O/T...another question about flea control

Marin, When I was growing up and our dog had fleas, my parents would put jar lids (mayo/peanut butter or similar) with rock salt in it under the furniture in the affected room where the dog could not get to it. My dad said that the fleas were attracted to the white salt and jump on it. The salt would then dehydrate them. Just check the lids frequently because it will draw the humidity from the air and could fill up with water. this is a good nontoxic way to get rid of fleas in the carpet.

sheila

Marin--I just stumbed upon this topic--



A few weeks ago I had been waking up with a few "bites" that I thought were misquitoes (sp?)--then when I was changing the sheets I noticed two little "bugs" in the sheets--I went balistic--checking the dog (who sleeps in bed with us) and she had no fleas or any evidence of flea "dirt"--I took her to the groomer to have her checked by a professional, and he too stated no fleas--I said dip her anyway--even thought I use frontline every month. . .



I called an exterminator (worried sick that my LE arm would get a flea bite, or maybe a bedbug? no bed bugs--he checked for that) and he came and examined and said it was indeed fleas. He said often fleas could come from mice, not just from your own cats or dogs from outside.



So, I took off all the bedding and washed it at a laundromat in hot, hot water--and had the exterminator "treat" the enitre house, including our bedroom and the guest room "our dog's favorite napping place."



He said we had to leave for four hours, and then we could all come back with no problems. We stayed away for two days.



So far, so good. The pilows are another story--I sealed them in plastic and bought new ones--some say sealing in plastic for several weeks will kill it all, others say dump them. . .



I know there is another treatment you can do for your animals--Capstar, and indeed, it will kill any and all flears or eggs or larva on them.



The house is yet another thing. Suggest an exterminator--if you skip that, the fleas/eggs/larvea can set up a breeding ground in your home.



Best of luck to you in your "de-fleaing" efforts.

Speaking of 'drying-up the bugs' I do know that boric acid will work for some pests (like ants) and it's completely non-toxic to humans and animals. I always have a container available - it's cheap and effective. Just FYI. Good-luck Marin!

I have 4 dogs in the house and have had dogs for the last 7 years, have always used frontline and never had trouble with fleas.  I buy mine at my vet and they usually have a coupon if you buy so many you get one free.  I usually try to take advantage of that.

The chrysanthemum-based product is pyrithrum. When I was pregnant, this was what my OB let us use. It really worked. We got a pest control service that used only organic products, and this is what they used.

Hope that what you bought helps.