The first line of defense against fleas is securing

Vacuuming Fleas lay eggs on bedding not your pet and eliminating potential nesting sites is imperative. Vacuuming raises fabric fiber allowing insecticide to penetrate deeper. Cracks in floors and furniture, rugs, base boards, carpeting, cushions and sofa's all need to be vacuumed. The summer and fall is flea season, increase vacuuming to every two-three days. To many, vacuuming once a week sounds preposterous. However, if you consider that vacuuming eliminates 30 percent of larvae and nearly 60 percent of eggs, the additional labor is worth it. A crucial item to remember is the vacuum bag. Larvae can still survive and hatch inside the vacuum bag, if not disposed of you will have a serious infestation on your hands. If you are already infested steam clean the carpet and any fabric furniture, in addition to cleaning surfaces.

Washing Your second mechanical defense is your washing machine. Clean your pets bedding, sheets, and blankets regularly. If you allow your pet to sleep with you on the bed wash your sheets and comforts often, fleas bite humans.

Treatments - No war would be complete without chemical agents and the battle against fleas is no different. There are numerous products that clean carpeting, floors and bedding that is specifically designed to eradicate fleas. Some of these use a chemical called limonene that is designed for indoor use, basically it is friendly on fabric. Indoor treatments kill on contact, but much like some weed killers, are not preventatives. If you have adult fleas hopping around your kitchen floor and you want an instantaneous demise, these treatments should get the job done.

*Boron-based products can also be applied on carpentering but have no effect on adult fleas. This chemical contaminates the dried blood excreted by adult fleas, which larvae feed upon. Usually Boron products are preferred as shampoos to avoid issues with particle dust, carpet wear and accidental contamination of eating surfaces.

*Methoprene and pyriproxyfen can also be sprayed indoors but by control professionals. Pyriproxyfen is administered under couches and other furniture to control larvae and adult fleas.

Flea Traps You have a trap in your arsenal and the most effective one contains a light and very sticky card. This light, usually green, blinks occasionally simulating the shadow of a passing host. Adult fleas leap upon the silhouette only to be glued to the sticky card. While this trap is very effective it is an excellent addition to your reserves but should not be utilized as the primary weapon against fleas.

Nematodes Biological warfare comes in the form of tiny worms that are natural predator's flea larvae. Though the how much impact nematodes have on controlling larvae is limited, they are nonetheless predators. Moistened, sandy soil is suggested, which allows the worms to move swiftly through your yard and prolong their lifetime.

Lawn Care The use of chemicals is an obvious choice in this battle. Ensure that your lawn is well maintained and treated with insecticides, especially in shady, damp areas. Fleas will not venture into sunlight, so pay close attention to those areas that are well shaded.

All three chapters are available

-Chapter I: Getting rid of Fleas - Cat Fleas & Dog Fleas

-Chapter II: Getting rid of Fleas- Fleas in House & Yard

-Chapter III: Getting rid of Fleas- Dog & Cat Health