If you are like most pet owners, there’s a good chance you would do virtually anything to keep them pest-free. While this is true, you probably don’t want to introduce toxic chemicals, which could cause harm to your beloved dog or cat. The chemicals used in some of the most flea-control products are often poisonous to pets, resulting in vomiting, long-lasting nerve damage, and in some cases, cancer. There is good news! You can still prevent fleas in your pet while avoiding all the harsh chemicals and toxins.

When is Flea Season?

Your first line of defense against fleas is to know when they are most likely to strike. According to experts, fleas are most active during the summer months. A flea life cycle, on average, can last for about 20 weeks, but it only takes about two weeks for fleas to grow during the summer. What this means is that fleas are going to breed and then reach adulthood much more quickly during this time of the year. 

For the winter time, it is true that fleas die because of cold weather, but that does not mean you should not leave them untreated. Fleas may leave eggs that can last colder temperatures causing future problems for your pets. It also will cause future infestations that will lead to excessive scratching, itching, and irritation for your pets.

Keep Your Carpet Clean

When flea season is about to start, you should invest in steam-cleaning your carpets and rugs. You can do this on your own or hire the pros, the key here is to do it. This is an extremely effective way to reduce the flea population in your home and help to keep your pet flea-free.

Vacuum Regularly

Because the life cycle of a flea occurs at the two-week mark during the summer months, you should vacuum, at a minimum, one time a week. This is going to help eliminate all the live fleas and get rid of their pupae and larvae before they begin to attack your precious pet.

Use the Flea Collar in a Unique Way

Purchase a natural flea collar and place it inside your vacuum. This is especially beneficial if you don’t have plans to throw out what is sucked up by your vacuum right away. By putting this in your vacuum bag or container, you can kill any fleas that were sucked up from your carpeting. There are some collars that are able to be recharged and used again and again.

Wash Your Pet’s Bedding Once a Week

It’s a good idea to wash your pet’s bedding using soapy, hot water a minimum of one time per week. Similar to the rule where you vacuum one time a week, this will interrupt the life cycle of the flea and help to prevent them from causing even more problems.

Don’t Eliminate Ants

While you don’t necessarily have to encourage ants, you should not discourage them either. The fact is, ants love to eat the larvae and eggs of fleas. This means you should not put out pesticides that are going to kill the ants.

Keep Your Lawn Maintained

It’s best to make sure that your grass remains short. This is going to let the sun penetrate and also arm up the soil, which is going to kill the flea larvae that may be present. Also, by watering your lawn, you can drown any developing flea larvae before it has the chance to hatch and grow into an adult flea.

Add Garlic and Brewer’s Yeast to Your Pet’s Food

According to some studies, there is support that both garlic and brewer’s yeast are going to naturally repel fleas. You can add these two ingredients to your pet’s food or rub them on your pet’s skin.

If you want to ensure your pet isn’t affected by fleas this season, be sure to use the tips and information here. Doing this is going to pay off and help ensure you don’t have to deal with the frustration and aggravation that fleas can cause for both you and your pet. If you aren’t convinced that your efforts are working, then it may be time to call in the pros for a bit of help getting rid of the fleas in and around your home.