Fresh, whole foods are vital, since raw foods provide digestive enzymes and vitamins that can be destroyed by cooking. Many animal guardians swear by nutritional yeast and fresh garlic as skin boosters and flea repellents, too. Cover All Your Bases Effective flea control programs employ a multi-faceted approach. Vacuum rugs and furniture daily, if necessary, during the spring and summer months. Flea eggs can be picked up by vacuuming, but can still hatch in the bag, which should be sealed and thrown away or put in the freezer after each cleaning.
Some herbal powders repel fleas and can be sprinkled in bedding areas.
Diatomaceous earth, a powder composed of the fossilized remains of one-celled algae, can be sprinkled on carpets to eliminate fleas safely. When applying, remove animals from the area and wear a protective mask. Look for diatomaceous earth at garden, animal supply, and health food stores, but never use diatomaceous earth that has been treated for use in swimming pools. Ordinary table salt or borax can also be used on carpets and should be vacuumed up the day after use. Bed covers should be laundered weekly during flea season.