Getting rid of mild flea infestation?

[ihugtrees]

We got a rescue kitty who brought fleas into our house. They are both indoor cats, and by the time I realized we had fleas, they both had tapeworms. I treated them with the topical worm treatment, then a few days later treated them with Advantage. It has been about 2 weeks, and if we pick through their fur, we still find live fleas! They usually don't get on us, though. I am most worried about them getting worms again--although fleas aren't pleasant, either! We don't have any carpet in our house...only a few couches and a bed (it's a small place!) What can we use to treat that is safe for the pregnant lady (me) and not too terribly expensive or difficult? We can't take our cats and leave to get the house bombed, as we don't have anywhere to go and work a LOT.

[AFWife]

I would buy a wash (if you can bathe them) or something topical for the cats...AND treat the house. Good news, though. If you can find "Mule Team Borax" (it's a laundry additive) you can use it on your carpet and furniture. Just sprinkle it on and let it sit for 30mins or so and then vacuum it up. Something in it kills fleas and unless you're eating it you're safe. Just make sure you vacuum REALLY well to protect your cats.

[TanyaS]

I would give another dose of advantage at 3.5 weeks to stay ahead of the eggs. The fleas you are seeing now are the ones that hatched after the first dose. It takes time, but they should be eliminated completely after a couple doses.

To speed it up, vacuum every day and throw away the bag (if it uses them) or wash the canister. You can sprinkle salt in the carpet to dehydrate them. Diatomaceous earth will also kill anything in the carpet and is safe. Wash everything the cats have had access to in hot water.

[AFWife]

Originally Posted by TanyaS

I would give another dose of advantage at 3.5 weeks to stay ahead of the eggs. The fleas you are seeing now are the ones that hatched after the first dose. It takes time, but they should be eliminated completely after a couple doses.

To speed it up, vacuum every day and throw away the bag (if it uses them) or wash the canister. You can sprinkle salt in the carpet to dehydrate them. Diatomaceous earth will also kill anything in the carpet and is safe. Wash everything the cats have had access to in hot water.

If you're vacuuming you can get one of those flea collars (pet stores usually have them) and cut it up and put the pieces in the bag/canister. That way, any fleas you vacuum with die in the bag and you don't have to worry about them making it out of the trash or something.

[es1967]

Would putting salt in your vacuum bag kill fleas ? Just curious. I read that salt kills them.