So it’s spring time again. What that means for me and my ground floor, carpeted, central Texas apartment is fleas. Every year my husband and I deal with an annoying and difficult-to-get-rid-of flea infestation.  This year I am determined not to deal with the fleas, and I’m going to share my tips with all of you.

Number one tip is to vacuum every day.  Now, I hate vacuuming as much as the next person. It’s annoying and I don’t generally have the time. The fact is though that it works. Vacuum everyday and consider running that vacuum over the dog’s bed, the couch or any other upholstered surface.

Number two is to talk to the vet. Make sure your dog and all other pets are on some sort of flea prevention medication. We’ve been using Frontline on Freda, but you have to be diligent. Don’t skip a month or apply it late. In areas with heavy flea infestations, Frontline and other topical flea treatments might not even work, so give it the best chance possible to work by using it consistently.

If a topical flea treatment doesn’t seem to be working (which it hasn’t for us if the fleas are already established), consider using a stronger treatment that works immediately. I’m talking specifically about a medication called Capstar. It’s a pill that is given to the dog (or cat) that kills fleas on the animal for 24 hours. You get it from your veterinarian and it starts working within 30 minutes (you can literally see the dead fleas falling off the dog…it also makes the dog or cat act a little jittery and spastic from the itching that it causes). It is a great way to get a handle on things. Use the 24 hours from the Capstar to vacuum, clean and apply another dose of Frontline.

My final tip for a very bad infestation (or if your dog is severely allergic to fleas) is to get the house or apartment professionally treated for fleas. It could be expensive and annoying, but it will do the best job.

If all of these things fail…well, I’ve been there. It’s annoying, itchy and a little embarrassing when people come over. My only advice after that is keep things under control as best you can and just wait it out until winter.