Flea and tick season is upon us and as our little ones and pets spend more time outdoors, prevention is key. However, some things are unavoidable no matter how hard we try to stop them from happening. When it comes to keeping fleas away and treating bites when they do occur, looking for safe remedies is priority number one.
What Are Fleas?
Fleas are blood-sucking insects known for carrying dangerous diseases. Measuring up to just double the size of a pinhead, these minuscule, yet problematic pests can live for over a third of a year. They also multiply very quickly. Don’t let their small size fool you though. They can jump up to thirteen inches — that’s over 200 times their length!
Fleas live in cool shady areas. Tallgrass, untrimmed shrubs and woodpiles are normally where they are found. This makes it easy for them to jump onto your pet on a walk or while just playing in your backyard. Used furniture and clothing are also responsible for transporting these insects into your home.
How to Keep Fleas Out
Being proactive is the best method for keeping fleas out of your home and away from your little one. With the amount of time that babies spend on the floor, it is worth the extra effort to keep these insects from getting inside. That’s because once they have set up shop, it can be an extremely tedious task to get them out.
Be a Responsible Pet Owner
Dogs and cats are the main culprits for giving these bugs a route inside. If your furry friends ever step foot out the door, then they need to get preventative treatment. This is just like when you get a flu shot to help you fight off the illness on the off chance that you catch it. Flea and tick medications cause these critters to die quickly and prevent them from laying eggs if they manage to hitch a ride on your pet’s luscious coat. Flea collarsFlea collars are another easy alternative — but run this option by a vet first because some collars aren’t safe.
Another important tip is to avoid areas where these creatures may be residing. When you take your pet for a walk or jog through the park, stay in locations that are well maintained. Grass that is mowed and frequently trimmed landscape is less likely to be populated with fleas, which means your pup can stay safe.
Maintain Your Yard
One of the best ways to keep fleas at bay is to make sure that your yard is a place that they never want to stay! Keep your grass mowed regularly. Remove debris and areas where water can accumulate. Trim your shrubs and bushes. Allow for ample sunshine and find ways to keep wildlife away. Finally, remember that fleas thrive in moist areas so avoid overwatering if possible.
Natural repellants are also beneficial things to consider adding to your garden. Cedar mulch is a fantastic tool to drive these parasites out. Spread it along the edges of the yard and in places where your pets tend to congregate for optimal results. Moreover, rosemary, citronella, and eucalyptus are all scents that deter fleas from sticking around. If the climate you live in allows, situating these fresh-smelling plants in your backyard can help scare away unwanted visitors.
However, if you don’t have a green thumb, consider using pet and child-safe bug treatments around the house. Brands like Wondercide create a barrier to insects while using non-toxic, plant-based ingredients. Keep in mind that it is important to spray while the kids are out of the house. Then allow ample time for the spray to dry before letting your little ones get back to playing.
Finally, if your child has a sandbox, make sure to always cover it when not in use. Sand can become a breeding ground for fleas if they are given an opportunity. Therefore, keep it dry and enclosed. For some extra protection, add in a cup of cinnamon!
Create Boundaries In Your Household
As much as we love to snuggle with our furry friends after a long hard day, keeping them out of our kid’s beds and play areas can make a big difference in the off chance that fleas get into the house. Unfortunately, if they do manage to sneak in, it doesn’t take long for them to multiply so don’t let it get that far!
Vacuum at least once a week during flea and tick season and make sure to focus on both the high traffic areas as well as along the baseboards and the areas where your pups tend to hang out the most. For an even better effect, sprinkle some baking soda and or salt over the carpeted areas and rugs. Leave it overnight and then vacuum it up in the morning. Moreover, wash your pet’s bedding and clean out their kennels frequently.
Utilize Essential Oils to Keep Fleas Away
Essential oils are natural plant compounds. One of their functions can be to repel insects. Many are considered safer alternatives than chemical-based treatments. Take a spray bottle and fill it with water. Then add a few drops to the solution. Eucalyptus, tea tree, lemon, and peppermint are all great options that fleas despise!
Spray this mixture on furniture or use it as a mild bug repellent on your pets and kids. Remember to always check with your physician before applying anything directly to your baby’s skin and make sure to do an allergy spot test before regular use.
What to Do If Fleas Get Into the House
Sometimes no matter how hard we try, critters manage to make their way into our homes. If this does occur, your next step is to clean, clean clean! Steam clean the carpets and upholstery, wash all bedding, and mop the floors. Do this on repeat for a few weeks. Time is of the essence with fleas so work quickly!
Also, don’t forget your pets. Regular baths with lots of dish soap are key! Yes, dish soap. Unlike shampoo, products like Dawn and Ajax are known killers of fleas! Scrub a dub away! Additionally, don’t forget to grab a flea comb at the store to brush away any stragglers after your pet gets out of the tub.
Not only that, but you can also set up traps around the house using a shallow dish, some water, and a little of your favorite dish soap! Shine a light over the mixture and leave some in each room overnight. Then in the morning just throw it away!
Most importantly, keep your babies and toddlers off of the floors. Once you resolve the issue then they can resume normal activities. This gives them a better chance of not being bitten while you deal with the infestation.
What to Do If There Are Flea Bites on Baby
If you notice clusters of small, red bumps on your child, there is the possibility that they have been bit by fleas. They will usually appear on the lower extremities, but with babies who are still crawling, the bites could show up anywhere.
First and foremost, wash the area thoroughly with warm water and, you guessed it, dish soap. Most flea bites will be itchy so applying a topical anti-itch ointment or giving your child an antihistamine can help with the irritation. Make sure to confirm with your baby’s pediatrician on all medications before administering them and double-check the dosage.
Furthermore, if your kid seems determined to scratch the area, clip their nails to help prevent additional damage to the skin. If the area starts to worsen or your child develops a fever, contact their doctor for further treatment instructions.
Final Thoughts
If you have furry friends or spend lots of time outdoors, fleas are a threat to you and your household. Consistently remaining a step ahead through the regular cleaning of your home and yard is the best defense against these parasites. When heading out for a hike in areas that are less maintained, dress appropriately. Wear long sleeves, pants, and closed-toed shoes to protect you and your little ones from being bit.
Moreover, check your pets thoroughly after activities in these areas. This can also allow you to catch bites early on and handle the situation before it spreads throughout your home.
Finally, fleas can be found in a lot of unexpected places. If you are planning a beach vacation, don’t forget that sand fleas can put a damper on your fun if you don’t prepare. Always remember that they love cool, moist places and they hate dry and hot conditions.
This means that if it rains, find a different activity that day. When the weather has been dry, go to the beach in the afternoon when temperatures are expected to be warmer. Additionally, bring a towel or a chair to allow for a little separation between you and the sand. However, for the kids that love to bury themselves in the sand and build castles, consider essential oil sprays or over-the-counter bug sprays to add an extra layer of protection.
