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How to Kill Fleas Generically

Flea infestations are one of the hardest forms of bug infestations to eliminate. This is due to the fact that a flea's life cycle contains four separate life cycles, that of the egg, larvae, pupa and adult flea. Each stage of flea life responds to a different killing method. Killing all adult fleas will not necessarily kill all of the eggs. For this reason, it is necessary to approaching flea killing methodically and with as many different approaches as possible. Always consult with your pet's vet before tackling any flea elimination.

Things You'll Need

  • Top-spot liquid flea killer
  • Flea collar
  • Vacuum
  • Flea-killing spray with IGR
  • Washing machine
  • Laundry detergent
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Instructions

  1. Pets

    • 1

      Start with the simplest control method first. Place a flea collar on your dog or cat and wait 2 weeks. Check to see if the flea problem no longer exists. If it does, then continue to other treatment methods.

    • 2

      Purchase a top-spot liquid flea killer that is applied between the animal's shoulder blades. Some of these treatments are available by prescription only. Consult with your pet's vet to determine the best brand for your pet.

    • 3

      Apply the liquid every month. Note any changes in flea activity. The fleas will die that live on the pet, but if the fleas live in other places around your home, such as in the pet's bedding, then you will also have to kill the fleas living in these areas to completely be rid of the entire flea infestation.

    Home

    • 4

      Vacuum every inch of the house. This will eliminate most of the adult fleas and eggs from the house. Pay special attention to pet bedding, corners and carpets. Empty the vacuum canister outdoors, or throw away the vacuum bag in a trash can or receptacle outside.

    • 5

      Spray a flea-killing insecticide containing an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) over all cloth areas in the home. Spray any items that the pet comes into contact with, as well as all carpets, rugs and hard floors.

    • 6

      Wash in hot water all cloth items that can fit into the washing machine. This will kill any flea larvae or cocoons that are present inside the fibers of the cloth.

    • 7

      Spray the outside of your home with the same flea-killing spray. Pay special attention to areas where your pet hangs out, such as a dog house. Spray all gravel and sand areas. Spray all nooks and crannies around the ground level of the house. Spray any area of the yard that is always shady, such as under the house.

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