Fleas are tiny parasites that live on mammals and birds. Keep in mind that this does include humans. Fleas feed from the blood that they are able to draw from the animal's skin. They are known to affect common household pets, such as cats and dogs. Bites from fleas can cause skin irritation, itching and pain. What many people do not realize is that fleas can be very dangerous, as they can be the carriers of certain diseases. Many people find that it can be difficult to rid themselves, their pets and their homes of fleas.

Causes of Fleas

Fleas are what you can call highly contagious. They do spread from animal to animal. That said, if one pet in your home has been affected by fleas, the other pets in the home are also likely to become infected. Until the fleas have been completely eliminated from pets, humans and the home, it is likely that they will continue to pass back and forth.

Home Remedies for Fleas

Fill a spray bottle with a mixture that you make with boiled water and lemon juice or real lemons. Spray the pets, as well as any areas of the home that they may visit, such as a bed or pillow. The reason it is believed to be effective is due to the citric acid.

Put a few drops of apple cider vinegar in your pet's food. You can also try putting it in their water (aim for a 25% mixture). The hardest thing about this home remedy for fleas is getting your pet to eat or drink it.

Use dish soap to clean the animal'’s soap. Make sure that you do not get any of the soap in the animal's eyes, nose or mouth. Even after your pet no longer shows signs of fleas, you may want to consider using dish soap to wash it again. The reason is because it will kill any remaining eggs and larvae, which may lead to further flea infestations.

Spray rubbing alcohol on areas of the home that may be infested with fleas, such as the furniture, carpet or bedding.

Use a flea comb and tweezers to remove each flee from the animal's body. Once you have gotten each one, you will want to put it in a cup that contains rubbing alcohol. Make sure that the fleas cannot jump back out of the cup. Keep in mind that this can be a timely remedy, but it does work.

Mix garlic with water and vinegar and wipe your animal's fur with it. The smell and flavor should drive fleas away.

Set traps throughout the house for fleas. Since fleas are very attracted to light, you will want to use lamps or flash lights. Beneath these lights, put a small bowl that contains water and/or rubbing alcohol. The fleas will drown after they have fallen.

Vacuum all of the floors in your home. Don't be afraid to also use your vacuum hose. This is known to be 100% effective, as it kills every flea that you may come in contact with.