A flea. Image by Doc. RNDr. Josef Reischig, CSc. CC BY-SA 3.0

Fleas – there's nothing good to say about them. They hop around looking for a blood meal, bite into our skin and make us itch uncontrollably. They irritate our pets and require drastic elimination methods such as flea bombs and professional flea treatment. The best way to get rid of fleas in homes is not to get them in the first place, but it's not impossible if you know how to go about it.

What Do Fleas Look Like?

Fleas are small, wingless insects measuring about 2 millimeters in length. They look black but are actually reddish brown with small hairs covering their bodies, which helps them to move easily through fur. Though they can't fly, these insects can jump long and high for their size.

How Did I Get Fleas?

Most home flea infestations come from your pets. It's common to see fleas on cats and dogs, which come indoors and spread the pests into your carpet. Once they're inside, they burrow deep into carpet fibers and upholstery and lay eggs. Though you can get a flea treatment for dogs, your pets will get fleas again if you allow the eggs to hatch and to start the cycle over again in your house.

How Can I Get Rid of Fleas?

Flea bites are not only annoying but can also cause allergic reactions in people with insect sensitivities. Therefore, it's important to eliminate them quickly to prevent a large-scale infestation and flea bites on you and your pets. Developing a flea control program is the best way to get rid of fleas once they've taken over your home.

A DIY Flea Control Program

• Vacuum the carpets, the furniture and pet bedding every day.
• Wash and dry pet bedding often.
• Use a recommended flea treatment for dogs and cats.
• Bathe and groom your pets regularly.
• Use a dust and a flea spray to target all life stages of the insect.
• Inspect your home for fleas on a regular basis to prevent further infestations.

You don't have to live with fleas or flea bites. Pedchem has numerous flea control products to help get rid of fleas in homes once and for all. Insecticide dusts and flea sprays will help to eliminate the population and keep your home free of these blood-sucking pests with regular use and maintenance.