yard flea treatment will not poison water sources such as swimming pools or wells.]()
By: carenoEnsure that a yard flea treatment will not poison water sources such as swimming pools or wells. -
![Considered a major pest to pets such as dogs, fleas bite and suck the blood of humans and animals.]()
By: Cosmin ManciConsidered a major pest to pets such as dogs, fleas bite and suck the blood of humans and animals. -
![A widespread flea infestation will require the services of a professional pest control company.]()
By: ahavelaarA widespread flea infestation will require the services of a professional pest control company.
Discussion Comments
@minthybear19 - I've been using a natural flea treatment spray for awhile and it does scare them away. There are always a few left though, so I have to reapply it every other day. If I'm not careful I end up with flea bites all over my legs! I went on vacation for a week and when I got back, I get bitten all over on my lower legs.
Flea bites are one of the worst bug bites. They itch like crazy for something so tiny and if you scratch them – they swell and itch some more. I try really hard not to scratch them, but in my sleep I can't stop it. I have used all kinds of things on my legs to treat the bites – so far anti-histamines seems to help the most. It stops the bites from itching, which stops me from scratching them.
@w00dchuck41 - I've heard of that recipe online, so I guess it must work. I've used both the natural and the chemical flea treatments for my house.
I used Frontline flea treatment at first, but it made my cat stink and it only worked for a little while. It was more trouble than it was worth to me and there are all kinds of rumors online that it shortens your pet's life from the chemicals.
I'm not sure that any of it's true, but I switched to using a lemon oil mixture anyway. It smells way better and I don't feel bad spraying it around the house. I still have to apply it often, but it's easier than fighting my cat to put Frontline on him.
He always rolled on the floor and rubbed it on the carpet – I don't blame him. His nose is much better than mine and it was pungent.
@zeak4hands - I don't like the chemicals, so I make my own natural flea treatment. I take half a gallon of water and add a shot of vodka and a teaspoon of orange oil. Shake it up and put it into a cleaning spray bottle.
I just spray my dog along her back with it and she is usually flea free. I spray it on the carpet and furniture too, but I still vacuum three times a week. Vacuuming makes sure that there aren't any flea eggs in the carpet.
The spray is completely natural and leaves the house smelling really fresh. If you want, you can use lime or lemon juice instead.
Getting rid of fleas is a pain in the butt. I wash my dog weekly and he wears flea collar all the time -- but we still have fleas all over the place. I've tried several chemical flea treatments for the house too, but I'm worried about how the chemicals might effect my dog.
Does anyone know which chemical treatments are safe or maybe a natural way of getting rid of the fleas? I read something about using pure lemon juice, but that can't be good for my dog either – any suggestions?
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