Operation Repel Flea is currently underway in my house. I hate the little buggers, especially when they are chomping on my feet, and despite what it does to my karma I will get rid of them. I will.
I wondered how, for the first time in 14 years of having cats, we had suddenly got a house full of nasty biting insects. Then, last night, I went into the garden to wrangle the cats and came back in with four or five fleas on my feet. They would appear to have taken up residence in the garden.
Because this is a multi-cat household, traditional topical flea treatments are not an option so I opted for a spray which is suitable for cats and for soft furnishings.
Yesterday, was spent spraying and hoovering (the hoover has not seen this much action in a long time) changing bedding; washing bedding, cushion covers and throws; then spraying and hoovering again. Towels and bath mats have gone in this morning and the washing machine does not know what has hit it.
The trouble is that the fleas are in the garden and so are the cats, and as I said earlier when I go out, I bring then in with me. So a plan of action is required.
Step 1.
Research. I hit the internet to see what natural flea repellents are available and what plants might help. I went out and bought a couple of lavender plants to stand by the back door. I also could do with marigold and chrysanthemum plants as they are said to kill fleas.
Step 2.
Make a room spray. I have a house full of essential oils and cedar, lemongrass and lavender are natural flea repellents. I wanted to play with room sprays anyway, so this is a good excuse to do that.
Step 3.
See if any of the above works, and if not, have a rethink.
Step 4.
Once the house is flea free work out how to keep it like that.
It probably goes without saying that I could do without all this. I have better things to do with my time. Good job I like a challenge!
I wondered how, for the first time in 14 years of having cats, we had suddenly got a house full of nasty biting insects. Then, last night, I went into the garden to wrangle the cats and came back in with four or five fleas on my feet. They would appear to have taken up residence in the garden.
Because this is a multi-cat household, traditional topical flea treatments are not an option so I opted for a spray which is suitable for cats and for soft furnishings.
Yesterday, was spent spraying and hoovering (the hoover has not seen this much action in a long time) changing bedding; washing bedding, cushion covers and throws; then spraying and hoovering again. Towels and bath mats have gone in this morning and the washing machine does not know what has hit it.
The trouble is that the fleas are in the garden and so are the cats, and as I said earlier when I go out, I bring then in with me. So a plan of action is required.
Step 1.
Research. I hit the internet to see what natural flea repellents are available and what plants might help. I went out and bought a couple of lavender plants to stand by the back door. I also could do with marigold and chrysanthemum plants as they are said to kill fleas.
Step 2.
Make a room spray. I have a house full of essential oils and cedar, lemongrass and lavender are natural flea repellents. I wanted to play with room sprays anyway, so this is a good excuse to do that.
Step 3.
See if any of the above works, and if not, have a rethink.
Step 4.
Once the house is flea free work out how to keep it like that.
It probably goes without saying that I could do without all this. I have better things to do with my time. Good job I like a challenge!
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