Simple tips put fleas in their place

Spring is just around the corner and soon fleas will start invading our homes again.

One set of fleas can generate about 50,000 fleas in just one month.

There are a variety of chemicals on the market that will eliminate fleas, however, they have to be used every couple of weeks in the beginning to kill not only the fleas but also their eggs. Otherwise the eggs will hatch and you're back in the flea business again.

Below are several tips that will help eliminate your flea problem.

A. Bathe your pet and then apply a safe flea dip that kills and controls fleas. Never apply several different types of flea insecticides. Each manufacturer uses different chemical to kill fleas, and mixing them could hurt your pet.

B. Don't use dog products on cats. Generally dogs weigh more than cats and because of that you could overdose your cat.

C. Vacuum your home frequently. Put mothballs in your vacuum cleaner bags to kill the fleas after you've sucked them up.

D. Treat your lawn and grass area with the appropriate insecticide. If you don't, the fleas will hitch a ride on your pet and end up back in the house.

It should be noted that a flea can jump 12 inches or more in just one leap.

E. Watch your dog house down with salt water. Place fresh pine needles or cedar shavings in your pet's sleeping area. Fleas hate the smell.

F. Fleas hate the dyes used to make green soap.

G. To check to see if you have fleas in your home, place a white bed sheet in the center of your living room. Then place a lamp in the center of the sheet and turn it on. Turn off all of the lights in the room.

Fleas are attracted to the light and will jump to the center of the sheet.

If you are allergic to any of the above products, please don't use them. Always test fabrics and paints before using any chemical compound. Please remember to wear rubber gloves to protect your hands and eye protection for your eyes.

If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed Madan at Northwest Environmental Services (255-2266) or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What Would Ed Do?

Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified executive housekeeper, Northwest Environmental Services, specializing in commercial, residential and disaster cleaning.