Dear Sammi SaferBuilder,

I've heard that pesticide drops can cause cancer in animals. My cat suffers from terrible fleas. The veterinarian prescribed pet medicine, which I later learned contains pesticides as an active ingredient. I want to help my cat and don't want to second guess my veterinarian, but I am faced with a very hard choice between seeing her suffer with fleas or possibly increasing her risk of cancer. I don't know what to do. Please help! Signed, Stuck Between a Rock and a Hard Place

Dear Stuck,

It is not just your pets that are at risk from exposure to pesticide drops. You and your family may also be at risk, and pesticides can leave a residue in your home as well. Fortunately, there are less toxic options for treating pets that have fleas and protecting your home.

If you can afford it, the first step that you should take is to get rid of your carpets (SaferBuilding™ Carpet Demolition).

Select a smooth surface floor (SaferBuilding™ Flooring Materials) and install it using the SaferBuilding™ materials and methods: (SaferBuilding™ New Wood Floors & SaferBuilding™ Tile & Stone Floors).

Flea eggs live in carpets, so by removing them, the fleas will have a harder time of staying in your house. Getting rid of your carpets may just do the trick. If this isn't practical, another option is to vacuum the carpet three times a day, throwing out the bag each time until the problem is resolved. Vacuum not only your carpet, but your couch and other places where your pet visits. You may have to do this for two to three days in a row.

You should wash your bedding to make certain that the fleas and their eggs haven't hidden there. Some pet owners prefer a scent-free laundry detergent for pets and children. Wash your pet with a NON-PESTICIDE containing shampoo.

If vacuuming is too cumbersome, then try less toxic pest control methods, such as products whose active ingredients that are borate based, cedar based, or citrus derived -- use them both indoor and outdoors. The good news: you can get rid of fleas naturally and help your pets live a healthy flea-free life !

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