What actually kills fleas?

Answered by Cody Janus

When it comes to getting rid of fleas on pets, there are a few key steps to follow. First and foremost, it’s important to treat all pets in the home, as fleas can easily spread from one animal to another. So, gather up all your furry friends and get ready to tackle those pesky fleas!

The first step is to thoroughly bathe your pets with soap and water. This helps to drown the fleas and wash away any dirt or debris that they may be hiding in. Be sure to use a pet-friendly soap or shampoo, as some products can be too harsh for their skin. Gently massage the soap into their fur, paying particular attention to the areas where fleas are commonly found, such as the face, neck, and the area in front of the tail.

After bathing, it’s time to comb your pets with a flea comb. This specialized comb has fine teeth that can help remove adult fleas from your pet’s fur. Start combing from the head, working your way down to the tail, making sure to comb through all the fur. Pay close attention to areas where fleas like to hide, such as around the ears and along the back. As you comb, dip the comb in a bowl of soapy water to drown the fleas and prevent them from jumping back onto your pet.

The soap used during bathing actually acts as a gentle insecticide, killing the adult fleas on contact. This is why it’s important to use a soap or shampoo specifically designed for pets, as human soaps can be too harsh and may not have the same insecticidal properties.

It’s worth mentioning that bathing and combing alone may not completely eliminate a flea infestation, especially if there are eggs or larvae present in your home. So, it’s important to also address the environment by vacuuming regularly, washing bedding, and treating your home with appropriate flea control products.

A combination of bathing with soap and water, and combing with a flea comb, can help kill adult fleas on your pets. This is a gentle and effective method of getting rid of fleas, but it’s important to also address the environment and treat all pets in the home to fully eliminate a flea infestation.