Simple Tips for Safe Flea Control

Image Gallery Don't let fleas ruin your pets' fun! ISTOCKPHOTO/HAGIT BERKOVICH

Summertime means tasty barbecues, relaxing hammocks and scenic camping trips. But sultry dog days also mean larger populations of tiny household pests, such as fleas. Thankfully, there are effective nontoxic countermeasures you can easily employ.

There are 2,000 known species of fleas worldwide. But the cat flea, which bites cats, dogs and humans, is the most infamous indoor troublemaker. For every flea found on your animal, there are approximately 30 more in your home.

Most chemical flea control products target only 5 percent of the flea population ? the adults. Because fleas become stronger and more immune to chemicals with each generation, toxic chemicals must be repeatedly applied. And, although a product may claim to be natural, some natural ingredients may cause allergic reactions or have toxic effects in animals. Visit eartheasy.com/article_natural_flea_control.htm for details.

Here are natural, easy tips to prevent fleas from entering your home:

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• Spray microscopic nematodes in moist, shady spots outside ? even in flower and vegetable gardens. The worms eat flea larvae and can reduce populations by 90 percent within 24 hours.
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• Set eucalyptus leaves inside and out because fleas can't stand the smell. Buy bunches at a craft store, cut them up and place leaves and stems in open glass jars. Set one or two in each room of the house. Also, hang pod-filled socks from branches around the yard.
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