How to Build Your Own Flea Trap

One of the easiest, non-toxic methods to kill fleas is with a flea trap. These can easily be made at home, with just a couple ingredients.

You will need:

A wide, shallow bowl, such as a pie pan.

* Dawn or other dish soap
* A stable desk lamp with a warm, bright bulb.
* Half-fill the bowl with warm water, and add a few drops of the dish soap. The dish soap will break the surface tension of the water and cause the fleas to sink, as opposed to floating.

Place the lamp over the bowl of water and turn on the light. The light and warmth of the bulb will attract fleas and make them jump in the water and drown. Another great benefit of using one of these traps in your home is that it will alert you to an impending flea infestation.

Just place the trap in an area near where your pet frequents and check it every day. If you see dead fleas floating in the water, you'll know to be extra cautious and aware of fleas in your home.

Leave the trap out in an area that is most likely infested with fleas, such as near where your pets sleep. Be prepared to find many tiny flea corpses in the water the next time you check.

While it may be difficult to rid yourself of a very bad flea infestation with this method, it is a very effective non-toxic way to kill fleas. Try this out first, especially in conjunction with other natural methods (borax, diatomaceous earth, etc). I think you'll be happy with the results.

For more information on flea treatments, such as using a flea collar on your pet, visit our free guide to flea control.