Fleas in House

Archive for December, 2010

Home remedies for fleas on dogs are an alternative to those who don’t want to use chemically laced products on their pets. Here are some of the homemade medications and solutions pet owners can use.

Use a Flea Comb

A flea comb is equipped with fine teeth that are used to snare the fleas between them. These can be purchased easily in any pet store. The flea combs can be used to remove fleas and flea eggs on your dog.

Before you start, prepare a dish of soapy water. Hold the dog and start combing. Pay close attention to the lower back and belly. That is where most of the fleas like to hide.

When you comb, the fleas will be trapped between the comb’s teeth. Soak the flea comb in the soapy water to kill the fleas. When the fleas have been removed from the comb, comb the dog again.

Natural Flea Bath

Some of the most effective home remedies for fleas on dogs are flea baths or dips. Various ingredients can be used with bathing water including dishwashing liquid. However, you need to be careful because the ingredients vary.

Whatever dishwashing liquid you use, keep the following in mind. Soap the animal’s neck quickly. If you don’t, the fleas will get to the dog’s face and crawl in the ears. The technique is to soap the fleas quickly.

Let the soap sit for five minutes. Rinse it and the fleas will disappear. You should repeat the bath a week later to remove any remaining fleas.

How to Create a Flea Spray

After bathing the dog, you should prepare a flea spray to remove any remaining fleas. There are many types of flea sprays in the market. To create a spray, prepare the following.

2 drops of pure cedar wood essential oil
2 drops of pure lavender essential oil
600 ml warm water

Pour the ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake the bottle so the oils and water mix. Spray this mixture on your dog’s fur. Spray this on the dog’s body. Make sure you avoid the dog’s eyes, ears and nose. When the essential oil has dissipated, you have to apply the spray again.

When using these home remedies for fleas on dogs, remember that the treatment may have to be repeated several times for it to take effect. Don’t forget to give your pet proper nutrition. The healthier your dog is, the more resistant they will be to fleas.

Head lice treatment may involve several different processes to make sure that you have completely gotten rid of them. These include using special products that were formulated to specifically kill head lice.

Anyone can be infested with head lice, from toddlers to grown-ups but there are also ways that you can prevent lice infestation.

What are Head Lice?

A head louse is a type of wingless insect that mainly infest humans. They can spend their entire lifetime on your head, which is about twenty-eight to thirty days.

For someone who has been infested with these lice, thirty days is a long time to have them living on your head!

Head lice generally undergo three life phases: egg, nymph and adult. The egg or the nit firmly attaches itself to the hair shaft, close to the scalp. Once it begins to molt, it will develop into a nymph. Approximately seven days later, the nymph will develop into an adult louse.

Why Do You Itch?

Itching is an allergic reaction to the feces that the lice dumps on your head as well as an allergic reaction to the saliva that the lice inject on your head through a feeding tube as it begins to feed off you.

However, there are people who develop no allergic reactions to any of these elements and in this instance, it may be harder to detect unless you can feel them crawling on your head, which at this stage, they may have already developed into mature lice and have laid their eggs on your head.

Head Lice Treatment

Now that you know what head lice are and why they itch, the most important part is getting rid of them. Initially, you can wash your hair with a special shampoo that contains chemicals that can instantly kill the live.

Make sure that you follow the instructions carefully and especially be careful not to contaminate your eyes with the shampoo. Often, you will be required to leave on the shampoo for a specific number of minutes before rinsing.

This will ensure that the lice are killed. After rinsing, you may then proceed to use a fine-tooth comb to comb out the lice. Usually, you will only find dead lice as you comb through but on occasion, you may still find a couple holding on for dear life.

It is important that you treat the whole family even if you do not see any visible signs of infestation on other members of your family. It is also necessary to wash all your linens, towels and clothing items that you may have worn when you were still infected.

The singular term for lice is louse, and having head lice is certainly a lousy affair. While it is at least fortunate that these parasites do not really spread diseases, all that itching can be irritating indeed, and one would rather not have them taking up residence in their head at all.

So just what are these annoying little creatures doing on our heads in the first place? Quite literally, they’re out for blood. Head lice, also known by the scientific name Pediculus humanus capitis, are parasitic insects that reside in human hair and scalp and live on human blood. Their eggs are called nits, which are oval-shaped and colored either white or yellow, and are so small that they are difficult to see, oftentimes being mistaken as dandruff. Attached firmly to the hair shaft, it only takes around a week for nits to hatch.

When the nits hatch, the young head lice that emerge are called nymphs. Though not yet mature, they already start feeding on blood. From the moment that they have hatched, it will only take approximately 7 days for nymphs to grow to adulthood. Fully-grown head lice have 6 legs, tan to grayish-white in color, and are as big (or as small) as a sesame seed. The average lifespan of an adult louse on a person’s head is 30 days. Incapable of flying or jumping, should it fall off someone’s head, it will eventually die in 2 days.

Head lice infestation (or pediculosis) is very contagious, and can easily be spread from one person to another by making direct contact with someone who has already been infested. This extends to objects that may have come into contact with infested hair, such as hairbrushes, combs, towels, ribbons or hats. They can also infest through clothing, or even in carpets, couches, beds, pillows or stuffed toys. There is, however, no risk of catching head lice from animals.

The basic symptoms of pediculosis are itchiness and irritation, and constant scratching of the affected area can cause skin infection. Anyone can be at risk of getting infested, the most frequent victims being families with pre-school to elementary school age children. Females, in particular, are more prone to getting head lice than males.

To avoid head lice infestation, one should not make personal contact with those already infested (especially their hair), nor should they share any of their personal belongings. To eliminate nits, nymphs and lice, washable clothes should be thoroughly machine-washed, while unwashable ones should be dry-cleaned. Other items should be kept sealed for a period of 2 weeks, and the household must be extensively vacuumed. Those suffering from pediculosis should be applied with lice-killing medication (pediculicide), but be advised that these products are essentially pesticides, so observe due caution in using them and follow the enclosed instructions carefully.

If you suspect that someone in your household has head lice, immediate head lice control should be undertaken. This is actually a multi-step process and requires a lot of patience, both for the person infested with head lice and the one doing the treatment procedures.

The steps are quite basic but could prove to be trying if the infestation is severe since you may have to repeat them several times to fully eliminate the head lice. This is why immediate action is vital as this will prevent the lice from continually reproducing and increasing in large numbers.

Head Lice Control

For head lice control, treatment of the host at the soonest time possible is of vital importance to prevent the lice from infesting other members in the household or being passed on to friends.

Controlling the lice means stopping them from reproducing and killing all of them. So the first thing you need to do is to check the severity of the head lice infestation on the host.

You can use head lice shampoo to treat the infestation or you can also use home remedies. With a head lice shampoo, you need to follow the instructions indicated on the bottle or the package to ensure that you are using it the right way.

Since the chemicals in the shampoo are pretty strong, using it wrongly could harm you.

After shampooing and rinsing, comb the hair with a special lice comb. This will take out the dead adult lice.

With this type of treatment, check the label once again for instructions on when to re-apply. You may need to repeat the process just to make sure that no louse survived.

Lice Home Treatment

For home treatment, you can douse the hair with a good amount of olive oil or baby oil and then wrap the head with a light-colored towel for about an hour. After an hour, take off towel and then proceed to comb the hair with a lice comb.

Using a light-colored towel will be helpful just so you can see if any louse has attached itself to the towel. With a gloved hand, you can crush the little critters to make sure they’re dead.

As you comb through the hair, lice will attach to the comb. You can slide the comb on the towel to take out the lice from the comb and then proceed to crush the louse one by one.

Rinse the oil off the hair and then shampoo as normal. Let the hair dry out a bit and then part it into several sections. Check each section for lice and nits. You will need to take any remaining ones with the use of tweezers or by hand.

With this natural remedy, you can repeat it the following day to ensure that all the remaining lice are dead.

There are many ways for getting rid of fleas on dogs. The following are just some of the methods you can try.

Method I

This treatment should not be used on puppies less than eight weeks old.

Requirements

Plastic spray bottle
12 oz. water
4 oz. 3% hydrogen peroxide

Step 1

Put the water and peroxide in the bottle and mix it.

Step 2

Spray this on your pet. Avoid the eyes. Keep spraying until your pet is damp. Allow the mixture to remain on the dog for five minutes. Dry the animal with a towel.

Tips and Warnings

If you want a dip, combine three parts water for every one part peroxide. As long as the pet is thoroughly dry, you shouldn’t be worried about it licking itself. Avoid using a hair dryer because the hair will lighten. But do make sure the pet doesn’t get to drink the water.

Method II

Here is another way of getting rid of fleas on dogs.

Requirements

2 drops pure cedar wood essential oil
2 drops pure lavender essential oil
600 ml warm water

Step 1

Swish the essential oils so they are dispensed in the water. Get a dog brush and dip the bristles in the mixture.

Step 2

Brush the dog well. You may also dip a cloth in the mixture. Rub this on the dog. Make certain you don’t rub the face and the sensitive areas.

Tips and Warnings

Aside from bathing your dog, you should also clean their bedding regularly. If your dog lies on the carpet or rug, apply a few drops of lavender oil and water into it.

Other Ways to Remove Fleas

There are numerous medications and flea control products available. You can also use a flea comb, flea collar or shampoos. Flea shampoos are specially designed to get rid of fleas. Flea control products can be liquid, in powder form and many others.

Whichever method you choose, make sure to apply the treatment on a regular basis. Don’t wait for the fleas to spread before applying treatment. It’s better to nip the problem in the bud; they will be easier to do away with. As you treat your pet, make it a point to clean the house too.

Getting rid of fleas on dogs won’t take too long if you spot the problem early and take action. If you notice that the dog has red patches where it scratches, use any of the anti-flea treatments mentioned.

Getting rid of fleas on cats requires more than just applying spot-on treatments. You must also take steps to prevent a recurrence of the problem.

Checking for the Presence of Fleas

Get a white towel or piece of white paper. Put your cat on it and pet the animal against their hair’s grain. Look for any black things moving around. Rub your hands back and forth against the cat’s skin. Check the white towel. If tiny salt and pepper-like objects appear, mist it with water. If the black things become red, the animal has fleas.

Give the Cat a Bath

This is one of the easiest ways of getting rid of fleas on cats. Flea shampoos work best, but baby shampoos will work just as well. If you are going to use flea shampoos, be certain they are designed for the cat. Shampoo doses may vary, so read the product description. Do not allow the shampoo to get in the cat’s ears, eyes or nose.

Topical Flea Treatments

After you have bathed the cat, put the topical flea product on. These medications are put on the cat once a month. Application is easy; squeeze a few liquid drops in the center between the shoulder blades. These topical flea medications go after the fleas’ nervous system. There are several topical products available.

Clean the Environment

The fleas are not confined to your cat. Majority of them will be scattered all over your furniture, pet bedding, etc. Anyplace in the house or yard your cat has been will have fleas. Get your vacuum cleaner and start vacuuming the entire house.

You should vacuum the bedding, upholstery, carpets and rugs. Vacuum under chairs, tables and beds. Curtains, drapes, towels and linens should be washed. All the floors and surfaces should be washed and mopped.

Tips

If the infestation is severe, wash the bedding at least a couple of times weekly. Hot water should be used to kill the fleas. You can also bomb the house. But make sure no people or animals are in the house when this takes place. You mustn’t forget to clean the yard too. Use a flea killing spray in dark moist areas in the garden and yard.

Getting rid of fleas on cats is a time consuming activity. A lot of problems can be avoided if the cat is groomed on a consistent basis. Maintaining a clean and healthy environment is also necessary.

The following are some natural ways to get rid of fleas. Unlike commercial products, you can be certain there will be no side effects. These are also easy to implement.

Washing Rugs and Mats

A very simple way to keep fleas out is by washing rugs, floor mats and area rugs with hot water. Allow it to dry completely. This will keep fleas and other bugs away from it.

Diatomaceous Earth

Mix ½ cups of boric acid for every three cups of diatomaceous earth (DE). Spray this mixture over the rugs, carpet, mats, under the beds and other areas the fleas may be hiding. Make sure you wear a safety mask when spraying it. You can use a broom to work the mixture in the carpet. Vacuum this after a couple of days.

You can spray DE in the yard and other areas that your pet frequents. Apply these in the moist parts of the yard. There’s no need to put them in areas exposed to direct sunshine.

Using Salt

Another natural way to get rid of fleas is to mix 8 parts cleaning powder with one part table salt. Sprinkle this on the affected areas. Vacuum it after a week. The method is effective because it dries the pests’ habitat.

Vinegar

Combine 2/3 water with 1/3 vinegar. Pour this in a spray bottle. Spray this in the affected areas around the house and garden. This will reduce, if not totally eliminate the fleas. This is best applied during the flea seasons. In the US, that would be the summer and fall.

Other Natural Flea Repellents

Purchase some nutritional or brewer’s yeast and rub this on the dog’s skin. This will keep fleas away from it. Some also like to add a small amount of the yeast on the pet’s food. Mix the yeast.

It will fortify the dog’s immune system against fleas. Garlic has also proven to be effective. However, some pets are allergic to it. Overfeeding of garlic should be avoided, so use it judiciously.

Citrus Spray

Slice a lemon and mix it with a pint of boiling water. After it sits overnight, sprinkle it on the areas affected by the fleas. You should apply this on the pet, but just enough to dampen the fur.

Sometimes, artificial and chemical flea treatments can lead to complications. By relying on natural ways to get rid of fleas, you’ll be able to eliminate the threats worrying about side effects.

Getting rid of fleas on kittens should be done as soon as possible. Unlike adult cats, kittens are more vulnerable to diseases and complications.

Treatments to Avoid

Do not use flea powders, essential oils or flea rinses on kittens under six weeks of age. These are too strong and may cause health complications. Unless the flea treatment says specifically it can be used on under six week old kittens, do not use it.

The Safe Way to Remove Fleas

The safest way is to bathe the kitten using warm water mixed with mild dishwashing detergent. Once the kitten is dry, remove the fleas
manually. Mild dishwashing soaps like Dawn have proven to be
effective when it comes to killing fleas.

To start getting rid of fleas on kittens, fill a container with warm water. You can bathe the kitten in the kitchen sink, the tub or sink. Many find the kitchen sink easiest to use because they don’t have to bend. Get the kitten and dip it up to the neck. Make sure that the kitten is saturated. Use a face washer to wash the head and face.

Place the kitten on a towel after bathing. Get the mild detergent. Massage the dishwashing soap all over its body. Try not to get any on the cat’s face as the soap might enter the eyes.

If there are fleas on the face, apply the soap but be very careful. Soap the neck area as well. Soap the neck as completely as possible. Don’t give fleas time to get to the head.

Rinsing

After a few minutes, put the kitten back in the water to rinse it. When rinsing the kitten, keep the head above water. Rinse thoroughly but quickly. This will be necessary because kittens don’t like to bathe.

Sometimes it helps if you have someone helping you out. One can hold the kitten and the other will wash it. After bathing, place the kitten in a towel. Dry them in a warm place; they get cold easily.

Flea Combs

Use a flea comb to get rid of any remaining fleas. While the animal is still damp, comb the remaining fleas off their coats.

When getting rid of fleas on kittens with the comb, have a glass of hot water ready. Drop the fleas you get on the comb in the glass. Some would recommend mixing soap with the water. This may kill the fleas more quickly.

Getting rid of fleas on furniture will take time, but it can be done without having to call a professional exterminator. You just need to have a systematic approach to the problem.

Step 1

Start by vacuuming all the furniture. Remove the cushions off the seats and start to vacuum it. Place the vacuum hose at the crevices. When you are vacuuming, keep your pet away from the cleaning area.

Step 2

Next, sprinkle salt in the affected furniture. Scatter the salt around the room as well. Leave the salt overnight. Vacuum the salt the following morning. It’s important to leave the salt overnight. This will give it enough time to destroy the fleas. If you don’t do this, the fleas will return to the furniture.

Step 3

Get an empty spray bottle. Fill this with warm water up to 90% of the bottle. Mix in five drops of cedar oil and five drips of lavender oil. Spray it all over the furniture. This has proven to be effective because fleas don’t like their smell. This spray is safe to use on pets as well. The mixture won’t harm the furniture either.

Step 4

It’s important that you treat your pet for flea infection as well. Unless you do this, your pet will get on the furniture. This will cause the fleas to spread again. There are several over the counter treatments available.

You can also purchase some flea control products from the vet. Remember, getting rid of fleas on furniture also requires thorough pet treatment. Cleaning the furniture isn’t enough.

Step 5

Wash the bedding. Or you can utilize a hot dryer for 20 minutes. This ought to destroy the eggs and larvae. You should also vacuum any area that your pet sleeps in. If you find flea dirt on the furniture, clean them immediately.

Keeping the Garden and Yard Clean

Ensure your garden and yard are clean. Sprinkle some pine needles and cedar chips outside your home. Sprinkling this around the yard will deter fleas.

Tips and Warnings

Once the vacuum bag is full, put it a secure plastic bag. Put this in a garbage can outside your house. Ensure your pet won’t be able to open the garbage can and let the fleas out.

If the infestation is severe, getting rid of fleas on furniture will take a lot of time. That is why it is crucial to administer the treatment before the fleas get out of control.

Getting rid of fleas in a carpet will take a lot of time, but you cannot hurry the process. Fleas may carry diseases which can affect your pet. Here are the steps for removing fleas in rugs and carpets.

Use the Vacuum Cleaner

Any vacuum cleaner will do but make sure the suction is strong. Use the vacuum on the rugs and carpets every day. Make sure you have enough dust bags for the cleaner.

Once the dust, flea eggs and fleas are sucked in, dispose of them properly. Seal the dust bags so the fleas inside don’t get out. Put the dust bags in the trash can. Shut the can and make certain your pet won’t be able to open it.

Getting Rid of Flea Larvae

Vacuum cleaners are effective for getting rid of fleas in a carpet, but they can’t remove the larvae. However, larvae can be removed by shampooing the carpet. There are several carpet shampoos in stores and on the Web. Follow the instructions on how to use them. If necessary, shampoo the carpet again.

If you don’t want to use shampoos, diatomaceous earth (DE) will do. Spray the rugs and carpets. You should also apply DE in crevices, cracks and dark corners around the house. DE is safe for animals and humans. But you should wear masks and goggles to be sure.

Wash the Rugs and Carpets

Use hot water with soap when washing the carpet. Pet bedding must also be washed with hot water. If the infestation on the bedding is severe, throw it away and buy a new one.

Borate Based Carpet Cleaners

Many people prefer borate based cleaners because they are not toxic. Another advantage is they can keep fleas away from the carpets for a year. To use, spray the powder on the rug and carpets. It is critical to apply the borate on the whole carpet. If one area is untreated, the cleaner will not work.

Borate based cleaners can be mixed with detergents in a rug shampooing machine. You can use this to remove the fleas on the rug. Make sure that you only use borate baaed cleaners; some wood based cleaners may be harmful to kids. The carpets can be vacuumed after a week.

When getting rid of fleas in a carpet, it’s important you groom your pet. By removing the fleas from your pet, there is no chance of the pests coming back to the carpet.