Having lost an entire litter of kittens due to fleas, I had to find a cheap way to rid my house of them. Just after my cat had a litter of 2 kittens, they too had fleas. A friend came to my rescue. She said to sprinkle borax over all carpeted area. Though I was skeptical, I was willing to try anything. I purchased the borax from fishing supplies. They use it to cure salmon eggs for fishing lures. And, it is very inexpensive, cost just $6.00 for a 5 lb. bag. That was enough for a large living room and 2 bedrooms with some left over.
You do have to wear a mask as you do this, since the dust is bad. Sprinkle it over all carpet areas pretty heavily. Don't miss areas under furniture. Then sweep or drag your feet over the powder until you work it into the carpet (This causes the dust). If animals cannot get under furniture you don't need to work it in. That is all you need to do. Within the month my house was not only free of flees, but it lasted for years.
Animals might still bring in fleas when they go outside, but when it jumps onto the carpet it still kills the fleas and their eggs. I was flea free since 2000. This year I did have to redo it. And no fleas again. I just couldn't afford the higher prices sprays or professional treatments.
Source: A friend who's brother is into homeopathics
By Bev from Longview, WA
Borax is one of the least dangerous if used properly, it takes a large amount to cause problems. You just need to use it carefully.
When I put borax on my floors & swept it in, I covered the floors with sheets & newspapers overnight to keep my animals from walking on it(they'll lick it off their paws). I vacuumed it the next day to get rid of excess residue. Also, fleas will get in the furniture & under it. I put it under to sofa cushions,under the furniture & pulled back the edges of the carpet to put it underneath against the baseboards(helps keep things from coming into the house). Remember, vacuum up the residue,don't leave it there.
I've written on here before about how effective borax was for me (I used the boraxo from the laundry dept). My daughter & I both had a flea infestation at the same time. Mine was gone almost immediately using borax. She used an exterminator & it took several treatments spraying the entire inside,outside & underneath the house-don't remember how many times it was re-treated. Took months & tons of chemicals for her to get rid of the fleas!
An easy way to sprinkle it around is to put it in an empty pringles-type can with holes punched in the lid. Hold the can close to the floor & lightly sprinkle so it doesn't go all over in the air. Also, you want to be careful sweeping it into the carpet, do it very gently so you don't stir the powder up. And wipe of residue that may land on things in the room.
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What do you do with your pets when using the borax? I have three cats with fleas.
By Kathy C
So glad you posted this, as I to have 3 animal with fleas, I have tried every product. I have been vacing every day and spraying the carpet, flea check every day, poor moon has so much chemicals on her, that I am surprised she is not glowing. I am so going to give this a try.
2 to 2 and a half cups dry Borax for each room. I like a collander sift. Leave for 2 weeks before you Vacuum. Cedercide granules for yard.
I just got rid of the fleas on my indoor only cats and did not use borax, this took a little longer but my cats were ok. I got 3 boxes of iodized salt or the cheapest salt available and poured it in my hand and broadcast it everywhere including under the bed couch etc. left it and also threw baking soda out the same way. I buy it in the big bag in the pool section. and leave till next time I vacuum (there are only 2 of us and I vacuum 2 times a week) after vacuuming I redo the salt and then after vacuuming the next time I do the baking soda.
How do I control fleas using borax?
By missy from Jax, FL
You don't have to pay money for a guide... there's a good one here for free:
www.9and3quarters.com/
It really works, btw!
what a stunning cat!x
This is a page about borax vs. salt for fleas. Choosing the most effective, natural product to get rid of fleas can be confusing. It can also be frustrating if your first choice fails.
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I had fleas that continually got more widespread. I sprinkled 20 Mule Team borax powder all over my porch (where the fleas were) very liberally.
Now is the time to rid your house with natural products. Save a bundle. Mostly, be kind to your animals.
I have had my boxers on Frontline PLUS but it doesn't seem to be working. My female boxer just had 2 pups which are two weeks old.
