How do I get rid of fleas in my home?

Jacquie Jacque
by Jacquie Jacque

Hello,Someone brought his large dog into my home March 2017. He said the dog was on flea protection. I have 5 rescued cats and 2 rescued parrots and noticed both scratching about 5 months later. I was assaulted and suffered severe PTSD and was static for a year+. Now, I have a mess.These are my problems:I live in a small town Both big bug spray companies dont know about their chemicals and birdsI have infloor heating where the birds are- will the heat generate the chemicals in the air againI would rather go naturalistic but their products have proved futileI bought flea bombs though I have gas heat and read they dont work well.I am in a disaster and dont know how to get this resolved.I am disabled and there are no services here.The cats are on preventative monthly and miserableThe parrots are on preventative, lots of baths etc Terminex says I have to move everything from the wall 12-14 inches- I have a Victorian folk farm house and small rooms. Plus, I am single and disabled. One Terminex tech was here for 5 minutes at 7pm, looked in two places and said there was no problem here.Probably not the best home talk question but everyone who has pets goes thru it though not a topic to talk about. I am so overwhelmed I don't know what to do. I would so appreciate your advice.JacquiePs. This happened at the worst time as I was downsizing- I have to sell the family home- so alot of things were on the floor- paperwork and 3 boxes- one to keep, one to donate, one to toss..

  6 answers
  • Oliva Oliva on Jan 02, 2019

    Pennyroyal, grown in a shady area of your yard, then dried and placed in pets' bedding will deter fleas. You may be able to locate it essential oil form, to apply to cotton balls, then place about your home, but be careful to avoid oils' transfer to your fabrics, etc.

    Tansy ised to be used to keep fleas out of yards.

  • Susan Ellis Yamakawa Susan Ellis Yamakawa on Jan 02, 2019

    I certainly hope someone can help you

  • Kelly-n-Tony Kelly-n-Tony on Jan 02, 2019

    Oh my Jacquie, I really feel for you!


    I'd think if you didn't notice for 5 months it was probably not the large dog but in any case you have a pickle of a problem! To be sure you have fleas where white socks and sit in the areas you think need treated. You would see the fleas jump onto the socks.


    Assuming you do have fleas- I know it's costly but can you board the cats and parrots for a day so that you can get the house treated? You might try using flea bombs on your own first while the animals are boarded and treated for the fleas. Then bring them back after the house airs out. You might have to treat the home twice as some don't kill the eggs (or vice versa).


    https://www.peststrategies.com/reviews/flea-products/best-flea-foggers-reviewed/

  • Oh my goodness! I so feel for you! Just know you can get through this. Just be strong.


    With birds you have to be very very careful as they are highly susceptible to chemicals, odors, climate change.


    Here are a few things you can try:


    https://www.1800petmeds.com/education/get-rid-of-fleas-in-home-7.htm


    https://www.popsci.com/get-rid-fleas


    https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/how-to-get-rid-of-fleas-naturally/


    https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-home-guide/how-to-get-rid-of-fleas


    https://www.thebalance.com/get-rid-of-fleas-in-the-house-1799049


    Terminex is a franchise, some are excellent, some mediocre and some are downright horrible. I could bore you to tears with my story, but I won't.


    Don't be overwhelmed. Best way to handle that is to make lists of tasks to be tackled and cross them off as you complete them, add more as they pop up. If you can, get into therapy, as it really can help you cope. Contact your local hospital and get assigned to a social worker that can guide you thru all the red tape. Since you are disabled you have more services available to you for free or very low cost.


    Just know you are a survivor and you can work through this. I was assaulted many years ago and at that time PTSD was not yet widely recognized. I made it through and you can too.

  • Peggy L Burnette Peggy L Burnette on Jan 02, 2019

    Hi Jacquie sorry you are having a flea problem. First of all see your vet and get some flea protection for the cats (please don't buy the cheap stuff at the store it has been know to kill cats and kittens, also flea collars are no good) Vacuum every day and put the stuff you pull up from the carpet in outside trash. Brush your animals and look for flea dirt. Getting rid of fleas is a long hard road but it can be done. If you remove all the living things from your home you can set off a flea "bomb". be sure to read all directions carefully first. Good luck it is a problem you can take care of , it just takes time and you must keep after it. Thank you for having rescues we do too, you must have a big heart. God bless you.

  • Jacquie Jacque Jacquie Jacque on Jan 03, 2019

    Thank you all so much!! I am so thrilled with the support and ideas you all have given me. There are good people out there in this world. Thank you so much!


    Jacquie