| If you own a dog or a cat then the bad news is that | | | | you vacuum it up. Be sure to remove any other pets |
| sooner or later you will be forced to confront the issue | | | | from the area first (fish, birds, etc.) and be sure to take |
| of flea control. The good news, however, is that with | | | | the vacuum bag out to the trash right away. This |
| just a bit of prevention you dramatically reduce the | | | | treatment is extremely effective and it should last for |
| chance that your pet (or home) will become infested. If | | | | about a year. (Borax manufacturers do not advocate |
| you already have a flea problem then this article will | | | | this use for their product so proceed at your own risk.) |
| help you eliminate it and prevent future infestations. | | | | Finally, you must address the issue of the fleas on |
| Flea prevention starts in your yard. Fleas hate well | | | | your pet. It is important that your pet is clean and well |
| groomed, sun drenched yards. Rake up any leaf litter | | | | groomed so if necessary, take him to the groomer |
| or yard debris you might have and either compost it | | | | and get him cleaned up. Otherwise, give him a bath |
| far away from where your pet hangs out or better | | | | (flea shampoo is optional) and once he is dry, apply a |
| yet haul it away. When you've cleaned up your yard | | | | topical spot treatment such as Frontline or Advantage. |
| as best you can, visit your local farm & garden store | | | | This will last for one to three months and it will quickly |
| and purchase some beneficial nematodes. Tell the | | | | kill any fleas (or ticks) that are unlucky enough to end |
| person at the store that you are trying to control fleas | | | | up on your pet. For best results buy this treatment |
| and they'll make sure you get the right species. This is | | | | from your vet because it will be stronger than what |
| far safer than using insecticides and their | | | | you can buy at a pet shop or discount store. |
| effectiveness will surprise you. | | | | This three pronged attack has been proven to be |
| Inside your house, your best weapons against fleas | | | | extremely effective at preventing and eliminating flea |
| are your vacuum cleaner and borax. Use the borax as | | | | problems but you must act quickly and decisively. If |
| you would a powdered carpet freshener except work | | | | you skip treating your yard, home, or pet you may be |
| it in with a broom and let it sit for a few hours before | | | | left with a flea problem that will never quite go away. |