Parasites such as fleas and ticks are never welcome in your home. They multiply very quickly and can also transmit diseases, such as [disease name missing]. Lyme, putting the life of our beloved cat at risk, as well as our own health. Therefore, especially during the warmer months of the year we have to take a series of measures to prevent them from proliferating in the house or flat. Only in this way can we prevent them from becoming a plague.
So let's know how to remove fleas and ticks from home so that they do not reappear, by first understanding what they are, where they hide, and how to act comprehensively both in the environment and on our pets.
What are fleas and ticks and why are they dangerous?
Fleas are small insects that feed on blood of mammals and birds, including humans, cats, dogs, and other warm-blooded animals. They are very agile and have an extraordinary jumping ability, which allows them moving from the environment to the animal and easily between different guests.
The most common ones in homes with cats and dogs belong to the Pulicidae family, and are very common. the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) and the dog flea (Ctenocephalides canisThey can cause intense itchingskin allergies and transmitting internal parasites such as tapeworms, as well as acting as a vector for various diseases.
Ticks, for their part, are Hematophagous arachnids (not insects) that attach firmly to the skin to feed on blood for hours or days. They are usually found in wetlands and vegetated areasBut when they enter the home they can hide in carpets, crevices, bedding or behind furniture, and they are also transmitters of important diseases for animals and people.
Put an antiparasitic on your cat
That's the first thing we need to do, especially if it has permission to go outside. Without good control over the animal, Any home treatment will be insufficient.because the pet will continue to bring in fleas or ticks from outside.
In pet shops, as well as in veterinary clinics, we find three types of antiparasitic treatments that are very common for cats, which should always be used following the advice of the veterinarian to choose the most suitable one. safe and effective according to the weight and age of the feline:
- PipettesThese are like very small plastic bottles containing an antiparasitic liquid. You open them and apply the liquid to the back of the neck, where the head meets the animal's back. They are highly recommended because they only need to be applied once a month and offer... continuous protection against fleas and ticksinterrupting its cycle.
- NecklacesThese are placed around the cat's neck. They are effective for one, three, or six months, depending on the brand. They are very useful if your cat never goes outside, or only goes out onto the balcony, as they act as... repellent barrier and reduce the possibility of fleas entering the home.
- SpraysIt can be used whenever necessary, avoiding contact with the eyes, mouth, and nose. It is useful for treat localized infestations or in very young animals, when the veterinarian considers it appropriate.
In addition to these classic products, many veterinarians recommend oral or injectable treatments These products come in tablet or solution form and work from inside the animal's body, killing fleas and ticks when they bite. break the parasite's life cycle in the environment, since the fleas do not lay viable eggs.
Wash the house with hot water and locate their hiding places.
When you have a plague of parasites like fleas And for ticks, everything must be cleaned with hot water: clothes, floors, furniture covers, cat beds… everything, once a day for the duration of the infestation. Before considering using chemical products, which are toxic to both humans and pets, you should make this effort and keep the house clean.
Fleas and their eggs prefer dark places, with fabrics and some humidityIt is essential to pay attention to certain areas of the home where these tend to accumulate:
- Carpets, sofas and bedsThese are ideal hiding places for eggs and larvae, as the fabric fibers offer protection. If not thoroughly cleaned, they can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. constant reservoir of fleas that then jump to the cat or to people.
- Areas where the pet sleepsBlankets, beds, scratching posts with textiles, or cushions accumulate skin flakes, hair, and dirt that serve as food for flea larvae. Washing these textiles in water above 60°C helps to eliminate eggs and larvae very effectively.
- Crevices and dimly lit areasBehind furniture, in room corners, at the joints of baseboards or on wooden floors are common hiding places where flea eggs and pupae are deposited.
Vacuum thoroughly and strategically
Once all the clothes are in the washing machine, you have to vacuum. It's very important reach all the nooks and crannies of the house, since there could be larvae anywhere. Afterwards, we will dispose of the bags immediately.
The vacuum cleaner is an essential ally for reduce the population of eggs, larvae, and pupae for fleas and also to pick up ticks that may be hiding in carpets or upholstery. It is advisable to vacuum the following areas frequently:
- rugs, carpets and doormats where the cat lies down or plays.
- Sofas, armchairs and beds, including seams, folds, and under the cushions.
- Baseboards, corners and areas under and behind furniture, moving them if necessary.
To prevent fleas from returning, it is important empty the bag or container outside the homeby placing it in a sealed bag and throwing it in the trash immediately. If steam cleaning is available, the heat can help kill adult fleas and some of their immature stages in thick fabrics.
Treat the exteriors of your home with insecticide
To prevent the problem from worsening, it is necessary to treat the entrance of the home, as well as the surrounding area, with insecticides such as Chlorpyrifos or Permethrin or other products specifically formulated for this purpose. flea and tick control outdoorsHowever, before using it, we have to keep the cat indoors, and put on rubber gloves and a mask.
Ticks, above all, tend to concentrate on gardens, patios and areas with vegetationTo reduce their presence, in addition to using insecticides, these measures are very useful:
- Control the grass height and weeds so that there is no tall grass where they crouch waiting for a guest.
- Reduce areas that are very humid and have too much shade, as these parasites prefer cool and sheltered environments.
- Clear away dry leaves, wood scraps, and debris where they might hide.
In cases of very heavy infestations or on large properties, it may be advisable contact a professional pest control company to design a more in-depth treatment, always protecting pets and following current regulations.
Home remedies and additional prevention at home
In addition to basic cleaning measures, some people resort to complementary home remedies Such as the moderate use of vinegar, lemon, salt, or baking soda on carpets before vacuuming, or aromatic outdoor plants that act as mild natural repellents. These methods can help slightly reduce the presence of fleas in certain areas, but they never replace veterinary antiparasitic treatments or thorough cleaning.
Whatever approach is chosen, the most effective strategy is always to combine three fronts: cat treatmentcleaning and treatment of interior of the house, and outdoor control and passagewaysBy maintaining this integrated control consistently, fleas and ticks will have their days numbered.
With these tips, fleas and ticks will be a thing of the past  Keep your cat properly dewormedRegularly checking their skin and fur, and maintaining good hygiene in the house are the foundation for enjoying a safer and more comfortable home for the whole family.
