According to the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), flea powders are often used for furry pets, and carpets are extremely dangerous for infants and toddlers. The very potent amount of harsh chemicals and pesticides in flea sprays and powders damages a baby’s lungs. In addition, children are more vulnerable to toxic pesticides as their metabolic systems are still developing. Further, these pesticides are harsh, can cause respiratory distress in babies, and should be avoided at all costs. Vacuuming all the carpets in the home, sweeping and mopping all the floors, and washing all fabrics in hot water will help eliminate fleas naturally. Homemade sprays, essential oils, and baking soda are also baby-safe treatments for flea and their eggs on carpeted areas.
Fleas are blood-sucking parasite-biting insects. They’re more than a nuisance. They’re a natural health hazard as they are carriers of some diseases.
Babies are at greater risk from potential allergies, with some being allergic to the protein found in flea saliva.
The truth is if you use any source of chemical treatment for fleas in your home, there will always be a potential risk to your baby. However, some natural home remedies you can make from household ingredients will also do the job.
6 ways to get rid of fleas from carpets naturally
There are a lot of safe, natural methods for removing fleas from your carpets.
Still, because no harsh chemicals are involved here, each of these methods will require persistence on your part to ensure that fleas are entirely eradicated.
1. Vacuuming, sweeping, and mopping
One major cleaning step that must be done before any other steps to rid your carpets and rags off fleas is to vacuum all the carpets in the home, sweep and mop all the floors and begin to wash all fabrics in hot water.
The vacuuming process should be repeated daily for up to two weeks.
Because fleas tend to stay on the ground since they can’t fly or jump up high, and they lay eggs that will hatch up to two weeks after they’re laid, you’ll need to outlast them.
2. Homemade sprays
Create a mix of vinegar, water, lemon juice, and witch hazel to make a natural flea spray that is safe to spritz on carpets.
This concoction will also deter future flea infestation and is safe to be used in the yard to discourage fleas.
3. Dish soap traps
Mix a few drops of dish soap with about half a cup of water and place it on the carpets with the most fleas overnight.
The solution will attract and trap fleas without any harmful chemicals.
4. Use baking soda
Sprinkle baking soda over fabric upholstered furniture and on carpeted areas.
Use a large brush to spread the baking soda into the carpet, then use a vacuum to remove the baking soda from the carpet when its purpose is done.
Baking soda is safe to use around babies, but still, you don’t want them playing around with a large amount of it because, in the best-case scenario, they could make a big mess with it and breathe it in; in the worst case.
So ensure your baby is in another room, especially if they’re mobile or crawling.
5. Essential oils
Although removing fleas require more than oil diffusion because you want to get it down into the areas on the carpets in which they live and breed, mixing essential oils into your mop water is a great way to deter fleas from your home.
Lemongrass and Cedar is an excellent combination that fleas don’t like to smell.
This combination can also be achieved by diffusing these smells from an oil diffuser. Lavender, too is also not a favorite of the fleas.
This natural spray uses essential oils for its base and is made from plant-based Cedarwood and Lemongrass, which are safe to use around babies, dogs, and cats.
6. Treat your pets for fleas
You also want to ensure that you deal with the source of the problem.
You can get fleas without a pet, but more times than not, there’s a pet involved in a flea infestation.
Ensuring your pets are treated for fleas is the best way to ensure that your home doesn’t get flea infestation. Discuss with your vet safe options for treating your pets each month.
Tips for using flea control products
Fleas are easier to prevent than to get rid of once an infestation has taken hold.
While it is essential to keep these pests off your animals, care should be taken when dealing with treatments containing potentially harmful pesticides.
- Read the product label first. Labels contain important information about proper use.
- Apply only the recommended dose. More can be harmful to you, your pet, and your child.
- If the product gets on your skin or your baby’s, wash the area immediately. Also, consider wearing gloves when applying.
- Do not let your baby touch treated pets or carpets until the product dries.
- Use the correct product. Some products are for pets, while others ate to be used strictly on carpets and rugs. These two should never be used interchangeably.
- Do not use cat treatments on dogs and vice versa.
- Safely store the product away from children and pets.
FAQs
Is it alright to flea bomb a house with babies?
No, it is not safe. Flea bombs are not safe for anyone, but they’re certainly not safe for a house where a baby will be exposed.
While the air might be safe, everything in the room will now be covered with pesticides, and every surface must be thoroughly cleaned to remove the residue, which is not worth the trouble.
How do I keep fleas off my baby?
The best thing to do is to remove the fleas. It might sound like an uphill task, but it is the truth.
It will take diligence and repetitive cleaning but in the meantime, keep long-sleeved onesies, pants, and socks on your baby to cover their skin.
Fleas don’t jump high distances, and it’s for this reason that they tend to stay off the furniture. So keeping your baby in a bassinet or crib away from the floor is another excellent method to avoid flea bites.
Conclusion
Having fleas in your home can be an absolute nightmare, especially on the carpets where your babies spend most of their days crawling and playing with their toys. But, there are some easy and safe ways to get rid of them without using harsh chemical-based pesticides.
Many natural flea treatment methods are safe for babies, but that doesn’t mean you want them playing with them.
To be safer, If you have to treat your carpet for fleas, do it when your baby is out of the house for a few hours or in another room to avoid touching and transferring the solutions into their mouths.
