Getting rid of fleas and flea eggs from dogs and cats, as well as from your home brings to mind the common remedy; store/veterinarian bought products. While extremely effective, those solutions to flea problems can be costly. There are natural ways you can help to prevent your pets from getting fleas as well as natural ways to get rid of them. Flea control is not just a one step process, it involves a culmination of cleansing, proper grooming, and using some of these natural remedies.
Prevention
In order to help prevent dogs and cats from getting fleas in the first place, there are a few things you can do including: mowing the lawn regularly and resisting the urge to kill the ants that sometimes make their homes around your property. Mowing the lawn regularly allows the heat from the sun to penetrate the soil, killing flea larvae, while ants actually help get rid of flea larvae by eating them.
Grooming
If your pet already has a flea problem, one of the most important things you can do to get rid of them faster is proper grooming. Start by purchasing a flea comb and slowly run the comb through the fur. As the fleas come off on the comb, slowly submerse the comb in a bowl of hot soapy water and swish it around. When that grooming session is over, dump the bowl into the toilet and flush.
Natural Remedies
Most natural food stores and pet supply stores will carry a line of herbal flea powders or sprays that you can use to eliminate the fleas and flea eggs. Instead of purchasing an herbal product, you can make your own mixture of powdered herbs. Here’s what you will need:
-wormwood
-rosemary
-rue
-yellow dock
-fennel
Combine each ingredient in equal proportions in an empty spice jar and shake it up. Take your dog or cat outside and apply a small amount to the fur, concentrating on the back, neck, and stomach. The mixture of powdered herbs will cause the fleas to jump off of your pet shortly after it is applied. This process can be repeated several times a week to remove the last of the fleas.
Flea Control Inside the Home
It is extremely important to remember that you also have to get rid of the fleas that have found their way into your carpet, bedding, and other soft surfaces. Depending on the severity of the flea infestation, you may need to have your carpets professionally steam cleaned. You will also need to wash all cloth items and bedding, and make sure to give your entire home a thorough cleaning.
