Making Fleas Flee - Indoor Version

183:837060287 (Mary Marlowe) — Mon, 07 Sep 2020 18:41:24 GMT

Getting Rid Of Fleas Inside Without Harming The Ones You Love

Because our much loved little dogs have very little body fat, they are particularly sensitive to poisons. We are careful about pesticides because of this, but ALL of us are better off with a less toxic environment, so here are some options that work without toxins.

The most useful tool for removing fleas is a simple nontoxic bath for the dog. Dogs are flea magnets, and in the past were kept in part as a way of keeping fleas off their humans. Dogs and cats also killed vermin, like rats... another flea friend. By washing the dog, you effectively kill all the fleas that they picked up in their travels. You don't have to use a toxic shampoo, either! Any mild soap or shampoo will mechanically kill fleas. I like Dr Bronner's liquid Castile soap, in the baby unscented or lavender version. Because fleas have no internal skeleton, they depend on their waxy coating to remain inflated. Soap breaks down the waxy coating, and the fleas collapse and die... all without any poison. And because the bathing works mechanically, the fleas can not develop resistance to this method, as they do with some of the toxic chemical products.

In addition to the dog, your vacuum cleaner is a great ally in removing fleas mechanically. For carpets, I like to use Borax from the laundry aisle of the grocery store. This mineral works by drying out the fleas. Just work into the carpet, leave overnight, then vacuum up. Continue to vacuum regularly to catch any newly hatched fleas, and perhaps eggs. I vacuum furniture as well, paying special attention to under the cushions.

You can make soapy flea traps, too... a shallow container with soapy water left out at night, especially if near a heat source, works well. Fleas are drawn to the heat, fall in and drown. Just be sure that dogs and cats don't have access because they might drink the soapy water.

There is really not a lot more satisfying than watching fleas die in the lather of a bath, and wash down the drain...

How To Make Fleas Unhappy Without Poisoning Yourself OR Your Dogs

183:837060287 (Mary Marlowe) — Mon, 07 Sep 2020 17:56:23 GMT

Making Fleas Flee - Outdoor Version

You won't find any fleas in this photo! Fleas need heat, darkness and moisture to be happy and thrive. A shady spot under your deck, where your AC condensation line drains, in the heat of summer would be a more welcoming spot for fleas... especially if you have bird feeders (and the mice that are drawn to the dropped seed) hanging around.

Correcting any drainage issues around your house is a good first step in letting fleas know that they are unwelcome. Building up the soil next to the house so that run off flows away from your foundation will make a huge difference in creating a dry (and flea unfriendly) space where you and your furry friends hang out. We add garden lime to the yard, too, to dry and sweeten the clay soil we have here. Lime also makes it hard for parasitic worms to hang out, and the grass is very happy with the calcium that lime provides.

Reducing shaded areas will help, too. I put up inexpensive lights under my deck, to make that spot less appealing to fleas. the dogs like it, too, at night when they go outside. Cutting back low hanging limbs, and generally thinning trees can work, too. Mowing regularly will also help keep ticks away, so bonus!

You can't do a lot to bring the outside temperature down, but you can improve air flow. Clearing away brush and fallen limbs is a chore around here, because most of our yard is wooded.

And for a fragrant and attractive deterrent to fleas, try planting sage, basil or marigolds around your house. Other plants, too, can make fleas uncomfortable, but be sure that they aren't toxic to your dog as well before planting them.

Check out my ideas for safe inside deterrents, too!

Rhamah Ruminations

Making Fleas Flee - Indoor Version

Getting Rid Of Fleas Inside Without Harming The Ones You Love

How To Make Fleas Unhappy Without Poisoning Yourself OR Your Dogs

Making Fleas Flee - Outdoor Version