Remedies for Killing Fleas

• Your pet can bring in fleas from a number of outside sources.cat image by JASON WINTER from Fotolia.com
  
  Though you might not want to hear it, even one flea left in your home could result in big problems. Not only will the flea settle into your carpet and lay eggs, but they'll quickly multiply and keep infesting your dog or cat. Clean your pets as often as you like, but if the fleas have already settled into your home, they'll keep latching back onto your pet. You'll also need to worry about flea bites, especially around your ankles and other areas of exposed skin. Luckily, there are many different options available for killing fleas.
  
  

Foggers

• Foggers are an easy way to kill fleas, though they require emptying your house of both pets and humans and leaving for a specified period of time. When using foggers, turn off all pilot lights in your home and extinguish any open flames. Set each fogger on a flat surface, remove the tab, and press the button on top, locking it into place. Immediately leave your home and let the fogger go to work. It reaches all areas of your house, including hidden cracks and crevices, and kills the fleas. Read the box carefully and look for the square footage your fogger will reach. You may need to use multiple cans; if so, enlist help to turn all cans on at once.
  
  

Cleaning

• Clean both your home and your pets carefully to kill fleas. Spring for a flea dip for each pet in the house and use shampoos designed to kill fleas as often as once a week. Also, put a flea collar on your pet. While your pet is undergoing the flea dip, clean all areas of your home. Wash all clothing and bed linens in warm water. Shampoo the carpets and clean around the baseboards, where fleas may hide. Use essential oils such as cedar, lemongrass, or citronella as another way to help rid your home of fleas.
  
  

Boric Acid

• Kill fleas in or around your carpet with Borax or boric acid. Remove larger pieces of furniture from the house and sprinkle the boric acid lightly on the carpet, covering as much of the fiber as possible. Leave the acid on for at least an hour, but preferably overnight. In the morning, vacuum it up. Boric acid kills the fleas when they come into contact with it. Keep your pets away from the acid, however, as it may cause them to become sick.