How to Get Rid of Fleas & Mites in the House

Fleas and mites are external parasites that affect dogs and cats. Fleas are insects that feed on blood. Ear mites are arachnids -- members of the spider family -- and feed on oil and wax in the animal's ear canal. Other species of mites burrow into the skin, causing a condition known as mange, which is rare in cats but common in dogs. One form of the disease, sarcoptic mange, can be transmitted to humans.

Successfully treating flea and mite infestations entails killing the parasites and eggs that have found their way onto your dog or cat, as well as those that have proliferated in the pet's environment.

While severe parasite infestations may require you to enlist the services of a professional exterminator, in many cases you can eradicate fleas and mites yourself by:

• Laundering your pets' bedding at least once a week.
  
• Vacuuming rugs and carpets daily, as well as upholstered furniture, such as sofas and mattresses and along the edges of walls.
• Before vacuuming a surface, coat it with dry diatomaceous earth, a natural pesticide made from fossilized aquatic organisms. The silica substance will dry out any fleas it comes into contact with. Always use food grade diatomaceous earth, which is safe around pets, rather than the commercial grade variety, which is not.
• Using a device called a fogger, sometimes called a bug bomb, which fills the air in a room with a pesticide mist. Follow the instructions on the package for safe use. Not all flea foggers will kill eggs; therefore you may need to repeat the process.

The best way to keep fleas and mites out of your home is to prevent your dog or cat from acquiring the parasites. In addition to keeping your pet away from animals known to be suffering from flea or mite infestations, both of which are contagious, you can:

• Ask your veterinarian about safe topical and oral products that can be used to prevent flea and mite infestations, especially if your dog or cat spends time outdoors.
  
• Brush your pet's coat often with a flea comb.
• Clean your dog's or cat's ears thoroughly each month to help deter ear mites.