We all want to get a good night's sleep, and while we can understand that we may not be able to sleep the entire night, many of us are startled when the cause of our sleep disruption are fleas.
This is one of those things you do not think about until it occurs to you, and while there are some methods to keep fleas away, such as bug repellents, we often neglect the problem.
So, if you are having trouble sleeping because of those pesky insects, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about how to get rid of fleas in bed.
What exactly are fleas?
Fleas are little insects that are ectoparasites, meaning they live on the skin of their hosts and feed on their blood. Fleas are mostly drawn to animals, particularly dogs and cats, but may feed on people if given the opportunity.
Adult fleas are tiny, reddish-brown in appearance, and have a very flat body. Fleas lack wings but have incredible rear legs, making them the greatest jumpers available. They may travel any path from your pet to you, even your bed, thanks to their legs.
These bugs are also known to multiply quickly, since an adult flea may lay hundreds of eggs every day. The egg is tiny and transparent, making it difficult to find.
Can Fleas Live in Your Bed?
Fleas can withstand even the harshest environments, and although though they are blood-sucking organisms, they may go for up to two weeks without eating. Because the majority of fleas live on your pets' dogs and cats, the likelihood of their coming into your bed is extremely high.
Fleas are resourceful and will take advantage of any opportunity to change hosts. Even if the flea is originally linked to your pet, it will happily relocate to your bed.
Because the climate is damp and food is given every night, beds are ideal for fleas.
Fleas may be the source of many restless nights, flea bites, and irritation. This is why it is critical to take all preventative precautions, such as treating and safeguarding your animals.
Additionally, you may keep an ultrasonic insect repellant in your house. This gadget effectively eliminate fleas while keeping your family and pets safe.
What are the symptoms of bed fleas?
When it comes to fleas in bed, one of the first things people notice are the bites.
While many people confuse them with bed bug bites, there is a distinction. Bed bugs attack the face, hands, neck, and arms, whereas fleas bite in clusters of tiny bites that are highly irritating and uncomfortable.
In addition to bites, you may see droppings and eggs, which are sometimes referred to as salt and pepper due to their appearance.
Your pets might also be a strong sign that you have fleas. Because they are more likely to get bitten in the first place, they are more prone to feel frustrated and scratch excessively.
You could even see an adult flea, which looks like a small flat insect with no wings. Fleas are excellent jumpers and hence difficult to trap.
How to Get Rid of Fleas?
Fleas are highly tenacious and difficult to eradicate. In addition to being very adaptable as adults, they breed quickly and lay a large number of flea larvae. This is why it might take a long time to get rid of a flea infestation.
How Do You Get Rid of Fleas in Your Bed?
Take Care of Your Pet
Before we get into the specifics of how to clean your bed and get rid of fleas, it is important to note that the first step is always to treat the source of the fleas, which is your pet.
Make sure to wash the pet bedding on a regular basis, especially if you have an infestation.
There are several treatments, shampoos, and powders available that will destroy the current fleas on your pet. You could also consider using special collars and other repellants to prevent your pet from future infections.
Mattress Vacuuming
Vacuuming the bed, mattress, and any other areas where fleas might hide is one of the simplest ways to get rid of fleas and their eggs. You may also add a pinch of salt or baking soda before vacuuming to boost the effectiveness of this treatment.
Vacuuming is generally the quickest and least expensive way to get rid of fleas. If the infestation is small, this will almost certainly fix the problem.
Clean the Sheets
When dealing with a flea infestation, you should consider replacing and cleaning any washable components of the bed.
Covers, sheets, spreads, and even cushions are included. The fleas and eggs will be killed by the hot water, leaving the remainder of the house flea-free.
Flea Powder
If cleaning the bed is not enough and there are a lot of fleas and eggs, the next best thing could be to purchase some flea powder.
This is a toxic powder that is sprayed to any places where you suspect fleas are present, and it should kill the adult fleas while preventing the eggs from developing.
What Is the Best Way to Get Rid of Fleas in Your Home?
Repellant for insects
Preventing insect issues is one of the greatest ways to deal with them. There are many unwelcome guests in your home, and you may protect it by investing in items such as insect zappers and ultrasonic bug repellers.
These gadgets produce noises that are undetectable completely safe for you, your family, and your pets. These sounds are solely intended to be heard by pests, and as a result, they are no longer able to stay in the house.
Natural Treatments
According to research, fleas are sensitive to certain natural oils and scents, such as lemon. There are also numerous plants that might help keep these bugs away from your home.
In any event, it is best to start with natural methods because they are better for you and the environment.
Natural treatments, such as homemade sprays and cleansers, may take a little longer, but if the infestation is not severe, this is usually the best option.
Dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers are machines that remove moisture from the air and the home, leaving behind dry air. Because fleas are sensitive to dry climates and the eggs are unable to hatch and create new fleas, this might be a useful weapon in the fight against them.
To be effective in getting rid of flea eggs and fleas, a dehumidifier should be able to decrease moisture to 50%.
Flea Bombs
Flea bombs are only used in the most severe situations of flea infestation. These bombs are made of pressurized poison, which is discharged in the contaminated room or throughout the home.
Because this is one of the most potent toxins and is absolutely not safe for your family or pets, you should be extremely cautious when using it.
Employ Professionals
Finally, if none of the above stated suggestions helped, you should seek expert assistance. These experienced pest control specialists will utilize the most up-to-date and efficient ways to rid your home of those pesky bugs.
How to Avoid New Flea Infestations?
After you have exterminated all of the fleas in your house, you might want to consider a few preventative measures:
- Protect your pets - Because pets are flea carriers, it is critical to ensure they are not flea magnets and to protect them. Fleas are ubiquitous, and your pet should wear a collar or other repellent to prevent fleas, ticks, and other pests from using your pet as a host.
- Invest in a decent bug repellent - After you have protected your pets, think about safeguarding your home and family. Fortunately, there are some fantastic devices available, such as indoor high-frequency ultrasonic pest repellents, that will make it impossible for any bug, rat, or other pests to enter your house.
- Clean your house on a regular basis - A clean and dry residence is less inviting to bugs. This is one of the reasons why you should use the vacuum cleaner and go over all surfaces, including your bed and mattress.
Final Thoughts
While we all agree that fleas are an annoyance and a source of frustration, the truth is that they are more prevalent than you believe. These little bugs may be found virtually anywhere and frequently make their way into your house and bed on your pets.
If you have an infestation in your bed, you must act quickly to prevent the flea problem from spreading. Be persistent and follow all of the tips listed above to ensure that you get rid of not just fleas, but their eggs as well.
Once your home is clean and a good night's sleep is assured, use a high-quality ultrasonic insect repeller or zapper to keep it that way. This will offer a safe and pest-free environment for you and your family.