How to Kill Fleas on Contact

Fleas are an annoying pest that can cause health and hygiene problems in humans and animals. If you find yourself dealing with fleas, it’s important to understand how to effectively kill these unwelcome visitors for good. Here, we’ll discuss some of the commercially-available products and natural treatments that can help you get rid of fleas on contact.

Commercially-Available Flea Killing Solutions

The most efficient way to get rid of fleas is through the use of commercial flea control products. These products generally come in the form of insecticides and insect growth regulators, which work to either kill the adult fleas or prevent further infestation by inhibiting their ability to reproduce.

When using products such as flea sprays, dusts, powders, and shampoos, it’s important to follow the directions on the label carefully. Failure to do so could result in ineffective treatment or even exposure to toxic substances, which could be hazardous to you, your family, and your pets.

Natural, Pet-safe Solutions

If you’d prefer to use a pet-safe, natural treatment for fleas, there are several effective methods available.

The first is to use a flea-repellant pet shampoo. These shampoos contain natural ingredients, such as eucalyptus, lavender, and tea tree oil, that are believed to be effective in repelling fleas. A thorough and frequent bathing regimen with such a shampoo may help to keep fleas at bay.

Another method is to use borax. The powder is believed to dehydrate fleas, effectively killing them. To use, simply sprinkle a thin layer of borax on your carpets and furniture and vacuum it up several hours later. Keep in mind, however, that borax is a potentially toxic substance that can be harmful to humans and pets and should be handled with care.

Finally, you may also try using a flea trap. These are small devices that are typically filled with water and soap and emit carbon dioxide to attract fleas. Once they come in contact with the water and soap, they’re effectively killed. Flea traps can be an effective, pet-safe solution that’s easy to use — just make sure to empty them and refill them with fresh ingredients every few days.

Preventing Re-infestation

Once you’ve taken the steps to kill fleas on contact, it’s important to remember that fleas can still be present in your home if they’re brought in from the outside by pets. To prevent re-infestation, it’s prudent to take preventive measures, such as treating pet beds and other areas that pets may spend time in, on a regular basis with flea-killing products. Additionally, you may want to vacuum your home regularly and wash your pet’s bedding in hot water.

Conclusion

Getting rid of fleas for good requires both an effective extermination technique and preventive measures. By understanding and properly using the commercially-available flea control products and natural remedies available, you’ll be able to quickly and safely eliminate these pests from your home.