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    Why Are Boxelder Bugs Early This Year? The Right Way to Get Rid of These Insects Naturally

    Boxelder bugs have earned a reputation for being a pesky nuisance to homeowners across the United States, tending to burrow themselves in and among properties to survive the winter. But local reports across the U.S. indicate that boxelder bugs, which do not pose risks to gardens or plants found around most homes, have appeared in swarms earlier than usual — and could be, in a roundabout way, invading interior spaces earlier than usual.This spring has seen the rise of boxelder swarms much earlier as temperatures have been historically warm in many regions across the country — which triggers overwintering boxelder bugs to emerge, explains Eric Benson, Ph.D., a Clemson University professor of entomology and Clemson Cooperative Extension entomologist. “If temperatures are warmer [than usual], boxelder bug activity may also be earlier.”Why does it seem like boxelder bugs are seemingly overpowering your porches, gardens, or home exteriors this spring? It all has to do with a widespread drought that affected almost all of the west coast last year — which allowed boxelder bugs to easily find shelter to survive the winter. Now, Benson explains that these bugs, which target seed-bearing boxelder trees and other maple trees, are emerging in clusters to seek out new leaf growth this spring. Is there a reason why boxelder bugs are arriving earlier this year?Usually, boxelder bugs are actively seeking out their namesake tree (and other variations in the maple tree family) by May, Benson says. You may notice these pesky insects more so in 2022 due to historically high spring temperatures across nearly every region of the U.S., which enables boxelder bugs to leave shelters they’ve burrowed in for the winter season.”Boxelder bug adults are about a half-inch and mostly black with several reddish lines, especially along the edge of their bodies, with immature boxelder bugs being smaller and bright red with only patches of black,” he adds. “Boxelder bugs do occasionally bite people, causing some skin irritation, but it is not common. The biggest problem from this insect is the red stain their droppings can cause on carpets and fabrics.”Boxelder bug infestations are common, particularly in the Midwest, as well as regions that are highly concentrated in boxelder trees, maple trees and ash trees, as they feed almost exclusively on seeds found within these tree variations. But last year’s drought triggered an influx of boxelder bugs (which are normally swept away in wet weather) that successfully found plenty of shelter in exterior foundation cracks and other hidden, quiet spaces in your home’s exterior, says Megan Cavanaugh, a pest control specialist, marketing lead and co-owner of Minnesota-based Done Right Pest Solutions.

    “They crawl in cracks and crevices 2-3 millimeters in diameter… and most people don’t know these pests have crawled into their exterior wall voids until a warm, sunny day in the early spring comes up, and these bugs start to wake up and come out,” Cavanaugh tells Good Housekeeping. “Boxelder bugs begin looking for a way outside once they come out, though sometimes they awake too early — and this is when many pest control companies get calls asking, ‘Where did all of these fall pests come from?!'”Cavanaugh says while she hasn’t seen official reports of increased boxelder bug populations from agricultural sources, there’s been an influx of calls and reports to her company about boxelder bugs inside homes and businesses this spring.How do you repel and get rid of boxelder bugs? If you’ve discovered a boxelder infestation in an exterior part of your house, it’s likely that these bugs are working their way out towards the woody areas in your vicinity. There’s a smaller chance that boxelder bugs find their way into your home through gaps in foundations, screen coverings, doors and other openings, as they tend to flock to warm, sunny areas in fluctuating temps that we may experience in the spring season. The easiest way to deal with them actually involves a vacuum, both experts say. “Unfortunately, it’s difficult to repel boxelder bugs away from homes. The best way to prevent boxelder bug invasions inside is to caulk exterior cracks and other openings,” Benson advises. “When boxelder bugs are seen clustering outdoors, however, it can be a good time to do a limited, targeted treatment with insecticide.”
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    Pest control servicers, just like Cavanaugh’s Minneapolis-Saint Paul operation, can work to prevent boxelder bugs from moving inside your home before summer turns to fall using insecticide and other exterior applications, she says. These products often kill these bugs within 8 to 10 hours, preventing them from burrowing further into any exterior areas of your home, Cavanaugh adds. But if you’re experiencing an out-of-season interior infestation this spring, pest control professionals can help you stop boxelder bugs from free-roaming across your home with what’s known as a “crawling insect treatment.””I would recommend this if you cannot stand [squashing or vacuuming] these invading insects anymore. These bugs are just looking to go back outside and will eventually find their way outside, but it can be quite the nuisance simply waiting for them to do so,” she says.How can I get rid of boxelder bugs naturally?The easiest way to deal with an infestation of boxelder bugs on your own is to reach for a vacuum, particularly a shop vacuum that can stand up to the task. But because Benson and other insect experts know all too well that boxelder bugs can leave near impossible-to-remove red stains on many different surfaces in your home, it’s best to be extremely careful and use a soft brush attachment or an open-suction hose option to neatly collect them. And Benson says it’s crucial to dispose of the vacuum bag in a sealed plastic bag in your outdoor trash, or you’ll run the risk that the bugs will escape again.”Some folks will simply keep vacuuming them up while live, where others choose to have pest control come and treat, and then vacuum up dead bugs,” Cavanaugh adds. “Homeowners and tenants will need to clean them up either way, but it’s often easier to vacuum up dead bugs than live bugs.” Another option? Try spraying surfaces that are attracting the bugs with a mix of water and one-to-two teaspoons of dishwashing liquid of your choice, as highlighted by the Utah State University video embedded above. If you’ve noticed that boxelder bugs are continually plaguing your property annually, Benson adds that you may consider targeting any boxelder or maple trees around you, though this should be a last resort for a particularly bad infestation only.What does a boxelder tree look like?Identifying a boxelder tree is easy if you know what to look for — as they have unique flowers that many would identify as “propeller” like, according to materials published by the University of Minnesota. They’re often found along lakeshores, streams, and in close proximity to river floodplains, experts maintain, but also grow among greenery and forest areas that are home to younger hardwood trees. Boxelders grow in a variety of soils and can spread quickly in unmaintained lands, which makes clearing them out entirely a bit of a challenge.
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    When do boxelder bugs go away for the season?If you’re wondering when boxelder bugs will stop swarming your home’s exterior, remember that they’re overwintering bugs — meaning they’re likely to disappear once cooler temperatures return in the fall.”The life cycle and activity of boxelder bugs is closely tied to seed production and new leaf growth on boxelder and maple trees in the spring… they typically move into structures during fall when temperatures start to drop,” Benson explains. “In the fall, they become gregarious and will fly and congregate often on the sunny side of structures, and look for cracks and crevices to get into shelter areas for the winter.” Between now and then, you’ll decide if you forcibly remove them from swarming any areas around your home, or if you tap a local pest control specialist to help remove an infestation from the interior of your home. But remember that boxelder bugs are very unlikely to cause any serious harm to yourself or to any of your possessions, including your home’s foundation.”Ultimately, try to relax! Boxelder bugs are harmless, if a nuisance,” Cavanaugh adds. “Simply take the measures you can, let a pest control company work, or wait it out; it should only last a season.”

    Zee Krstic
    Health Editor
    Zee Krstic is the health editor for GoodHousekeeping.com, where he covers health and nutrition news, decodes diet and fitness trends, and reviews the best products in the wellness aisle.

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    This Traditional Greenwich Home Blends Playful and Formal Elements for a Timeless Look

    Spacecrafting Photography

    According to interior designer Bria Hammel, there’s personality that comes along with embracing the architecture of a home. “To have a really great end result, let the architecture create the beginning of the story,” Hammel says. “Instead of trying to go overly modern, let the bones of the home set the pace.” So it’s no surprise that when it came to revamping her client’s traditional Greenwich, Connecticut, residence for her family of six, this is exactly what Hammel kept in mind during the design process.Hammel’s client moved to Greenwich from San Francisco and was eager to make her space comfortable for every member of the family. This included filling the home with an array of neutrals, upgrading the light fixtures and hardware as well as incorporating stylish furnishings throughout the home — all while respecting the history that lies within the city. “Whether it’s a modern, traditional or coastal home, in every project we do, it’s important to us that the client can live in every room of the home,” she says. Primary Bedroom

    Spacecrafting Photography

    Add style with a crystal chandelier.The chandelier, which was from the client’s previous home in California, served as the starting point of the room. “A lot of crystal chandeliers feel very formal, but this feels a bit more casual and vintage because it has a bronze finish,” Hammel says. The rest of the room is designed with an elegant poster bed, a nightstand with a stain finish for softness and an eye-catching mural that brings a peaceful and garden-like aesthetic to the overall space. Install a Frame TV.The fireplace, paired with a Frame TV, acts as a focal point in the bedroom and plays up its formal feel. “It looks like a piece of artwork, but it’s actually a television,” Hammel says. “You really get both function and form in the space.” Living Room

    Spacecrafting Photography

    Choose furniture with a subtle traditional profile.Since the modern fireplace is the main architectural detail in the room, this urged Hammel to find other ways to pepper historic elements into the design scheme. This included the sofas, with their classic legs and modest arms, and striped upholstered chairs with clean-line frames. “We wanted to not ignore the fireplace but still embrace our client’s more traditional style,” Hammel explains. “We picked furniture that had a traditional profile, but in a simple and refined way.” Hammel’s Tip: If you’re afraid of using color but want to add some, blue can act as a neutral because it feels like the sky and colors of nature. It’s not as jarring as other hues.

    Aimee Mazzenga

    Mix modern and vintage decor.”Playing with antiques to catch your eye and adding a little more of that texture and age to the space helps make everything not feel so fresh and brand new,” Hammel says. From the contemporary coffee table and line artwork above the fireplace (a Kayce Hughes creation) to the china cabinet and satin flange detail on the pale blue sofas, these accents enhanced the room’s warmth. “One or two antique pieces can add a rustic and vintage flair without being overwhelming in the space.”Design Tip: Hammel suggests starting with a neutral color palette before incorporating vintage or rustic elements, such as wicker chairs, art or galvanized floor vases. Dining Room

    Spacecrafting Photography

    Make a statement with wallpaper.Hammel believed this dining space was the perfect spot to use wallpaper —and she was right. “We decided wallpaper was going to be the showstopper and the rest was going to support it,” she says. They went with a graphic pattern to complement the neutral colors in the room. From the soft warm ivory fabric of the dining chairs and the beauty of the orchid centerpiece to the luxe feel of the large-scale chandelier and marble table countertop, the wallpaper plays with the monochromatic tones and colors of nature. Add some greenery.

    Spacecrafting Photography

    Spacecrafting Photography

    Greenery never fails to breathe life into a space, and the dining room is no exception. Hammel settled on a print that complements the wallpaper. “When you add greenery to the space, it makes it more approachable,” she says. Her team added live ferns for an East Coast, southern and formal vibe, while the orchids were simple indoor (and easy-to-care for) additions. She explains: “We love using them as a nice, large centerpiece in the dining room.”
    Shop the Look

    Polished Brass Chandelier

    Progress Lighting
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    Elegant Orchid

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    Aldfreck Wallpaper Roll

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    Powder Room

    Spacecrafting Photography

    Design the room with brass accents. The powder room — the smallest space in the home — is positioned right across from the dining room. It proved to be the ideal location to add a touch of formality, thanks to a console sink and brass accents that pair well with the cool tones of the wallpaper. “This is the place to take a little risk and chance because it’s such a small space,” Hammel says. “People really love that hidden room when guests come over.”Hammel’s Tip: The powder room is where you can to go all out with color. “Go darker than you normally would,” she says. “Try using a higher gloss finish.”Casual Dining Area

    Spacecrafting Photography

    Spacecrafting Photography

    Bring on a coastal feel.This small dining space connects to the kitchen and opens up to the backyard, only enhancing its light and airy feel. Hammel and her team changed the light fixture, opting for a more understated design with a white finish. The furniture has a fun California vibe (a tribute to the client’s previous home), while the vintage rug only accentuates the overall look. Hammel’s Tip: “We love using textures like cane or wicker to bring warmth into a white room,” she says.

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    Mariah Thomas
    Assistant Editor
    Mariah Thomas is an Assistant Editor at Good Housekeeping, where she covers home decorating ideas, gift guides and DIY projects.

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    Julia Berolzheimer's New Pottery Barn Collection Will Fill Your Home with a Dose of Southern Charm

    Charleston-based lifestyle tastemaker Julia Berolzheimer is putting her appreciation of nature and timeless floral prints on full display with the launch of an elegant home collection for Pottery Barn. Perfect for al fresco entertaining and enjoying quality family time in style, the Julia Berolzheimer x Pottery Barn line includes everything from decorative storage baskets and reversible bedding to colorful tableware and even a trendy potting station for organizing outdoor essentials — the first time the retailer has introduced a collaboration in the gardening space. In true Pottery Barn fashion, prices are as low as $22 but go up to $1,999. All of the pieces are available to shop on PotteryBarn.com starting today. “I am thrilled to be partnering with Pottery Barn, an authority in the home space and a brand I admire, to reflect my love for design and the beauty within each detail,” said Berolzheimer, who is originally known on social media as Gal Meets Glam. “Together we created a collection filled with pieces inspired by my own home and garden in Charleston.”

    The collection includes an assortment of bedding.
    Courtesy

    To celebrate the collaboration, Julia hosted a dinner party in Charleston, North Carolina earlier this week at the boutique hotel Zero George, where a small group of editors — including myself — and local design tastemakers had the chance to see some of the products firsthand. “We didn’t want the collection to be overly feminine,” Berolzheimer told Good Housekeeping at the event. “It plays with old-world prints that don’t feel too sweet; they’re very clean and classic.”

    “I love all of the pieces in the collection, but the gardening aspect excites me most,” said Julia Berolzheimer. 
    Courtesy

    While the potting station is designed to store gardening supplies, Berolzheimer also recommends using it as an entry or accent table. 
    Courtesy

    When asked about how Pottery Barn’s aesthetic complements her own, the mom of two said it all comes down to practicality. “One of the things Pottery Barn does so well is everything is meant for real life,” she said. “It’s just durable and livable.”As for her favorite item in the line? “I love all of the pieces in the collection, but the gardening aspect excites me most,” Berolzheimer shared, noting that her husband is a passionate gardener. The potting station, available in a trendy sage huge, is perfect for storing gardening tools, but it can also be styled as an entry table, a nightstand or even an accent table on a porch. “It really is versatile,” Berolzheimer said. Visit PotteryBarn.com while there’s still time to shop the full collection for a warm-weather home upgrade. And take a look at our favorite pieces below:

    Shop the Julia Berolzheimer x Pottery Barn Collection

    Willa Melamine Appetizer Plates

    Julia Berolzheimer
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    Julia Berolzheimer
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    Flora Terracotta Planters

    Julia Berolzheimer
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    $29.50

    Mae Handwoven Rattan Baskets

    Julia Berolzheimer
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    $149.00

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    Julia Berolzheimer
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    $39.50

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    Julia Berolzheimer
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    Eloise Embroidered Organic Percale Sheet Set

    Julia Berolzheimer
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    $189.00

    Marigold Organic Shower Curtain

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    Potting Station

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    Monique Valeris
    Senior Home Editor, Good Housekeeping
    Monique Valeris is the senior home editor for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital.

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    See the Small Virginia Condo That's Packed With Big Design Lessons

    Robert Radifera Photography for Stylish Productions; Styling by Charlotte Safavi

    Peaceful. That’s the sole request interior designer Carrie Miller received when she was enlisted to help transform a single client’s condo in Arlington, Virginia, just before the COVID-19 pandemic. The one-room open layout presented a host of design dilemmas that are typical for small spaces. Every square inch had to be utilized for storage purposes; distinct areas for sleeping, eating and lounging required a cohesive feel; and showcasing the client’s personal artwork collection in an effort to inject personality into the room was non-negotiable. Of course, Miller rose to the challenge with gusto. “Most importantly, my client needed a space that worked for her,” says Miller, principal designer of Lapis Ray Interior Design. “Everything had to have a place. She just wanted to come home and feel like her space was complete.”

    The condo’s open layout called for paying close attention to scale, furniture placement and color.
    Robert Radifera Photography for Stylish Productions; Styling by Charlotte Safavi

    The first order of business was to “be strategic about what she needed” while adhering to a patriotic color palette that gave the layout some much-needed pizzazz. In other words, editing belongings to make room for necessities was paramount. From there, Miller reconfigured the layout a bit, which included moving the laundry area to a nook just off of the bathroom for a cleaner look and pushing the foyer’s closet space to its limit with a smart organizer. “That’s just how that space needs to be used; we tried to be as smart about each area as we could,” she says.

    A sliding barn door separates the laundry area from the bathroom.
    Robert Radifera Photography for Stylish Productions; Styling by Charlotte Safavi

    In the compact lounge area, Miller was tasked with designing around the client’s beloved Restoration Hardware modular sofa, which serves as the perfect spot to enjoy television, read a book or cozy up with her dog. She also installed a rolling ladder with access to upper shelving to “give her more of a footprint to work with.” A sheepskin rug from CB2 and a World Market decorative screen, which creates a sense of separation from the bedroom, add warmth to the interior.

    Upper shelving offers additional storage in the lounge area.
    Robert Radifera Photography for Stylish Productions; Styling by Charlotte Safavi

    Other highlights of the condo include a storage bed — a Design Within Reach find that helps to maximize square footage. “Otherwise, it (under the bed) could just be wasted space,” Miller says. For the kitchen, Miller opted for navy blue cabinets, paired with a tulip table and lucite chairs that allow the eye to rest.

    Under-the-bed storage helps to keep the one-room condo tidy. 
    Robert Radifera Photography

    Navy blue cabinets steal the show in the kitchen.
    Robert Radifera Photography

    She even introduced a second tier of upper kitchen cabinetry to boost visual appeal and create yet another storage opportunity for the client. A nifty 24-inch refrigerator completes the look, adding a modern touch. “You do not need a huge refrigerator,” Miller says. “This fridge is unexpected, simple, clean and does the job it needs to do.” Overall, this condo is a lesson in navigating small-space living with a focus on style, functionality and efficiency. “It’s a great example of drawing the eye up,” Miller says.

    Get the Look: Shop This Virginia Condo

    Leilani Tulip Dining Table

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    Disintegrated Blue Floral Rug

    The Hill-Side
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    Faux Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree

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    Ivory Sheepskin Throw/Rug

    Crate and Barrel
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    $379.00

    Monique Valeris
    Senior Home Editor, Good Housekeeping
    Monique Valeris is the senior home editor for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital.

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    What Is Maximalism? Interior Designers Dish on the “More Is More” Approach

    Jessica Delaney; Design by Megan Hopp

    Much like fashion, interior decorating is meant to be a thrill. It’s a way to express yourself without any constrictions or fear of deviating from classic design guidelines. So it’s no surprise that maximalism is gaining steam. While it’s not for everyone, it’s a surefire approach to achieve an Instagram-worthy home that is full of style. What is maximalism? A brief history and some examples of the style:To put it simply, maximalism calls for going bold. Rooms filled with patterns upon patterns. A myriad of unique color combinations. Loads of texture. These are just a few signatures of the audacious style that is favored by a host of interior designers, including Beth Diana Smith and Eleanor Trepte of Dekay and Tate Interiors. “It’s a style, like many others, that has regained popularity and evolved over the years but has existed in different forms, from Victorian to Memphis Design to the modern spin we see now,” says Diana Smith, who is known for her “eclectic maximalist” aesthetic. “It’s fun and brings energy and visual interest to a space.” Trepte says the design style dates back centuries. “I think it started to take off as early as the 30’s in the Hollywood Regency style, and again in the 70’s and the 80’s until today. The term ‘less is more’ died and ‘more is more’ took off strong.” Trepte counts Patrick Mele as one of her favorite maximalism designers, for example, noting that he “breaks rules” and “makes you think about design in a very different way.”

    How to incorporate the maximalism trend into your home:Today, Diana Smith notes that examples of maximalism can often be found in bedrooms, living rooms and especially powder rooms, since people tend to be more willing to take design risks in smaller spaces. When it comes to easy ways to experiment with the trend, she recommends incorporating things like sculptural stools, upholstered furniture in striking patterns and large-scale oversized art into a design scheme.

    Living room design by Eleanor Trepte.
    Ken Hayden Photography

    Maximalism is not conducive to holding back, Trepte says. “It’s all about being the most daring you can possibly be. It’s also a form of personal expression without boundaries or rules, which is always fun in interior design.” Trepte likes putting unexpected colors on full display, whether it’s through art and accessories or furniture and wallcoverings. There’s no need to be matchy-matchy either when it comes to displaying decorative objects. “They just need to flow,” Trepte says. In her view, the living room is the perfect spot to embrace the principles of maximalism. “It often reads as the centerpiece of the home, and as such is a place you can express your true style statement strongly and then trickle throughout the rest of your home.”But allow your eye to rest, too, Diana Smith warns. Don’t overlook careful editing during the design process. “I usually start off with all of the pieces that I would love to see in the space and then edit — remove and move around — until it’s my version of perfect. Incorporate bold or statement pieces that can stand out as their own moment in the space, and then build around that.”

    Monique Valeris
    Senior Home Editor, Good Housekeeping
    Monique Valeris is the senior home editor for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital.

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    How to Get Rid of Fleas in Your Home and Yard and on Your Pets

    When fleas show up in your home, you want to get rid of them ASAP. They multiply very quickly, and if left untreated can lead to a bigger infestation. Not only are they a nuisance, but according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some fleas can carry pathogens that cause disease in humans, so it’s best not to delay tackling a flea problem. To learn more about fleas and how to get rid of them, the Good Housekeeping Institute Health, Beauty and Sustainability Lab spoke with Michael Bentley, an entomologist and the director of training and education for the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), and Josh Matta, entomologist and senior biologist for Spectrum Garden Brands. Follow the guide below to learn how to get rid of fleas. How long does it take to get rid of fleas in the house?Fleas have a life cycle from a few weeks to several months, depending on a variety of factors such as temperature and humidity. Due to this unpredictable life cycle — as well as environmental conditions and the severity of the infestation — it can take weeks to months to eliminate fleas.How can I get rid of fleas right away? Unfortunately, getting rid of fleas is not an instantaneous process. The good news is that you can — and should — start tackling the problem right away. To effectively get rid of fleas, Matta suggests a simultaneous multistep approach, which means thoroughly inspecting and treating the home, yard and pets. “Flea prevention and treatment go hand-in-hand, so it is important to tackle both,” he says.How to get rid of fleas in your home Sweep and vacuum furniture, carpeted areas and floors, especially where they meet the walls. Bentley says, “Flea larvae are usually located in undisturbed locations such as along baseboards, in the seams of furniture and inside the cracks of floors.” Wash bedding such as blankets and pet beds, especially those placed near those undisturbed areas where fleas frequently breed. If the infestation is severe, you may want to consider throwing out the bedding and replacing it.Treat your home. Bentley says it’s critical to work with a pest control professional to get rid of fleas properly and effectively. A commercial pest control professional can also help determine which products are best to treat your home and yard.Repeat treatments and cleaning. Fleas have a complex life cycle, which means it can take weeks or even months to completely get rid of them. You’ll want to follow the schedule of treatments given by your pest control professional. You’ll also want to repeat vacuuming and washing bedding frequently to get rid of flea larvae and eggs.How to get rid of fleas in the bedIf pets have been in or around your bed, there’s a chance fleas may be there as well. In addition to laundering any bedding and pillows that are safe to wash, vacuum the entire bed: the bed frame, mattress and box springs. You’ll also want to thoroughly vacuum the floors underneath. How to get rid of fleas on dogs, cats and other pets If you see red bumps or hair loss on your pet or see them scratching frequently, that could be a sign that they have fleas — and that you have fleas in your house. Bathe your pets with a shampoo that your veterinarian would approve of, and use a flea comb, especially around your pet’s face and neck and near the base of the tail. It is best to speak with your veterinarian about flea and tick prevention before having to deal with an infestation. Most flea treatments and shampoos for pets carry insecticides like pyrtherins, which can be dangerous to their health depending on the species and/or if not used properly. If your pet is on a flea shampoo or treatment schedule, please report any unusual side effects to your vet or pet poison hotline immediately. How to get rid of fleas in the yardIn order to prevent fleas from traveling indoors on pets, it’s best to regularly treat your yard with an insect control product designed to eliminate fleas. Matta recommends the brand he represents, Ecologic’s Lawn & Yard Insect Killer, which uses mint oil and geraniol as actives that are considered minimum-risk pesticides. “I recommend this product because it is safe to use around children and pets,” he says. “It kills ants, fleas, ticks and more, and can be used on lawns, landscapes and around home foundations.”Can fleas live on humans? Fleas do not typically live on humans; they prefer animal hosts. However, according to Bentley, they will resort to biting people when animals are unavailable and can then readily return to pets. The takeawayFleas will not go away naturally. “An infestation without any treatment will be a long and ongoing battle for homeowners,” says Bentley. “It is best to work with a pest control professional to eradicate an infestation before it becomes a larger health concern for you, your home and your pets.”

    Jamie Kim
    Contributing Writer and Analyst
    Jamie Kim is a consumer products expert with over 17 years of experience in areas of product development and manufacturing.

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