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How to Eradicate Sand Fleas From Your Home

Sand fleas are small orange amphipods found in coastal areas. They are distant relatives of true fleas and are not considered insects because they have more than six legs. Sand fleas can be a nuisance when they find their way inside your home. They can cause itching and skin infections that can lead to death in pets with serious infestations. If you discover sand fleas in your home, treat them immediately for the safety of your pets and family.

Things You'll Need

Seven dust pesticide
Flea medicine
Pyretherin-based pesticide

Instructions

- 1
  Purchase some Seven dust from your local home and garden center and lightly sprinkle your carpets throughout your home. Let the seven dust sit for up to eight hours and then vacuum it up. Immediately dispose of the vacuum bag in an outside trash bin.
- 2
  Dust the perimeter of your home with Seven dust to prevent sand fleas from entering your home. Reapply the dust every two to three weeks to prevent infestations.
- 3
  Treat your pet with an over-the-counter flea medicine or take him to a veterinarian for a prescription-strength, flea-control product. Make sure you read and follow the directions on the label carefully before administering it to your pets.
- 4
  Wash linen and bedding in the hottest temperature your washer offers. Dry the clothing and store them in plastic bags until the sand flea infestation is gone.
- 5
  Spray your mattresses, pet beds and furniture where sand fleas may be hiding with a pyretherin-based pesticide. Apply the product every few days until you are sure they have been killed.

Insects & Science