If you have pets, chances are you have experienced a flea outbreak. Fleas persist outdoors during the spring, summer and early fall. Indoors, fleas can survive year-round, as long as there is a blood host. Flea bites can lead to dermatitis, skin rashes and allergic skin reactions, according to Ohio State University. While these skin conditions often affect your pets, they also can affect you and your children. Getting rid of fleas naturally around your children involves using products that have no harmful side effects.
Outdoors
Step 1
Mow the lawn weekly, keeping it at a height of 1 inch or less. Less grass means fewer places for fleas to hide.
Step 2
Fill the receptacle of a manual hand duster with diatomaceous earth (DE). Turn the handle on the side of the hand duster to release the DE. Cover your lawn with approximately a 1/8-inch dusting of the DE.
Step 3
Dust the lawn, planting areas and any other outdoor areas where pets play or eliminate. Keep children and pets indoors as you spray. A 6-lb. package of DE covers 2,500 sq. ft. of lawn. Repeat the application of DE monthly, as needed.
Indoors
Step 1
Wash pets using a herbal flea shampoo, which are natural and non-toxic, and cause fewer skin irritations than those that contain dangerous pesticides. Repeat the bathing process every one to two months, as needed.
Step 2
Vacuum your home before applying a natural flea remedy. Vacuum all carpeting, furniture and animal bedding.
Step 3
Remove the vacuum bag and place it in a plastic bag after vacuuming. Seal the bag tightly and toss it in an outside garbage can.
Step 4
Sprinkle borax over carpets, furniture and animal bedding. Allow the borax to sit for 24 hours. Keep children and pets out of the treated area during the 24-hour waiting period.
Step 5
Vacuum again using a new vacuum bag, sucking up all of the borax and dead fleas. Remove the vacuum bag, place it in a sealed plastic bag and discard in an outside garbage can. Repeat as needed.
Tips and Warnings
- DE and borax are relatively inexpensive. DE and borax work by suffocating and drying out the adult fleas and their larva.
- Although the use of DE and borax are safer than chemical pesticides, pets or children should not ingest either product. It is imperative that children and pets leave the room during the application.
Things You'll Need
- Lawn mower
- Diatomaceous earth
- Hand duster
- Herbal flea shampoo
- Vacuum
- Vacuum bags
- Plastic bags
- Borax
