If you have a pet, odds are good that you will need to know how to get rid of fleas.  He or she will bring fleas into the house. However, it’s also possible to have a flea infestation if you don’t have a pet.

Fleas also come from wildlife that finds their way into the basement, attic, or other crawlspaces. Regardless of how you got them, you want to get rid of them. Here are several tips below on how to get rid of fleas:

Fleas can live for over 100 days without having a meal. In its lifetime, the female flea can lay more than 2,000 eggs.

Treat Your Pet

The first thing you should do when you want to get rid of fleas is to treat your pet.

There are many different flea removal treatments at your local pet store.

There are also tablets that you can give your pet that kills any flea that bites it.

Don’t just try one flea remedy because the first one might not be effective, and if you have more than one pet, be sure to treat them all at the same time.

You should treat your pets several times over a few days to ensure all of the fleas are gone. Also, don’t forget to wash all blankets, beds, or toys that your pet uses.

Use Sprays And Fogs

Taking care of your pet is one thing, but you also must treat your yard and home.

There are sprays that are safe to use around the house, and you can buy fogs that you can put into your home. These foggers cover every space of your home, including places you can’t reach with sprays.

Clean Your Home From Top To Bottom

When you think you have treated the flea problem by attacking its source, it’s time to start cleaning your home. It’s also important to clean your home from top to bottom when you have fleas.

If you want to get rid of fleas permanently, it’s very important to clean your home from top to bottom.

You should vacuum all your carpets and all other areas where the flea eggs may have been deposited.

Make sure to empty your vacuum bag or container outside each time it’s filled and be aware that there may be fleas and eggs inside.

Also, don’t forget to sweep all the floors and then come in with a mop afterward.

Use Vinegar

One of the best ways to deal with small flea infections is to use vinegar. You can use vinegar in many ways. For instance, you can use vinegar to wash your pet.

Make sure to dilute the vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio. Then, after bathing your pet in flea shampoo, rinse its coat with the vinegar solution.

Don’t rinse this off. Let it dry. As an added bonus, your pet’s coat will be shiny and soft. Another way to use vinegar is to actually put it into your dog’s water bowl. Only a couple of drops are necessary.

For a cat, you can spray a solution of vinegar and water directly on its fur. Vinegar in the water is too acidic for a cat, so only spray it.

Make Dish Detergent Traps

Finally, consider making a trap for the fleas out with water, a plastic container, and dish detergent.

Mix water and dish detergent together in a shallow dish.

Then, set it out at night.

Place a lamp over top of the dish to attract the fleas. Once they jump in, they cannot get out.

Though flea bites are not deadly, they do pose a hazard to you, your family, and your pets’ lives. They can cause infections due to scratching the itch and are also carriers of tapeworm. Do not allow these pests to take over in your home.