Fleas are common hitchhikers. It’s not unusual to find them in your cars. Pending when they can find a host, fleas can settle anywhere in your car, from your car seats, carpets to your pillows. Fleas in cars may be one of the ways these pests have devised to keep away from unfavorable conditions. When they can’t get into our homes just yet, our cars can prove the next best thing.
How Do Fleas Get into Our Cars
Our cars typically always have doors and other areas sealed. There are no open spaces for these fleas to get in. So, how do they succeed in getting into our cars?
Fleas can get into your cars through your pets. We all like taking our pets on a ride with us. Maybe for a visit to the Vets. If your pet already is a home to fleas, then these fleas can be transferred to your car.
Sometimes, we get to park our cars in flea-infested areas. These fleas can jump into your car when such a window of opportunity presents itself.
Someone Had Fleas Although it may seem unlikely, it is possible that the fleas in your car may have been brought in by someone who had fleas on them.
How To Treat Fleas in Cars
Getting rid of fleas in your car will involve a multipronged approach. It is just not enough treating your car only and think you’re off the hook.
You can start by:
Treating Your Surroundings: Your yard may have fleas. It is very possible to pick up fleas from this area when you park your car. Your pets are not exempt from catching fleas in your yard. Therefore, begin by sanitizing your yard, clearing all clusters, then proceed to use the necessary flea sprays and natural control measures.
Treating Your Pets: No matter how extensively you treat your car, if your pets are not treated themselves, eventually, more fleas will find themselves there. Flea shampoo can be used. Oral flea treatment is also an option. Preventive strategies such as always steam-washing your pets’ beddings and sanitizing their sleeping areas will be effective.
Focusing on Your Car
With the first two steps completed, you’re free to move on to the next phase. Any treatment product you decide to use must take the life cycle of fleas into cognizance.
Killing just the adult fleas and leaving their eggs behind is just a palliative treatment that won’t take care of things permanently. Give the eggs a few weeks, and you will be having another round of flea trouble.
Do not use heavy-duty chemicals meant for the surroundings in your car. You will be putting yourself at risk. Use mild pesticides only. Organic products are a good option.
Treatment Options
Boric Acid
Boric acid kills adult fleas and their eggs in a very short time. Sprinkle a mixture of salt and boric acid in your car and leave your car for a few hours.
These can be handled by professionals so that you don’t end up destroying vital components of your car. Steam-clean your car at a temperature range of 120°- and 170°-degrees Fahrenheit. Vacuum to completely remove the adult fleas, their larvae, and newly hatched eggs.
Sprays
Spray your cars with flea spray products and allow the particulates to hover in your car for a few hours. Vacuum afterward to remove dead flies.
Finally, fleas in cars are a distraction you might want to avoid. For drivers who go on long journeys, these blood-sucking critters can make such commute a miserable experience. Eliminate all fleas from your car by following the steps outlined above. Then you can keep yourself and your pets from harm’s way.