The advent of topical flea treatments for pets have made insecticides pretty outdated. Topical prescriptions stop or augment the flea’s reproductive cycle and rapidly kill an infestation.

Fleas bite people, too, though they won’t stay on you for long. Fleas prefer to nestle in fur or feathers, rather than skin or hair. Flea Repelling Plants - The final 'old wives tale' about natural remedies to get rid of fleas is enlisting the help of a range of specific plants to help repel these biting insects. Certain plants contain particular oils, compounds, and chemicals which fleas dislike and will try and avoid. Using these plants around your home in flower pots and flower beds is suggested as a natural home remedy for fleas. Plants that keep fleas away:Flea dirt is primarily made up of the host’s blood. Fleas with a host nearby consume much more blood than they need to survive daily. Fleas often excrete while biting and may release 10 or more drops of flea dirt while they feed. Pet scratching Let your pet groom itself. Grooming keeps your pets fur and skin healthy! If you notice your pet isn’t grooming normally or its hygiene has worsened, consult your vet.

Top tip: Hire a gardener to keep on top of the little jobs in your garden. Professional flea removal Rosemary - There is an 'old wives tale' that Rosemary can be used to treat light infestations of fleas, by making a herbal flea powder using rosemary - place the herb with some rue, wormwood, fennel and peppermint into a pestle and mortar and grind into a powder. Then sprinkle it on your carpets, furniture, pet bedding, window sills and anywhere else you suspect flea activity in your home. Rosemary is said a natural flea repellent, so according to myth it will help repel and prevent them.Fleas like to live on a blood host. They won’t take up residence in your bed, but they will leave evidence that they’ve been there.

The symptoms of a flea bite vary. If the flea has a disease or an allergic reaction occurs, the symptoms may be more severe.

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Keep infected pets away from others and out of key living spaces to prevent the fleas from spreading. 2. Clean, clean, clean Don’t put off flea treating your pets either with flea collars or medication. Fleas will be attracted to your pet and killed when they try to bite your furry companions. This can be irritating for your animal and you will still need to treat your home as well.