7 Ways to Get Rid of Pesky Fleas and Ticks at Home

Fleas and ticks are the most common pests that can stalk our home. Not only could your pet bring them home, they can also stick to your clothes and your body after a walk on trails or green areas with lots of vegetation.

At 5-Minute Crafts we offer you a guide to eliminate and prevent these pests from spreading inside and outside your home, since their bites can affect your health and that of your pets.

1. If you have pets, bathe them and consult a veterinarian.

If you have noticed fleas or ticks crawling around, chances are your pet has them on its fur and has brought them inside your home.

✅ Bathe your dog or cat with a medicated shampoo or liquid dish detergent. Fleas do not cling to the root of the animal’s hair, they will fall into the water and drown.

⛔ Do not apply solutions, ointments or any other product directly near or in the animal’s eyes, this could irritate them.

✅ Take your pet to the veterinarian. The specialist will be able to determine the best preventive treatment against fleas and ticks. In addition, it is important to examine your pet and rule out diseases or infections caused by insect bites.

⛔ Never use a dog flea product on your cat. They contain permethrin, an active ingredient that is extremely toxic to your cat.

2. Vacuum the inside of your home.

The most important thing is to do a thorough cleaning of every corner of the house.

Vacuum all carpets, rugs, furniture, and cushions. In this way, you will absorb fleas, eggs, and larvae. Repeat this procedure once or twice a week.

If you have dogs or cats, be sure to vacuum the spaces where they usually feed and nap.

Once you’ve finished cleaning, remove the vacuum bag and place it directly into a garbage can outside your home.

Then, mop the smooth floors with a disinfectant of your choice. Clean cracks and corners thoroughly, as well as under the bed and behind electrical appliances.

3. Wash all your clothes in hot water.

While thoroughly cleaning all areas of your home, carefully pick up your clothing, as fleas and ticks may be attached to the fabrics. Wash bed linens, sheets, towels, blankets, and curtains in hot water.

In case you have pets, manually clean their dishes, toys, and blankets in the same way.

If you use the washing machine, set its washing cycles to the highest temperature (above 50 °C). Also, when using the dryer, set it on maximum power for at least 1 hour. This will kill these parasites and their larvae.

4. Mow the lawn and remove yard waste.

Mow your lawn and remove dead leaves and weeds from your garden. As long as your green areas are clean and receive sunlight, these insects are less likely to spread. Also check your landscaping for piles of wet or rotting wood debris.

Place cedar chips around your home, where your pet frequents and over flower beds. The smell of cedar is a natural flea repellent.

5. Apply certified pest control products.

Purchase a flea and tick control spray or fogger and apply it indoors, mainly on your carpets, rugs, furniture, and cushions. Try to reach dark places; this is usually where larvae proliferate.

Only the person who performs this action should remain inside the house, the rest of the inhabitants and animals should remain outside according to the instructions of the pesticide.

In the same way, do it outside the house, spray the product directly on the lawn and bushes. If these insects live in your garden, use it frequently according to the product’s instructions to keep pests under control.

6. Buy flea repellent plants.

There are certain plants that not only perfume the environment, but also repel insects and pests naturally. So you can keep your home free of fleas and ticks.

These plants are not harmful to your pets, you can place them indoors and outdoors:

• catnip
  
• basil
  
• oregano
  
• lemon balm
  
• eucalyptus
  
• rue
  
• lavender
  
• peppermint
  
• citronella
  
  
  rosemary
  
  sage

7. Make your own flea-fighting remedies.

Spray

What you’ll need:

• 4 l of white vinegar
  
• 2 l of water
  
• 500 ml lemon juice
  
• 250 ml of witch hazel water

1. Mix all ingredients in a large plastic bucket.
2. Using a funnel, pour the liquid into a spray bottle. Close and shake well.
3. Spray this natural spray on your carpets, furniture, pet bedding, cracks, crevices, and floors. Allow the liquid to dry and soak into the applied areas.

Repellent

What you’ll need:

• 236 ml of water
• 5-10 drops of lavender oil

You can prevent fleas and ticks from re-entering your home by making your own natural repellent.

1. Put the 2 ingredientsIn into a spray bottle. Close and shake well.
2. You can start by spraying the coat of your dog with it, since it isn’t toxic. Then, you can apply it on your home furniture and you own clothes as well.

Bonus: Wrap tape sticky side out around the ankles to catch ticks while doing yard work.