whats a safe way to rid fleas

[rainingcats&dogs]

hi guys
i keep my shop very clean,and no ones complained about this(knock on wood)but knowing how horrible the fleas were last year,whats a good safe way to kill fleas in the shop,i have 3 cats and a bird that live here so i cant use those foggers,thats why i want a safe alternative,to use in kennels and floors,i cant use bleach i think i might be allergic to it,i break out,i was told eucalyptis oil works good,if it does,where do you buy it and how do you use it,oh the cats here are kept on frontline,any advice would be appreciative
thanks
trish

[DAPER DAWG]

I read an article and I can't remember where that cleaners that contain citrus (lemon,orange) will kill fleas if you let it sit and then wipe down. Don't know how true it is haven't tried it yet.

[elliemae]

i'll be interested in what others have to say about this also.. i don't have animals living in my shop, but i won't use chemicals.i have only had one compaint in 4 years(customer calls over a week after the appt., dog had 2 fleas...i see dog in dog park daily, but she said the vet told her it must be groomer, i called, vet and i had a good laugh,whatever).all i do is vacuum, vacuum, vacuum...then mop, mop, mop...with simple green and A-33..i do use bleach every month or so...i hate the smell, but i open all the doors and windows.mop fast and run!! if i am suspect that a dog that comes in has fleas, it goes right in the tub.

[rapuzzled]

Well, I know that there are a lot of all natural and holistic type things out there. We use an all natural shampoo and spray, and it works great. Kills fleas on contact. (I know all natural doesn't necessary mean what it sounds like, but it is pesticide free). I can't remember the name of it though. Anyway, the stuff in the spray is basically the same stuff in the shampoo so it's safe to even spray on the pet. We spray it everywhere after doing a dog with fleas, and it is nice because if a dog comes in contact with it it's fine.

[SpikeyTheYorkie]

Don't know, I've seen 2 fleas in about 2 years. But I thought it was citrus that did it as well. I'll stick with dry climate and no fleas.

Tammy in Utah

[hairdevil]

I use a commercial insecticide through the summer. I got it at TSC..it works great. We have horrible problems with fleas and ticks here in the summer. Have to stay on top of them march thru nov sometimes dec. What is that stuff they have that kills fleas within 30 mins after applying it on the dog?? someone told me a vet was using it instead of dipping dogs...anyone know?

[Ruggins]

Blech...

Yeah, love eastern WA too, hardly any fleas, you all can keep them, not worth the $$

[Helly]

You have to be extremely careful using any essential oil around cats and birds. Eucalyptus oil is toxic to cats, and probably birds.

One alternative is to dust your floors with borax at night, then mop or vacuum it up in the morning. I'd probably put the cats in a crate overnight when doing this, but it won't bother the bird if he's in his cage.

[rainingcats&dogs]

thanks everyone
hairdevil i think you are talking about capstar

[Helly]

Here's a good article on cats and essential oils.

http://www.thelavendercat.com/generic.html?pid=10

[rainingcats&dogs]

thanks very interesting article