How to Control Fleas

by Louise Hodges

Fleas will drive you insane.  And they drive our doggies insane as well.  It can seem like they run your life but there is hope – fleas CAN be controlled. 

Fleas on dogs controlled by Greenbug

Flea control breaks down into two categories – Prevention and Treatment.  If you are not in a bad way with fleas, maybe a few here and there, then you are in the Prevention phase as you are trying to prevent an infestation.  For those in this chapter, here are the steps:

Flea Prevention:

Greenbug for People/Pets

  • Spray into hands and massage into fur using two sprays per 10 pounds
  • Always spray into hands to apply on face/snout.
  • Can be applied before or after exposure to pests.
  • May need multiple re-applications especially when active or wet.

Greenbug Ready to Use or

Greenbug Concentrate, properly diluted

  • Bathe your dog using ½ cup of Greenbug Ready to Use or Greenbug Concentrate properly diluted mixed in the shampoo and bath water.
  • Spray directly on doggie and massage into fur using two sprays per 5 pounds
  • Always spray into hands to apply on face/snout.
  • Treating after exposure is most effective the sooner it is performed

If you are dealing with an infestation of fleas in your house, that is another thing completely.  I would describe an infestation as the pet is constantly itching and you are getting flea bites on your ankles.  That is a moderate infestation. If that is the case, here are the steps:

Flea Infestation, Moderate:

  • Hand Sprayer
  • Pump Sprayer
  • Backpack Sprayer
  • Hose-end Sprayer

Notes:

  • Control the source of fleas, treat the environment, and then treat the pet.
  • If the dog stays outside for periods of time, assume that is where the fleas are coming from.
  • After the initial treatments, only treat Fido when there is no Greenbug aroma in the fur.
  • Not recommended for use on cats.
  • Spray any sleeping or resting areas outside with Greenbug Ready to Use or Greenbug Concentrate properly diluted for 5 consecutive days using whichever sprayer is most effective.
  • Continue applications twice a week until fleas are controlled.
  • Vacuum the house thoroughly paying careful attention to areas the dog sleeps or spends time.
  • Spray Greenbug Ready to Use or Greenbug Concentrate properly diluted on all baseboards, carpeted areas, dog bedding and areas the dog sleeps or spends time.
  • Continue applications daily until fleas are controlled.
  • Wash all dog bedding using the hottest possible settings in the washer and dryer. Add ¼ cup of Greenbug Ready to Use or properly diluted Greenbug Concentrate to the fabric softener cycle. 
  • Bathe your dog using ½ cup of Greenbug Ready to Use or Greenbug Concentrate properly diluted mixed in the shampoo and bath water.
  • Spray Greenbug Ready to Use or Greenbug Concentrate properly diluted directly on doggie and massage into fur using two sprays per 5 pounds as needed.
  • Always spray into hands to apply on face/snout. 

The most important directive when controlling a flea infestation is that the pet is the LAST step in treatment.  First the source of fleas is addressed, then the environment treated, and then the fur baby gets treatment.  The poor animal is a victim just as much as you and they are not the cause – the fleas are coming from somewhere and need to be controlled!

If you'd like your entire property to receive Automatic Pest Control using Greenbug so that inside and outside your home are Flea-free - consider a Greenbug System!

Back to News