The good news for all pet owners is that flea infestations can be cured without the use of toxic, chemical treatments, which can have adverse effects for your dog or cat. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the best way to deal with parasites is by using a multifaceted approach, which consists of grooming, cleansing and natural remedies. These techniques are endorsed by veterinarians, such as Richard H. Pitcairn.

Tackling Flea Eggs

Obviously, killing fully-grown fleas only really addresses the tip of the iceberg. The problem is that flea eggs and larvae can live on a multitude of surfaces, including carpets, upholstery, blankets and soil. Therefore, it is a good idea to wash all upholstery and vacuum all carpets at least once a week. Additionally, you will find that keeping your lawn short will help the sun penetrate the soil and kill flea larvae and eggs that may be lurking there.

Incidentally, the ants in your garden could be your best friend in the war against fleas, as they consume large quantities of flea eggs and larvae. So do not do anything to repel ants from your garden or yard.

Herbal Flea Remedies

Herbal flea powders can be used instead of the chemical and toxic brands and collars. However, it is always advisable to check with your veterinarian before using any herbal flea remedy, as some, such as citrus oil, are not suitable for use with cats.

Additionally, there are anti-flea mineral salts available, which are recommended for killing flea larvae and eggs on carpets and rugs.

Natural Remedies That Do Not Work

There are a number of natural remedies that have been proven ineffective in the fight against fleas. According to veterinarian Chris C. Pinney, scientific studies suggest that popular natural remedies; garlic, brewer’s yeast and vitamin B, are not particularly beneficial when used to tackle flea infestation. However, these products do offer other health benefits.

It is also believed that electronic flea collars are, typically, ineffective. Additionally, the noise generated by electronic flea collars can be distressing for cats and dogs that wear them.

What to do After an Infestation

Once you have addressed the flea infestation, it is important to eliminate the chance of a comeback. Therefore, it is advisable to have all carpets steam-cleaned. A handy tip is to place a flea collar inside your vacuum cleaner bag, as adult fleas that have been sucked into the vacuum cleaner can escape from the bag if not killed immediately.

Ensure that you thoroughly wash all of your pet’s bedding, but be sure to roll it up carefully when transporting it to the washing machine, as this will prevent flea eggs from falling onto the ground and thriving elsewhere. It is also a good idea to use a flea comb to regularly groom your dog or cat. Remember, to rinse the comb in a bowl of hot, soapy water to kill any fleas or eggs that you may find.

Are Borates Safe?

The use of borates on carpets and rugs to kill fleas is known to be very effective. However, there is contention over the long-term safety of the use of borates. While most experts, including

Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine (ISUCVM), believe that the health threat to humans and pets is minimal, the risk of long-term exposure is still unknown. Therefore, continued use of borates is not recommended.

Remember, there are many non-toxic ways to treat a flea infestation. So, next time you’re worried about fleas on your cat or dog, try a natural remedy rather than a toxic powder or collar.

Samantha Markham is a professional freelance writer from the UK. She is currently working for Remmeer.com, an online supplier of high quality pet products, including fleece winter dog coats and pet carriers & dog crates.

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