Not Medical Advice: There is no magic formula for controlling ticks and fleas on your pets. There are ways of natural flea control; simple yet holistic alternative programs not only work but also cause less trouble in the long run.
Borax (sodium tetraborate hexahydrate or sodium borate) for flea control is a popular method for fighting flea infestations. It is a naturally-occurring mineral composed of sodium, boron, oxygen and water.
It is highly effective in killing fleas. It is non-toxic to human skin but when fleas come in contact with it, they get severely dehydrated. Additionally, the razor sharp crystalline structure of the powder at its microscopic level also shreds the fleas’ innards, making it highly effective in killing flea larvae and adult fleas as well. Here's how to use Borax safely for killing fleas (but follow the safety precautions):
Vacuum the carpets thoroughly.
Sprinkle the borax powder liberally in areas of major flea infestation. You can use a stiff brush to ensure that the powder penetrates deep in the carpets.
Leave the borax on the carpet for at least 6 hours or even up to 2 days-longer the better. Do not allow kids and pets on the treated areas during this time.
Vacuum the carpet thoroughly. Dispose the vacuum bags outside to prevent larvae and eggs from coming back inside the home.
You can also use salt, as it acts as a dehydration agent and dries out the bodies of the fleas. Or you may try baking soda along with common table salt to kill larvae and eggs.
In the news, a disease (passed to humans by the excrement of fleas found on rats, possums and cats) that was thought to be eradicated 60 years ago might be making a comeback in Galveston County, according to an expert at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. Find out more at Click2houston.com.