We have a horrible flea problem throughout our house and I have a 1 year old. I don't want to use chemicals and thought about using borax. After I apply it does anyone know if it is OK for my 1 year old to walk on the carpet with borax in it?
She puts things in her mouth all the time. If I apply it and then vacuum it up in a couple days would it still work? We could stay out of the house for a couple days before we go back in. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
By Cindy
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I have heard it is safe even for a newborn. At the same time, it is said do not let it get into food or water dishes as too much can give an upset stomach. When you spread it into carpet, it falls into the fiber. Clumps need touched with a broom to distribute. Wait 2 weeks before you vacuum. You will not have fleas in the treated areas for a year and a half.
As for baby, the flea bites and mouthing flea dirt might be more of a problem. Play pen might be a good idea. As for your yard, best friend, an animal activist/savior/adopter/owner who always opts for natural remedies, uses cedercide granules with great success. Fair sized yard and 5 pound bag lasted more than a year. NO poisons.
Gosh, Borax in carpets, Cedercide in yard and 2 shampoos on each animal (One shampoo after another) and you have controlled your flea problem without killer poisons. I always use Borax and haven't had a flea in more than 25 years. I am on acreage so i know the freeze here kills fleas for others with acreage but always advise them to be careful of any pets with fleas that might be visiting. Rewards are great.
Why would you stay out of your own home while treating with Borax? It is a natural, mined product. To leave it down for 2 weeks before vacuuming means the life cycle of eggs, larvae and adult is complete.
I use just ordinary table salt on my carpets. I buy the large containers of store brand table salt sprinkle it all over my carpet & vacuum it up after a few days. Be sure to take the vacuum bag out to the garbage can so that any surviving fleas don't escape back into your home.
Any poison that will kill insects has to be harmful to people. There are antkillers that shred the exoskeletons that are not harmful, but any substance that poisons the insect, is likely poisonous to people in sufficient quantities. Borax is a natural product, in that it is not a mix of substances, but that does not make it a healthy product. It is good for laundry, but it is not safe for use around children or pets; it is banned in some European countries because it may cause birth defects. Rattlesnake venom is a natural substance too; but I wouldn't put it in my tea!! Read the warning on the box, it says not to use it around food, children or pets,.
I think borax is toxic. My vets recommend a silcon based flea treatment for the home which is non toxic. It does work as I used it on a flea infestation a couple of years ago. In the UK its called Skoosh. Good Luck.
Rachel
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