Fleas make an unwelcome guest in any house. These small, parasitic bugs can make pets and humans extremely uncomfortable and even spread disease. For pet owners, controlling fleas can be an ongoing challenge, requiring vigilance and persistence. Fortunately, there are a number of effective flea control measures that can help keep fleas away.

The most important way to protect your home from fleas is to reduce humidity and wetness. This can be done through regular cleaning and vacuuming of the floors, rugs, and upholstered furniture. Vacuums come in handy for this job as they are designed to remove fleas and their eggs from a wide variety of surfaces. To keep fleas away from cats and dogs, regularly bathe and groom your pets and make sure to use a flea shampoo and conditioner to keep them from getting fleas.

In addition to cleaning and grooming, topical and oral medications are available that can help kill and prevent fleas from infesting your pet. These medications should be used in conjunction with other flea control strategies in order to get the best results. Store bought flea control products such as flea sprays, insecticidal powders, and flea foggers can also be used, but should always be used according to the directions on the label.

Finally, natural flea control methods can be used to help keep fleas away. These methods are often less expensive than chemical solutions and are safe to use around pets and children. Some natural flea control methods include using diatomaceous earth, which is a powder that can be sprinkled around the house to keep fleas away. Additionally, essential oils, such as citronella, lemongrass, and lavender, can be used to repel fleas.

Controlling fleas in the home can be a challenge, but with an effective flea control strategy, you can keep your pet and your home free from these pesky bugs. Remember, the key to success is to be persistent and diligent and to use a variety of methods that work for you and your home.