Health Tip: Ridding Your Home of Fleas

(HealthDay News) -- Fleas may come along for the ride when your pet comes into your home, but they are unwelcome guests. Flea bites are not only itchy and irritating, but they can quickly become infected.

It''s important to properly rid your home of fleas, so here are some suggestions from the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture:

• Treat your pet with flea treatments, like Frontline or Advantage, to kill fleas and their eggs. Administer it regularly according to directions.
• Wash pet beds, clothing, toys, linens and anything else that may have come into contact with fleas or larvae.
• Spray the home with insecticide specifically for killing fleas. Be sure that no people or pets are in the house, and all food, food dishes and water bowls are not exposed to the treatment.
• Vacuum the whole house thoroughly, especially where the pet naps. Don''t forget corners and edges of carpet along the walls. Dispose of the vacuum bag in a sealed plastic bag outside the home.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: Aug. 15, 2006