Loren's Field Notes
To rid one's house of fleas, use 20-Mule Team Borax.
Sprinkle it lightly on carpets. Work it in with a
broom and leave it there. The next time you vacuum
reapply the borax. 


 
  
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Within 10 days or so all fleas will be dead, and
hatching young will follow. The borax sucked up into
the vacuum will handle the bugs inside the bag. Apply
two times a year and you should be flea-free forever. 

To keep pets from being infested in the yard, spray
beneficial nematodes early each summer. They are still
available until August. Spray them in irrigated parts
of your yard. 

The nematodes are tiny worms which attack fleas and
200 other underground pests, including grubs (beetle
larva), and subterranean termites. After a couple
years you should have a healthy population of
nematodes and can discontinue spraying. 

Beneficial nematodes are available at Walter Anderson
Nursery, Andersen's La Costa Nursery, Grangetto's Farm
and Garden Supply, Simpson's Nursery, and many other
good nurseries. 

Pet Flea Rinse 

The peel of two large lemons 
One quart of water 
Boil the lemon peels in the water for 10 minutes in a
covered pot. Let stand until cool. Sponge the
resulting "tea" on your pet and allow it to sit for an
hour. Rinse off. Repeat weekly if needed. 

(Just like people, animals ? especially cats ? can
have allergies to lemons or any food item. If your pet
starts shaking, vomiting or showing any unusual
reaction to the lemon solution, wash the solution off
right away with a good shampoo. If symptoms persists
or worsen after washing, consult a veterinarian
immediately.)