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If you have questions like “will borax kill fleas in carpet?” then you would love the insights, we will share in this article. Fleas are terrible pests that can be discomforting to not only you but also your pets and entire households. Fortunately, there are different popular ways to clear them out, and one of which is borax. However, there has been a lot of debate about whether borax is genuinely meant for killing fleas, safety, and effectiveness. In this article, we will try to answer all of those questions.

Difference Between Borax and Boric Acid

You may have seen boric acid or borax used interchangeably in most boron-based insecticides. They are chemically different but can be used for the same functions. Both compounds are made from boron. Borax, otherwise called Sodium Tetraborate, is better described as boric acid salt. Borax is also used in small quantities in toothpaste and detergents due to its antiseptic and fungal properties. It may seem as though borax is a safer alternative to boric acid.

However, that is not the truth. The Occupational Safety and Administration Hazard Communication Standard states that both compounds are toxic materials. They can cause harm to humans and pets. For humans, they might irritate the eyes and skin and lead to nausea, oral irritation, or vomiting. Borax and boric acid are incredibly toxic for toddlers and babies. Pregnant women can also develop complications around both treatment options. They also cause long-term problems for pets especially cats.

How Does Borax Kill Fleas in Carpets

Borax has no smell in its powdered form, and when using it around the home, it is best used in that form as an insecticide product. Borax kills fleas by breaking their exoskeletons, dehydrating, and eventually killing them. It can also kill flea larvae when they hatch or prevent them from hatching. Nevertheless, borax can even kill many other things including plants, ants, moths, and cockroaches.

How To Use Borax to Kill Fleas in Carpet

1: Clean and vacuum around your home, including the furniture, walls, and carpets. Make sure you get the vacuum bag out of your properly and secure it after cleaning.

2: Spread the borax power around possible areas of infestation. You can also use a stiff brush to make sure the powder penetrates the carpets for a more profound elimination of flea larvae and adult fleas.

3: Allow in place for 6 hours to 2 days or longer.

4: Vacuum thoroughly and dispose of the bag outside your home.

5: Repeat the process for two more sessions to eliminate fleas from your home.

Will Borax Kill Fleas in Carpet

Borax can kill fleas in carpets and other parts of your home. It is powerful enough as a natural treatment but equally dangerous. You need to wear a mask, gloves, and other protective clothing when using it around your home.

You must also keep your kids and pets away from your home for the duration of time because borax can be very toxic for them. In the end, it is better to call the pest exterminators to help you get rid of fleas from your home. Borax is useful for killing fleas in the carpet, but it can also be too toxic for you. The risks outweigh the benefits of using borax to get rid of fleas from your home.

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Getting rid of fleas can be a troublesome feat. Sometimes, you may want to use a herbal flea spray for your pet and home. In this article, we will discuss the benefits, drawbacks and of using such products. You may have heard that when one finds a flea, there is a possibility of a thousand more in the area. Such facts are valid and can be disheartening, so you may wonder what you can do to get rid of fleas once and for. Chances are you have pets, so you need to treat your pets as well as your home with safe and non-toxic products. Herbal flea sprays are one of the products out there for flea treatments. Some of these products can also be used to protect your pets from fleas in the future.

The truth about Herbal flea sprays

Many herbal flea sprays are very effective. Regardless of using natural or chemical sprays, they might work for your home and pets. However, you must be cautious about picking any product simply because there are many positive reviews or the purported claims on the pack. Some products contain hidden chemicals that may be harmful to your pets and even yourself.

Herbal flea sprays have been known to cause adverse reactions such as trouble breathing, seizures, respiratory problems, diarrhea, vomiting and even death. This is because these products may absorb into the skin of pets and causing complications in the process. If your pets show any of these signs after applying these sprays, seek veterinary care immediately.

A better approach

Before you use any product to prevent or treat flea infestation, contact your veterinary doctor. No matter how natural the products might look, even natural products can be harmful. Remember that nuclear materials such as “uranium” and “plutonium” are also naturally occurring elements. Protect your pets by contacting the doctor before going along with any flea treatment for your pets. Concerning your home, call the professional pest exterminators to help you. They can help you understand the benefits and drawbacks of different flea treatments for your home. That way, you can select the best method that uses fewer toxic compounds. Even when you wish to use pesticides, they can guide you on the best way to protect your pets and your family from harm during the treatment period. So, what’s the deal with herbal flea spray? Herbal flea treatments can effectively remove fleas from your pet’s furs and home. However, you should never use them without first contacting the appropriate professions such as the vet and pest exterminators to discover safer methods that will protect your family from unnecessary events.

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Animal and plant friendly flea control measures are important in today’s market. The anti-flea market attracts truckloads of pet control measures. Besides that, these tiny pesky creatures make life miserable for your pets, they can also bite and leave itching and swollen spots on humans. Indeed, a flea infestation can be nightmarish to pets – and pet owners. Pesticides are widely considered effective for flea control. However, these products have posed more enormous challenges to pet owners than, even, the fleas. Pesticides come with some dreaded side effects. Thankfully, some products are more natural and relatively safe – do not harm plants or animals in your yard. Let’s take a look at some animal and plant friendly flea control measures.

Diatomaceous Earth Animal and Plant Friendly

Gardening- or food-grade diatomaceous earth is a trusted option. Note, however, that diatomaceous earth specifically made for swimming pool filter are not fit for flea control.

That said, before application, ensure you put on goggles and face mask – and other relevant protective gears – before application. Although the earth is mild on humans once applied, its dust can cause some minor adverse effects – particularly for asthmatic patients and dust-sensitive persons.

Sprinkle diatomaceous earth in areas around your home where you suspect an infestation. Distribute powder with a push spreader, shaker can, or a hand spreader – based on the area you wish to treat.  Ensure you focus on areas your pets are fond of.

Beneficial Nematodes

Here’s another harmless flea-control measure you want to try. You can find beneficial nematodes in the gardening center, nursery, or related suppliers. Nematodes have different types – each for a specific pest control purpose. So when buying, go for one suited for fleas.

Sprinkle nematodes in areas you suspect have fleas – both in and outside your home. Each product comes with a distinct usage directive. Follow users description and apply as instructed.

While hand spreaders work best for powders, sprayers are most suitable for applying liquids.

Repeat application as deemed necessary. These animals will feed on fleas in your yard for about three months. Reapply nematodes whenever you notice fleas still lurking around your yard.

Requirements

    Diatomaceous earth

   Hand or spreader

   Face mask

  Shaker can (optional though)

  Beneficial nematodes

  Googles

Pro Tips for These Plant and Animal Friendly Flea Control Measures

In some cases, you may not necessarily treat the entire house. Focus on areas with a noticeable infestation, particularly areas where your pets spend most of their time. Wear long white socks and tuck your pants in. If an area is infested, you will notice the fleas jumping on your socks.  If noticed, focus on that area. Besides fleas, you can use diatomaceous earth to tackle maggots, grubs, thrips, snails, and slugs. These animal and plant friendly flea control measures help ensure you protect your plant and animal friends.

Diamatoceous loses its effectiveness if it gets wet. Reapplication may be necessary if this occurs. When used in very humid areas, beneficial nematodes prove more effective than diatomaceous earth. Besides flea, diatomaceous earth also feeds on beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. So, caution should be taken during application.

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When fleas are an issue, most will wash any bedding or other household items which leads to the question can fleas live in your washing machine?

It is difficult dealing with a flea infestation. Fleas are small, evasive, and persistent. You have to treat various parts of your home and possessions, including your clothes and beddings. It is cheaper and easier to wash and treat clothes in the washing machine, but some homeowners may be wary of infesting equipment that comes in contact with every piece of clothing material in their home. So we got the answer to “can fleas live in your washing machine?”

It is difficult to eliminate fleas because the flea population consists of four groups, and most treatment can’t eradicate all four groups. The groups are divided into their stages of development, namely eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults. Some flea treatment only sterilizes adult fleas, some kills any flea in the last three stages but doesn’t affect the eggs, while some only dry up the eggs.

Can Fleas Live in Your Washing Machine

Fleas can’t survive the actions of a running washing machine, although nothing is 100 percent certain. Let’s discuss why.

1. Mechanical actions

There is a lot of turbulence from the spinning and turning involved inside a washing machine and dryer. The action alone is enough to dislodge the little pests from your clothe and beddings, but it probably won’t kill them. However, they will get washed off into the drainage when you drain the washing machine.

• Detergents

Like every other insect, adult fleas and eggs can survive for a long time underwater (up to days). Fleas are also buoyant on water, meaning that they can stay on the surface. The chemicals in the soap make it difficult for fleas to survive. They sink and become unable to float to the surface, but the soapy water is not conducive; therefore, they suffocate.   

• Heat

Fleas are strong but not strong enough to survive high temperatures. The heat fries your unwanted little pests. You have to consider the maximum temperature resistance of the clothing material when setting the washing temperature, or else you may damage it. Check the tag and use the maximum temperature recommended for the cloth.

All three factors work collectively. 

Tips for Using the Washing Machine to Treat Fleas

1. Place the clothing directly in the washing machine: Transfer beddings and clothing directly from their location to the washing machine to avoid infesting other parts of your house.
2. Wash in batches: You may be tempted to overstuff the washing machine if the laundry is much, but this only compromises the efficiency of your treatment. It may even damage your washing machine. 
3. Use high temperature: Fleas won’t be able to survive a temperature of about 35-degree Celcius (95-degree Fahrenheit). You also have to consider the heat tolerance of the clothing material.
4. Use laundry additives: Regular detergents will do the job, but you can never be too careful. You can use laundry additives to increase the efficiency of your treatment.

Fleas can’t live in your washing machine, but you can follow the tips above to prevent the unlikely situation. Consult your vet when dealing with a serious infestation

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Do you think about the top home remedy for fleas on children? We did too and decided to put them together for you.

Having pests in your home is challenging and can become a threat to your family, especially children. Fleas can bite humans and cause itchy bites, which are prone to infection. Some kids can also develop allergies from fleabites. Therefore, it is crucial to get rid of them immediately. Here are some home remedies you can use.

Home remedies for fleabites on children

1. Wash the bite surface: Wash the fleabites with warm soapy water. This can provide instant relief to the flea bites and soothe the itching
2. Apply an ice pack: Apply an icepack to the surface alternating on and off every 10 minutes. You can do this for over an hour, and it will help reduce swelling, alleviate inflammation, and ease the itching.  
3. Cut all nails: Make sure your child’s nails are clipped short to prevent them from scratching the bites. You can also bandage the flea surface to prevent them from scratching.

Child-Safe Remedies For Your Home

1.    Flea traps

A simple flea trap with dish soap and water is the top home remedy for fleas on children. However, this method only works for mature fleas but not flea eggs and larvae. Add dish soap to a bowl of water and set it in a dark corner in your home. Place a lamp above the water while making sure the other lights in the room are turned off. You should probably use these treatments at night. 

2.    Lemon flea spray

Cut a lemon add to a pint of water. Boil for about 30 minutes and allow the mixture to sit overnight. Next, pour into a spray bottle and spray in all infested areas around your home, including chairs, pet bedding, furniture and many more. This mixture can kill fleas and repel them but it would not be beneficial if you have a heavy infestation. If you have pets, you can also use the mixture for bathing your pets. It can help kill fleas in their furs and repel fleas. However, you may need to reapply the mix every now and then to keep fleas away from your pet’s coats effectively.

3.    Diatomaceous Earth

Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth around the home. The product is non-toxic to humans. However, it will kill fleas by dehydrating them whenever they pass over the powder. Nevertheless, make sure you cover your nose and mouth with a mask before applying and keep your kids and pets outside your home until the dust settles. Leave the powder overnight before you vacuum. You can repeat treatments until you get rid of fleas in your home. Visit the CDC website for flea control

Vacuum your carpets, baseboards, and other parts of your home regularly to break up the flea population in your home. However, the best way to eradicate fleas from your home thoroughly is by calling the pros. They can find all hiding spots and determine the best course of action to kill fleas entirely from your home.  Read More…