Chemical Free Ways to Control Fleas and Ticks

The U.S. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) is currently investigating the safety of spot-on flea and tick products for health concerns in animals. In 2008, there were over 35,000 incidents in pets, ranging from death to minor health problems, from spot-on flea and tick products, a substantial increase from the previous year.

The EPA suggests the following methods to control fleas and ticks on your pet without the need of spot-on flea and tick products:

• Vacuum on a daily basis to remove flea eggs, larvae and adults.  Vacuum carpets, cushioned furniture, cracks and crevices on floors, along the baseboards and the basement.
• Steam clean carpets to kill fleas, especially where pets sleep.
• Wash all pet bedding and family bedding that pets may lie on in hot, soapy water every 2-3 weeks.
• Flea combs are very effective.  Focus on parts of the pet where the fleas tend to congregate, such as the neck and tail area.  Deposit the fleas in hot, soapy water to kill them.
• Consider keeping pets indoors.

For more information on the EPA’s recommendations on how to control fleas and ticks, visit their “Taking Care of Fleas and Ticks on Your Pet” factsheet.