Feeling itchy? Even homeowners who don’t have pets can experience a flea infestation, and it’s an annoying and potentially embarrassing problem to deal with. While it’s rare, fleas do bite humans as well as their pets. The real problem with fleas lies in their ability to quickly spread among people and animals. If you’re experiencing a flea infestation at your Bartlesville, OK home, here are eight common flea home remedies to help you get the situation under control.
Herbal flea spray
A homemade spray of vinegar, water, lemon juice and witch hazel is a non-toxic flea treatment that can have results. It’s safe to spray on furniture, pet bedding and anywhere else you think fleas could be lurking.
Baking soda
Baking soda is a handy thing to have around your Bartlesville, OK home anyway, and it’s also one of the best flea home remedies to try. First, vacuum your carpets and furniture. Next, grab baking soda and sprinkle it on the fibers and fabrics, working it in and then vacuuming a second time to pick it up. It’s a great way to remove stubborn fleas who’ve made their home in the carpet and upholstery around the house.
Salt
Salt works in much the same way as baking soda. Sprinkle it on your carpet after vacuuming. Leave it on the carpet for a few days and it helps get rid of adult fleas by acting as a dehydration agent.
Dish soap
Place a bowl of dish soap and water in rooms where you suspect flea activity. The mixture traps the fleas. For best results, set out the mixture at nighttime, when fleas are most active.
Lemon spray
Add a thin slice of lemon to a pint of water and bring it to a boil on the stovetop. Let the solution sit overnight, pour it into a spray bottle the next day and spray fabrics throughout the house to repel fleas.
Diatomaceous earth
This safe and non-poisonous powder is made from silica. Sprinkle it conservatively on carpets and fabric surfaces throughout the house to dehydrate any fleas that live in the fibers. Vacuum it up after a few days, and be careful not to breathe in the dust.
Rosemary
The strong scent of rosemary doesn’t get rid of fleas, but it does help prevent them from infesting your property. For best results, make an herbal flea repelling powder using rosemary, rue, wormwood fennel and peppermint and sprinkle it on carpets and furniture throughout the house.
Flea-repelling houseplants
Beautify your home and repel fleas all at once by bringing in some house plants that make fleas flee. The oils, compounds and chemicals of plants like penny royal, chrysanthemum and spearmint strongly affect fleas and make your home more inhospitable to them.
Taking care of a flea infestation at your Bartlesville, OK home can be challenging. In most cases, it’s best to get the help of a professional pest control service to take care of the issue immediately. Contact Excellence Pest Control to learn more about efficient and effective flea removal.