The Simple DIY Flea Trap That Can Help You Manage An Unwelcome Infestation

Fleas are one of many types of bugs you don't want living in your home. Unfortunately, we can't always avoid infestations, especially if you have cats or dogs bringing them in after their outdoor adventures. While surviving on their host's blood, fleas can lay eggs that end up in beds, carpets, and other areas of the house, making the situation much worse (a flea can lay around 50 eggs a day). In addition to making you and your pets itch, fleas can also transmit disease — so it's imperative to take action once you realize you have an issue.

There are multiple ways to get rid of fleas, including creating your very own DIY trap. It's an inexpensive and effective solution that uses common items like dish soap, water, and a light source. What it does is help attract the pests to the soapy mixture where they ultimately drown. Be aware that it might not eliminate all of them, but it can wipe out some — all without the use of chemicals.

In addition to making a homemade flea trap, you should also be washing your blankets and bedding in hot water, cleaning your furniture, and thoroughly vacuuming your home. Keep a look out for all the places your dog or cat likes to rest, and give those areas a good cleaning too. As for your itchy pet, take them to the vet for proper care, and consider giving them a bath using a flea shampoo for a little relief.

Begin by adding water to a bowl, then squeeze in some drops of dish soap. Next, place the bowl near a light source or solar lamp in an area you believe is infested with fleas. Let it sit and work its magic — preferably overnight. The next day, when you check the trap, you'll hopefully see lots of expired fleas in the water. The light is what lures the fleas to the bowl, while the soap is the key ingredient that keeps the fleas from escaping (adding Alka-Seltzer to the trap can take it up a notch). Will it completely eliminate an infestation? Probably not, but it's a popular DIY trap that many people swear delivers results. Repeat it multiple times in order to banish as many fleas as you can from your home. 

Using several traps around your home will help track where the fleas are most abundant, so you can better focus your flea exterminating efforts. If your flea issue has become a big problem, it's always best to consult the professionals in order to have them evaluate and treat your home. But if you're looking for a DIY trap that's both easy and costs practically nothing to make, then it's worth setting it up, even if you want to combine it with other methods.