A flea trap is the ideal tool for catching and killing these parasites when they infest a specific area of the home. You can build your own with a few simple tools and ingredients that you most likely already have on hand. However, it is important to point out that although this method is useful for killing fleas in a distinct area, if you want it to be truly effective, it must be used in conjunction with other remedies.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: with the Dishwashing Liquid
Step 1. Fill a large, shallow container with water
The ideal containers are baking trays, plastic lids of food-grade trays, plates and trays for cakes; the important thing is that it is a large container with low sides.
A shallow saucer allows you to catch as many fleas as possible, because the low sides do not represent a barrier that prevents them from jumping inside the trap
Step 2. Add the dish soap
Pour 1 or 2 tablespoons (equivalent to 15-30 ml) of liquid dish detergent and mix with a spoon or your fingers to even out the two substances.
- Fleas don't drown in water alone because they don't have enough weight to break the surface tension of the liquid.
- The detergent reduces that tension and when fleas jump into the trap, they sink and drown.
Step 3. Place the trap where you saw these pests
A home device does not have the ability to attract fleas, so it is best to place it in areas of the house where fleas have already been; spread a towel on the floor to absorb any splashes and spills and place the trap on top of the cloth. If necessary, you can place multiple traps in different rooms of the house. The best places are:
- On carpets and rugs;
- Near the pet bed;
- Near windows, doors and food;
- In the surrounding area the cushions and fabric furniture;
- Near the pet bowls;
- Near curtains and draperies.
Step 4. Leave the device on site overnight
Fleas become active a couple of hours before sunset and remain in action throughout the night; therefore, the best time to catch them is during the night. Once the trap is in operation, leave it undisturbed; if possible, close the door to the room so that pets and children cannot enter.
Step 5. Empty and refill the trap every morning
When you get up the next morning, check her for dead fleas. If you have caught a few, discard the soapy water and rinse the dish; then fill it again with more clean water, add more dish soap and leave the trap again on the cloth lying on the floor overnight.
Repeat the process until you no longer find any bugs in the trap
Part 2 of 3: Attracting Fleas
Step 1. Use a lamp to attract them
Place a directional or tabletop next to the trap. Before going to sleep, turn it on and direct the bulb right over the saucer, so that the light illuminates it well; fleas are attracted to light and heat, so when they jump towards the light they fall into the trap below.
- Use an incandescent light bulb or a heater to attract as many pests as possible.
- Make sure the lamp is sturdy and does not risk falling into the water; use this method to attract fleas only in rooms where you can close the door and keep people and animals outside while the lamp is on.
Step 2. Apply a yellow-green filter to the lamp
For several reasons, these insects are particularly attracted to yellow-green light compared to that of other colors. You can increase the effectiveness of the trap by using a light bulb of this color or by installing a yellow-green filter if you are using a normal light bulb.
- You can buy colored light bulbs in major supermarkets and home improvement centers.
- You can find filters and gels useful for your purpose at fine art or photographic equipment stores.
Step 3. Place a candle in the center of the saucer
You can also use a float to create light, heat and thus attract fleas. Place one in the center of the trap and light it before going to sleep; when parasites try to get close to the source of heat and light, they fall into the water and drown.
- Be sure to keep the saucer away from walls, curtains and other flammable objects.
- Always take many precautions and proper fire safety measures when using candles.
- Close the room to prevent people and pets from entering when the candle is lit.
Step 4. Place an indoor plant near the trap
Fleas are attracted to carbon dioxide, since it represents one of the elements they use to identify a host; as plants release this gas during the night, placing one next to the saucer will attract even more pests.
Dormant pupae are particularly sensitive to carbon dioxide, so this is a great way to catch specimens before they have a chance to spawn
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Flea Infestations
Step 1. Wash and brush pets
They are probably the main culprits for flea infestation in the home; by keeping them clean and well brushed you can stop the development of a colony of insects directly at the source. To treat your four-legged friend:
- Brush the hair with a specific flea comb, focusing mainly on the neck and tail;
- Rinse the comb in a soapy water solution after each stroke to kill parasites;
- At the end of the toilet, bathe the animal with the garden hose or in the tub;
- Create a nice lather on his coat using a specific anti-flea shampoo;
- Leave the product to act for a few minutes;
- Rinse the animal;
- Repeat the treatment regularly in spring, summer and fall.
Step 2. Use the vacuum cleaner on time
Adult fleas, eggs, larvae and pupae can hide in almost any area of the house, so it's important to use this appliance three or four times a week to keep them under control. Use a powerful one so that it sucks up parasites and eggs from every crevice and corner of the house; apply a brush or thin lance attachment to hard-to-reach spots.
- Operate it on floors, carpets, dressers, furniture and around windows, especially in areas where the pet spends most of its time.
- After using a vacuum cleaner with a bag, remove the bag, tie it tightly and put it in a plastic bag to immediately throw it in the bin outside the home.
Step 3. Wash your bedding, curtains, clothing, and carpets
Fleas and their eggs do not survive a washing cycle in the washer and dryer, so you should put any items that resist this treatment in the appliance and wash the other items by hand instead. Set the washing program with the highest possible temperature and do the same for the dryer. Among the things you should wash consider:
- Covers;
- Bed sheets;
- Pillowcases;
- Cushions;
- Shoes;
- Clothing;
- Pet toys;
- Animal bowls;
- Towels.
Step 4. Consider using an insecticide
Flea infestation can persist for months if you are unable to completely eliminate adult birds and eggs. If you have to deal with a stubborn case, you can use a pyrethrin-based product that contains an insect growth regulator; apply it in the internal and external spaces of the house.
- Get everyone out of the house; wear gloves, goggles, long-sleeved clothing, and put on a respirator when applying the insecticide. Use a powder or aerosol product and spray a light mist on floors, walls, furniture, and all other surfaces in the home. Allow the powder or spray to settle before allowing people to re-enter; after 48 hours, use the vacuum cleaner.
- For outdoor treatments, apply a layer of powder or spray to lawns, bushes, shrubs, around tall grass, in wooded areas and around doors and windows.
