Fleas are parasitic insects that are difficult to kill.
Fleas are tiny parasites that feed on blood of animals and humans. Fleas go through four stages of life -- eggs, larvae, pupae and adult, so Michigan residents have to eliminate fleas during all stages to successfully kill them. One female flea can produce up to 400 eggs, making it hard to get rid of fleas once they infest your house. According to Michigan State University's Entomology Department, flea populations peak during Michigan's humid summer months.
Instructions
1. Bathe pets with flea shampoo. Use a flea comb on pets over white paper towel that makes it easy for you to see the fleas as they drop off pets. Shake fleas from the paper towel into a container filled with water or alcohol. Michigan State University suggests using a spray or flea powder containing pyrethrin or pytrethroid on cats and dusting dogs and their bedding with 5 percent carbaryl. Apply flea treatment such as Frontline Plus or Advantage that can kill both adult fleas and eggs. Put a flea collar around your pet's neck.
2. Vacuum floors and upholstery to get rid of fleas and eggs hiding in carpet or on furniture. Vacuum thoroughly in areas your pets spend a lot of time. Take bag-less vacuums outside immediately to empty and clean. If your vacuum takes a bag, remove it right after vacuuming, put it in a garbage bag and set it outside. Steam clean carpets and upholstery to remove any remaining eggs or larvae. Launder bedding, pet beds, and stuffed toys in hot water to kill fleas and eggs that have taken shelter in those areas
3. Remove pets and people from your home to set off a flea bomb or fogger once a week for three weeks. These canisters of insecticide vapor are activated in closed rooms of your house. If you're unable to be away from home for several hours you can spray your home with flea spray or a home treatment spray from your veterinarian. For long-term control, Michigan State University recommends a ready-to-use compound made with methoprene that keeps flea larvae from growing into the pupa stage.
4. Flood your yard to drown fleas and run a sprinkler or water your plants and lawn regularly to get rid of the larvae. Buy diatomaceous earth, which is made of crushed seashells with sharp edges that cut and kills fleas without harming pets. Sprinkle it around your yard. Treat the yard with granules of Bifen G which is activated by rain. It will begin working when rain washes the diatomaceous earth away.
5. Place flea traps around the house that have sticky pads covered by grids that fleas fall through. The Michigan Humane society suggests applying a spray formulation of chlorpyrifos as a light mist to treat large yards, carpeting, upholstered furniture and mattresses. Small yards can be dusted with malathion or diazinon, which are available in garden departments.
Tags: fleas eggs, Michigan State, Michigan State University, State University, around your, diatomaceous earth