.

I know you said money was an issue, but this might be worth checking out. I've heard of an electric thing you plug in and it sends out high frequency sounds that rodents and bugs don't like. It drives them so many feet from this thing. I'm sorry I don't know what it is called. You might try calling Target or Walmart or even Pet Smart and ask about it. They may even sell it at Lowe's or Home Depot.

It's worth a shot. Diotamacious earth (sp?) is just crushed up egg shells and oyester shells so it gives little bugs cuts and they die, but it doesn't hurt humans.

I did a search on "electronic flea control" and this was one of the first hits. You could research it.

http://www.shopfromyourhome.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=BIR-TRANS&Category_Code=Pest_Control_Indoor

It is worth looking into and thanks for the info on Diotamacious earth. I knew it started with a "D" :o .

My mom who lives in the midwest was just raving about the electric bug repel system... she said that every bug and spider disappeared since they've used it. I'm not sure of the cost or how it works in the south. They have one dog who doesn't seem bothered by it, she says.
just fyi,& good luck, fleas BITE bigtime! :LOL

My mom who lives in the midwest was just raving about the electric bug repel system... she said that every bug and spider disappeared since they've used it. I'm not sure of the cost or how it works in the south. They have one dog who doesn't seem bothered by it, she says.
just fyi,& good luck, fleas BITE bigtime! :LOL



Does it repel mosquitos?

We have a flea issue right now. We rock salted the area rugs. You have to be willing to leave it on for DAYS though. We are also washing the cats at least once a week combing them several times a day.

Does Florida have a state agricultural cooperative extension? I would ask them as well. They usually have an Entymologist who can help with the insect issue.

I don't know about the electronic thing. We had one in our offices and it didn't work.

not sure if they are still sold but about 4yrs ago I got a flea catching device that was a light and a sticky pad. Pad slide into a slotted cover to prevent animals sticking to it. It worked great. Even back then I had to search and finally call the maker for additional pads. I think one was from Hertz. I just moved and set them to the thrift store (with some extra pads) as our last cat died several months ago.

My mom used to put vinegar in little dishes in the corners and under the sofa, etc. Every morning they'd be FILLED with drowned fleas. They were attracted to it for some reason and would jump right in.

Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum...and don't forget to empty the bag every time you vacuum. If you don't, you aren't really getting rid of the fleas or the eggs, they will just hatch in the vacuum bag! I have never had fleas in my home, but I remember we had them all the time when I was a kid... Good Luck!

We are still getting a few here and there off the kitties. I never heard of the vinegar! I will definitely try that.
Thanks!

Fleabusters (www.fleabusters.com). You can order their powder and apply it yourself. This really works- I've used it before and it's not a chemical. From the website:
Fleabusters' flea control is a natural flea control treatment alternative to kill dog fleas and kill cat fleas to rid your home of fleas while keeping your pet healthy. Fleabusters understands that special bond between you and your pet. One important way to maintain that bond is to keep your dog or cat flea free without the discomfort and menace of fleas. Fleabusters Rx for Fleas is a unique alternative to liquid pesticides and flea control foggers. Our chemical free flea treatment powder cannot fail because it kills the fleas physically rather than with chemicals. Therefore fleas cannot build up immunity to our product.

It's $40.

Thanks for all the replies. I wanted to share how I got rid of them for others that may be dealing with this problem. Well, I vacuumed everyday. I got rid of the bag every couple of days. I used a solution of tea tree oil and water and sprayed it on my rugs and couch everyday. I did this while ds was sleeping so it would dry by the time he was awake and while the dogs are outside because one of my dogs is allergic to tto. I also treated my yard with pesticide :bag: (I know, horrible, but it was really infested. Every time the dogs came in from the yard, they were covered.) They are not completely gone, but they are no longer everywhere. I am going to continue bathing my dogs and their beds every four days. Then, in a couple of weeks, I will use Advantage on the dogs again. I hope that this works to completely get rid of the nasty bugs. We just put the treatment on the yard today, so I am giving it some time to work. I tried the vinegar that someone suggested, but it didn't work for me.
It is a lot of work, but it seems to be working. I am going to try that fleabuster powder if all of this doesn't work. Thanks again.

ERSsmom - I'm in Fl and having the same problem too. My yard is just INFESTED with them and I'm so disgusted at finding them on my little 8 month old dd. What pesticide did you end up using on the yard? (If I'm allowed to ask that in Natural Home, lol, I'm desperate!) Nothing else I have done has worked. Thanks.

I also treated my yard with pesticide :bag: (I know, horrible, but it was really infested. Every time the dogs came in from the yard, they were covered.)
Don't :bag: yourself for doing this. It isn't optimal but its better than risking some sort of infection/illness stemming from the rodent problem in the area.
So sorry you have to deal with it on this scale. :(

Kathy

Thanks for the support ma2maya!! You are right about the risk of disease!!
sistermama, I don't know the name of it as my dh was the one to do it, but I will find out for you. I will pm you tomorrow.