Donald Ray Pollock

Bugs are not only gross creatures that make our lives miserable, but they also bear the guilt of spreading diseases.

Of course, we have to admit that bugs play an important role in the environment. Still, we want them to stay out of our homes, lives and to be far away from our children.

Our instinct may be to kill them with some commercial pesticide, but because we love the nature, want to avoid using chemicals and to protect ourselves, I am going to present you 15 natural ways to repel bugs.

15 Natural Ways to Keep Bugs at Bay

Firstly, before anything, there are some rules that we must follow, if we want to keep bugs at bay:

• Keep the house spick-and-span. This step is essential, as bugs are so in love with dirt and food residues, so this is why your home has to be as clean as possible.
• Get rid of any standing water and fix any leaks that your pipes may have.
• Clean the trash cans regularly.

Now that we have accomplished the above mentioned tasks, let’s learn about the 15 natural ways to keep bugs away, helping us to become less stressed.

1. Tobacco

By chance, are moths your invincible enemy? The tables will turn, if you use some tobacco.

Spread it among your clothes and the moths will disappear soon!

2. White vinegar

Another ingredient that is very efficient in the battle against uninvited bugs trolling in our homes is white vinegar.

You can simply spray it around doors, windows and on any invaded area and you will keep ants at distance, because they hate it.

3. Lavender

Also known for its lovely scent, lavender can easily keep bugs away, especially if you use essential lavender oil.

This ingredient works as a natural bed bugs repellent, because of the smell and taste. But bed bugs are not the only ones scared by this scented plant, as moths, fleas, flies and mosquitoes hate its smell to… death. (yep, pun intended!)

IMPORTANT FACT: the lavender oil also destroys bug eggs, which is really difficult to accomplish even by most pesticides.

4. Garlic

When it comes to deterring bugs, garlic is on top! Just spread some garlic around the areas invaded by bugs, especially if we are talking about cockroaches and ants.

If you can’t stand the smell an want something mild, garlic powder may be your friend, but the very enemy of mosquitoes. Sprinkle some powder and enjoy the results!

5. Peppermint

There is no insect to like the smell, nor the flavor of the strong-scented peppermint, but it is mostly efficient when it comes to mosquitoes.

If you intend to go for a walk, but you are afraid of them, just take some mint leaves and rub them on your exposed body parts.

Want better results?

Try the peppermint oil, which is very good at repelling spiders. Spray the corners and other areas where spiders may enjoy webbing!

6. Salt

This natural ingredient can be used for so many needs, but you wouldn’t expect it to be a good option for banishing ants. Well, give it a try and you will see how helpful it is!

7. Slaked Lime

Sprinkle slaked lime around your house and it will definitely prevent ants to want having a tour in your home. This a long term protection and also very efficient.

8. Fresh Cucumber

Slice cucumbers and place the slices all over the areas with problems or on the possible entry points, because this is how you can keep ants ant cockroaches away.

IMPORTANT FACT: Bitter cucumber slices work better.

9. Bay Leaves

Strong scent, great effect! Bugs are simply driven crazy and kept away from your kitchen, if you put some bay leaves in those places where bugs nest.

Also, bay leaves are useful for deterring silverfish, ants and other insects. Don’t be afraid to put some leaves in the cabinets or in the containers where you keep cornmeal or flour.

BONUS TIP: Try this combination, if you are desperately trying to get rid of cockroaches: make a mixture of boiled water with garlic and bay leaves that were soaked in water for about 12 hours. Pour the mixture into an atomizer and then spray the solution on the cabinets, behind the refrigerator, around the stove and even near walls.

10. Cedar Oil

If we aim to get rid of fleas, mosquitoes or ticks, then here is the good news: cesar oil is toxic to them, but perfectly safe for humans. Spray it where needed, even on your body, when you will be exposed to the above mentioned insects.

11. Honey Trap

Take a sponge and pour some honey on it and soon it will be filled with ants. Now all you have to do is carefully picking the sponge and sink it in water, while enjoying the victory!

12. Yeast

Here it is another successful mixture that will solve your problem with ants. Just take two tablespoons of yeast and mix them with half liter of water and one tablespoon of sugar.

Blend the mixture so that the sugar is dissolved and then pour the solution in some tiny plates which you will place in the spots where ants were seen.

13. Rosemary Oil

Another aromatic plant which is not useful only for creating tasty recipes is rosemary. Its oil is helpful against mosquitoes, fleas and flies.

14. Vanilla Extract

You can use it alone or you can make a mixture, by adding some water. This nice-smelling ingredient is an extraordinary bug repellent. Mosquitoes will stay far from you, if you take some vanilla extract and gently rub it on your pulse ponts.

15. Baking Soda & Olive Oil

One last trick for saying “bye” to cockroaches for good is a mixture of 1 tea spoon of baking soda blended with 4 tablespoons of olive oil. Fill an atomizer with half liter of water and add the mixture in the bottle. Now spray, spray, then spray again.

These are some great natural options if you encounter problems with insects. Also, don’t forget to stick to these methods and do not expect them to leave your home overnight. Persevere and the results will soon be noticeable!

Having a flea problem can be enough to drive even the sanest person crazy.

The good news is that fleas can be removed, and it is even a project that you can take on yourself. However, you want to make sure to take all the steps to ensure that your rid your home, yard, and pet of flea problems for good!

How Can I Be Sure I Have Fleas?

There are a few different ways that you can check for fleas:

1. Check your pet!

Your pet is the first place to look, this will give you a positive yes answer in most cases where a flea infestation is present. Look for any bugs on your pet. It is best to check around the legs, underside of the belly, and around the head and neck. Often these are the areas where fleas are most prevalent.

Petmd.com states “The best way to check for fleas is with a flea comb.”. They also warn that fleas can cause tapeworms, itching, and even anemia in your pet.

2. Check your home.

If you have been getting bitten you may have already seen a flea or two. If not you can put on a pair of white socks and walk through your house. Fleas are attracted to white and you can spot them easily on a pair of socks.

Once you are sure that you have a flea infestation it is important to treat it quickly. Fleas multiply quickly.

A female flea lays about 20 eggs after they have consumed a meal, and they can lay as many as 2000 eggs in their lifetime. It is easy to see how this problem can escalate quickly.

Best Way to Get Rid of Fleas

Step 1. Removing Fleas From Your Pet

Removing fleas from your pet is first on the agenda. There are several different ways that you can accomplish this.

Talk To Your Vet

Talking with your vet is always a good start.

They can recommend flea treatments that you can buy. There is a pill called a Capstar that starts killing all adult fleas quickly. However, it does not do anything to kill the eggs.

That being said you need to use a method for prevention also. Your vet is likely to recommend a treatment that you apply on the back of your pets neck or an oral pill that they can take once a month.

Killing Fleas Naturally

For those who want to stay away from medications, there are some natural ways that you can kill the fleasthat are on your pet.

• Use a flea comb to remove fleas. This method will not remove the flea eggs. You need to do this each day for new fleas that may have hatched. Also, make sure after combing you place the comb into a cup of water with soap to kill the fleas you are removing.
• Bathe your pet using soapy water. This should remove adult fleas, but can also dry out the skin of your pet. You won’t want to do this too often.
• Use a lemon and water combination spray. Spray this on your pet but avoid getting it into their eyes.
• Use lavender oil on the neck as well as the base of your pet’s tail, this helps with repealing fleas and also keeps your pet smelling great.
• Products made using cedar oil are great for eliminating fleas and ticks. This oil is not only effective but it is completely safe for humans and pets. However, since some pets could have an allergy to the oil you should test a little spot before you put it all over your pet.

Step 2. Flea Control For Your Home

Foggers

There are many different brands of foggers available for flea control of your home. These are flammable so you will need to ensure that all your pilot lights are off before using them. Also, all animals and humans need to be out of the home.

The house will need to be left undisturbed for a number of hours, check the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure you are gone long enough. Finally, remember that you need to air the home out before re-entering.

Carpet Powder

A few companies make a powder that can be sprinkled on the carpet.

If using this method you need to make sure that you sprinkle under dressers and all places that the fleas could be hiding. In other words, don’t miss anything.

After allowing it to set for a while you simply vacuum it up and carry on. You should repeat this process a few times over the coming weeks. Just to make sure all the fleas and eggs are removed.

Dish Liquid

Create a flea trap using dish soap. You will need the following:

• Warm Water
• Bowls or Plates
• Dish Liquid
• Tea Candles

What you should do:

• Place a bowl on the floor in the middle of each room.
• If using a bowl fill partially full with the warm water, for a plate filled to the brim.
• Use about a capful of liquid dish soap and place it in the warm water.
• Place the tea candle on the plate in the center. If you have used a bowl you may need to set the candle beside the bowl and not in it, but be sure it is sitting on something that won’t damage the flooring.
• Light your candle.

Fleas are attracted to light. When they are jumping towards the light, from the candle, they will get stuck in the liquid and will die.

In the morning you can dispose of the water and dead fleas. You can do this night after night until you are no longer finding fleas.

Caution: Don’t leave the candles burning while you sleep. Stay awake until the candle has gone out or been blown out.

You also want to make sure that children and pets are not roaming free with the candles lit and the soapy traps in place.

Herbal Spray To Rid Fleas From Your Home

A herbal spray is a great alternative to the harsh chemicals found in flea bombs. This pray is safe for your kids and your pets. Here’s what you need:

• One gallon of vinegar.
• A ½ gallon of water.
• Two cups of lemon juice.
• One cup witch hazel
• One sprayer that can hold at least 7 liters

What to do:

• Gather all items that cannot be vacuumed and wash them on your hottest washer setting. This kills the eggs and larvae of the fleas.
• Vacuum all that you can. Make sure to get corners, upholstery, and all crevices.
• Mix together the ingredients.
• Add mixture into the sprayer.
• Use the heavy spray setting.
• Spray floors, window sills, the pet bedding, all furniture, your carpet, and every corner or nook that you can find.
• Do this for at least one week.
• Once you aren’t noticing the fleas much you can move to doing this only once every 4 days or so.

Step 3. Treating Your Yard

Treating your yard could be the hardest of all. However, it is important when treating an ongoing and difficult flea problem.

Chemical Treatments

There are a number of options for chemical treatments that you can buy which will remove and repel fleas from your yard, as long as they are used correctly. Depending on the size of your yard this could end up being a somewhat costly project but will be well worth it.

Yard Flooding

After using the chemical of your choice to remove the fleas, you can flood the yard to remove the offspring. Larvae and eggs are not able to survive if you flood your yard.

You don’t need to overdo it here. Use your hose on areas where you feel the fleas are breading. Just spray until it is slightly flooded.

Using Nematodes For Removal Of Fleas

If you are looking for a non-toxic, natural defense then this could be the answer you have been looking for.

These worms are microscopic and are harmless to pets and humans. They will not damage your plants, bushes, trees, or grass in any way.

They do however feed on the larvae of fleas and attack other pests that could be found in your yard, such as termites.

You typical find nematodes in a spray form and should spray areas that are shady where fleas tend to be most present. Fleas are not able to handle the hot sun so you shouldn’t need to treat areas with no shade.

Step 4. Prevention Going Forward

Once the majority of your flea problem is gone you need to work on preventing it from occurring again.

Prevention On Your Pet

To prevent fleas on your pet you can get an over the counter flea medication. You could also look into more natural methods of flea prevention that will include treating your pet each day. However, remember it is important not to miss any treatments in order to keep the fleas away.

Preventing Fleas In Your Home

• Keep your pet indoors as much as possible. This will aid in keeping them off your pet, and therefore prevent the pet from bringing fleas into your home.
• Clean the bedding regularly. You should always wash pet bedding on the hottest setting, washing at least once a week.
• Clean all flooring and carpets regularly.
• Provide your pet with a diet that contains yeast and garlic. This not only helps in boosting the immune system of your pet but it can cause your pet to taste less flavorful, in turn reducing your pet’s appeal to parasites. You should talk with your vet to see how much yeast and garlic is right for the pet, this is based on the weight and the breed.

Lawn Prevention

• Keep your yard dry. Fleas enjoy moist environments, so you should avoid over watering the yard.
• Cedar chips can be used decoratively. Fleas do not like cedar and will avoid it at all cost. Decide on places that you can place these cedar chips for decoration and flea repelling purposes.
• Think about planting pennyroyal. Fleabane is another name for pennyroyal. Once this has been established well in the yard it will repel fleas naturally. You need to be cautious with this, however, because it is toxic if ingested by cats, and it is not recommended around any animals that are pregnant.
• Mow, trim, and prune regularly. A yard that is sunny is not ideal for fleas. They are not able to tolerate long periods of time in the sun. If you mow regularly it helps to expose the soil to the sunshine, as well as keep it flea free and dry. Pruning bushing and trimming trees aid in increasing sunshine, keeping more fleas out.

Conclusion

Following these simple steps for checking for a flea problem, treating the problem, and preventing a re-infestation will help you remove fleas quickly from your home and keep them gone permanently.

Fleas are not just a nuisance to you but your pets as well. A flea free home is a happy home!

Fleas are tiny blood-sucking bugs that make our life miserable. As they prefer hairy hosts, they will usually come into your house via your pets.

Fleas can invade any home! The thing is that they spread serious diseases, like the Bubonic plague and many other dreadful diseases.

If you suspect there are fleas in your home and you are searching for help, we are here for you! In this article we will find out how to kill fleas together. Read on!

What Do Fleas Look Like

These bugs are very small and their size is different from species to species. Still, fleas are usually between 1/12 and 1/6 inch long.

They are flat and wingless and, because they cannot fly, they move by jumping.

They have 6 legs which help them grasp on the victim and their color is reddish brown.

Also, they have an outer shell which is very hard to crash. This is the exoskeleton covering their tiny body.

Types of Fleas

Scientists say that there are over 2,000 types of fleas in the entire world. They share some general characteristics, but they are also different in many ways.

Find below the most common types of fleas and learn about each of the types.

1. Cat Fleas

This is probably the most common types, especially in America.

Despite the fact that the name suggests these fleas host only on cats, they actually host on many other species. So, cat fleas can host on cats, dogs, but also on wild animals like raccoons, foxes or even opossums.

Of course, they also bite humans, but human blood isn’t enough for them to complete their life-cycle. But even if they do not necessarily host on us, they invade our homes.

Cat fleas enjoy infesting the furniture, the carpets and the whole house.

2. Human Fleas

Well, there is even a species that is “custom-made” for humans. There are people who don’t believe that fleas can host on humans, but it is true. Anyhow, they are quite rare nowadays.

Please note that their saliva is an allergen and it causes itchiness. Moreover, people who are farmers must know that these fleas also host on pigs. As you can figure out, human fleas can easily jump on you, while you do your job around pigs.

3. Dog Fleas

Dog fleas prefer dogs and cats as hosts, but sometimes they also bite humans.

This is a type of fleas that is very common rather in Europe than in America. They cause mild to severe itchy feelings. When dog fleas bite you, they cause itching and these areas may also bleed.

The worst thing is that dog fleas can live a long period without food, while also laying lots of eggs.

4. Oriental Rat Fleas

This is the type of flea that is guilty for spreading the Bubonic plague. Actually, this is the most dangerous types and it carries a lot of diseases.

They host not exclusively on rats, but on opossums, raccoons and other animals living in the same areas. Also, it is likely to get them when you go fishing.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of the flea encompasses four stages:

Egg: Female fleas lay about 6 eggs after they feed. These eggs take about 12 days to hatch into larvae.

Larva: At this stage, the flea is about 4 mm long and its color is a transparent white. It takes between four and 18 days for the larva to make cocoon and start the pupal stage.

Pupa: This is the last stage that fleas go through before becoming adults. The transformation takes place inside the cocoon that protects the flea. Fleas may reach the adult stage from three days to even a year or more.

Adult flea: Fleas manage to become reach this stage only when they feel there is a potential host around. This is because, once they hatch into adults, they jump on the host and start to feed.

Signs of Flea Activity

Well, it is not that hard to spot the signs of a flea infestation, but it takes more to get rid of them. Sometimes the infestation is more than obvious, but you also must be vigilant.

Here are some signs that should enlighten you:

• Your pet is constantly scratching and, when you check it, its skin is red. Sometimes, furry pets may even lose hair.
• Apart from the itchiness, you notice some fleas moving between its hairs.
• If you spot some tiny specks in your home or even on your pet. These are actually flea feces and are reddish-brown in color. This is because their feces are actually digested blood.
• The pet bed is the favorite place of fleas. So, you need to carefully check it and look for eggs, which are similar to salt and pepper.

How Do You Get Fleas

Firstly, you should know that the chances to get a flea infestation are bigger if you own a pet. Basically, you get them because the pets play outside in places where a flea is just waiting for a host.

On the other hand, you can get fleas into your home even without having any pets. This may happen in many ways. Fleas can jump on your clothes while you are outside and then you take them in your home.

Moreover, fleas also host on rats, raccoons, opossums and squirrels. So, if one of these happen to nest somewhere in your building, it is likely to get fleas.

How to Kill Fleas Fast

This is not an easy mission, but don’t get discouraged! If you are patient enough and persevere, you will be able to eradicate the infestation on your own.

Here are some remedies and products we strongly recommend you. For excellent results, you should apply them more than once.

1. Diatomaceous Earth (DE)

This is a very good treatment because is totally safe for humans and animals. So you won’t hurt your pets. Before applying DE, you need to thoroughly clean the house.

Vacuum the house and wash in hot water everything else. Then sprinkle DE powder all over your home. As it is not dangerous, you can even sprinkle it on pet beddings.

You need to wait about 48h and after this period you have to vacuum the layers of DE. How does DE work?

Well, as it is basically a powder with sharp particles, it cuts the flea exoskeleton. Then the fleas dry out and die. Moreover, it also works on larvae.

Click here to buy DE.

2. Baking Soda

That’s right!

You can just sprinkle some baking soda on those areas where there are flea nests or you have seen a lot of them. Insist on the carpets. You can even use a broom to make sure that the baking soda is well spread. Let the remedy rest overnight.

What does it do?

It seems that baking soda simply dries the fleas out. Don’t forget that you have to vacuum the surfaces you treated, in the morning.

This is a great non-toxic method that really works in your fight with the fleas!

3. Vet’s Best – Flea & Tick Home Spray

Are you looking for a NATURAL product against fleas?

You have just found it!

The best thing about it is that it also kills flea eggs. Its formula is non-staining and it won’t harm your children your pets or your plants. Totally safe! Check it here.

4. Adams Flea & Tick Carpet Powder

This is one of the best products you can find. You have to apply the powder on the carpets. It will kill fleas, flea eggs and even larvae and the effects will last for about one year. Moreover, it has a nice smell, as it is citrus scented.

Warning: keep away from children! Buy it here.

5. Raid Flea Killer Plus, Carpet & Room Spray

This spray will make your home flea free! It is easy to use, and also very helpful.

You can apply it on carpets, but also on other surfaces like pet beddings and upholsteries. The protection it offers is effective for about 4 months.

If you want to find more about it, click here.

Treatment Cost

As you can see above, there are also some low-cost remedies against fleas. On the other side, if you want to have quick and 100% effects, then you can choose an anti-flea product.

The prices start at about $6 and can go over $50.

Still, if you are person that prefers to have no worries, then call a professional. But this means that you will pay around $100-$200 for a one-time treatment. Fortunately, they will apply treatment both inside and outside and they also give you warranty.

How to Prevent from Fleas

If you are tired of dealing with the flea issue constantly, this means you do something wrong regarding the prevention.

This is way we also want to present you some golden rules you must respect. By doing so, you will manage to keep fleas at distance and your family and pets happy.

Let’s discover this valuable advice below!

• Keep your house spick-and-span! Make sure to do the cleaning daily or at least every few days. Sanitation is the key!
• If you own a pet that has long hair by its nature, consider shaving it. You need to do this because long hair seems to be a perfect place for the pests to hide in.
• There are lots of preventive products for your pets and even for your house, in general. If you apply one of this regularly, the chances to get an infestation will drastically decrease.

Conclusion

If you are dealing with fleas at the moment, we are here to support you!

Read again all the information above and prepare your strategy. Either option you may choose can be efficient, if you respect the described steps.

If you prefer to use chemical products, don’t forget to carefully read the instructions on the label. We hope that this article is helpful for you!