Are you an animal owner who has experienced that dreaded moment when you discover fleas in the fur of your pet? The bad news is that the fleas that you’ve found in their coat only make up about 5% of the problem, the rest are already inhabiting your home. Your first thought might be to call pest control services, which would certainly be a quick way to rid your home of these pests. However, it can also be an expensive option. Deep cleaning your home is something that you can do yourself, with a little elbow grease, some professional flea removal products and the following tips.

Collect Your Pet’s Bedding and Accessories

Fleas are most likely to come into contact with areas of your home that your pet frequents – these might be dog or cat baskets, litter trays, favorite daytime sleeping spots and anywhere that you keep food and water bowls. Any item that belongs to your pet, including toys and bedding should be collected and thoroughly disinfected, or discarded.

Tackling Your Floors

Next, it’s time to remove fleas from your upholstery and flooring. There are different methods of deep cleaning your floors depending on whether they are hard or carpeted.

If you have carpets in your home, then begin by using a flea fogging spray and applying insecticide powder into your carpet. Read the specific instructions on the packet and then follow-up by vacuuming your floor. By doing so, you’ll suck up the deep-lying flea larvae that has taken root in your carpet fibers and force them into contact with the insecticide that is present in the top layer of the fabric. Always throw away the vacuum bag after use, as the vibrations can cause the flea pupae to hatch inside.

Hard floors can be tricky to handle, but you should start by running your usual vacuum for wooden flooring across the room, ensuring that you remove all furniture and pay attention to dark nooks and crannies and the edges of your room. Although wooden or laminate flooring may appear easier to treat for fleas than carpet, the problem is that the eggs can fall between the cracks of floorboards or laminate tiles. Therefore, it’s essential that you treat along the lines and where the flooring meets the skirting boards to ensure you’ve covered every possible patch. Pay particular attention to areas where your pet tends to hang out.

Treating Your Pet

You should also treat your pet with flea medication, preferably on the same day that you’re deep cleaning your home. There are some over-the-counter medications that are available to treat flea infestations in pets, but many owners feel more comfortable visiting a vet for some professional guidance. Some treatments may need to be reapplied after a week or two, so be sure to stick to the recommended dosage to keep fleas at bay.

Even if you’re one of those lucky pet owners that hasn’t yet had fleas brought into the home, it always pays to be prepared. Invest in some basic insecticides and flea fogging sprays so that you’re ready if disaster does strike.

There’s no denying the fact that moving into a new rental property can be an exciting time. However, it can be stressful too, and there is a lot for you to think about. Before you set up camp in your new pad, here are three things you may want to give some careful thought to.

1. Do you have a suitable insurance plan in place?

Although it’s not a legal requirement, you may want to think about taking out contents insurance. This type of cover means that in the event that any of your personal belongings are damaged or stolen, you won’t be left picking up the bill to replace or repair them. While your landlord will take care of the insurance for the structure of the property, it’s your responsibility to take out contents cover if you want to safeguard your stuff.

It’s also possible to get specialist insurance that provides you with extra protection. For example, you can get tenants insurance from HomeLet that includes tenancy liability. This cover means that you won’t be left counting the cost if you damage things belonging your landlord, including furnishings, fittings and fixtures.

2. Do you understand the details of your tenancy agreement?

Your tenancy agreement is a contract for both you and your landlord. It identifies the terms and conditions of your rental agreement and it is normally put in place before you start renting out a property. This legally binding document should be signed by both you and your landlord. However, before you sign on the dotted line, it’s crucial that you fully understand the terms. After all, this document can help prevent potential problems and disagreements with your landlord further down the line, so it’s important that you’re happy with it.

Your agreement will include details such as how much rent you’re required to pay, when these payments should be made, the duration of your tenancy and the length of notice you’re expected to give if you want to move out. Taking the time to read over it and digest the information should help you get to grips with the finer details of your agreement.