Flea traps are a type of pest control device that is used to capture and kill fleas. Flea traps work by emitting a special light that attracts fleas, which then get stuck in the trap’s adhesive surface.
There are a variety of different types of flea traps available on the market, and each one has its own unique set of advantages and disadvantages. Here, we will take a look at the different types of flea traps available and discuss which ones are most effective.
We will also talk about how to use these traps properly so that you can get the most out of them.
So, if you are looking for an easy way to get rid of those pesky fleas, keep reading!
What Are Flea Traps, And What Do They Do?
There are different types of flea traps, and the manufacturers rely on understanding flea biology to trap them. They use a bait that fleas are most attracted to and include a sticky surface to keep the small insects glued once they jump into the bait.
Another type of flea trap is to use soapy water instead. You still have the light trap but instead of a sticky pad for trapping fleas, they land in the water instead. The soapy water reduces the surface tension so they all into the water and drown.
Both of them are forms of light traps as this the ultimate flea trap. It tricks their natural senses and controls your flea population. Let’s talk a little more about commercial and homemade flea traps, and why they work.
So, do the flea trap work?
Since fleas mostly move by jumping, the light will attract fleas and they stick on the glue. Although these small insects are mostly attracted to blood, it is next to impossible to use blood to trap them.
Luckily, fleas are also attracted to light.
Therefore, the best flea traps are made with light to lure the insects into them.
Common Types of Flea Traps
Glue Flea Trap
The glue flea trap is made with a sticky pad that will trap the fleas as soon as they land on it. They are very affordable, so you can use them as your first flea trap. Besides, the glue trap also traps insects other than fleas.
You can put down a sticky pad to capture fleas and how for the best but in reality, you’ll need a light source to control your flea problem. There are many flea traps available that are able to provide all of this in one compact device.
This is probably the best flea trap that you can have as it’s brilliant at managing fleas. The fleas jump into the trap and will never be able to get out of the sticky pads or blue. For many, this is the best way to control their pest problem.
Flea Water Trap
Since adult fleas are attracted to light, you can use that biology to your advantage and trap these insects. You can create a dish soap trap at home which will also be effective at giving them a deadly flea bath.
A DIY flea trap is basic but works very well. Instead of using glue traps, you’re hoping that the fleas will jump into the water. In our next section, we’ll go into a little more detail on how you can make a good flea trap just by using things around your home.
Where Should I Place Flea Traps?
To catch the most fleas, you must place the traps in the strategic points.
These are the areas that are most affected by fleas. It is more important if you are using a homemade flea trap that is not equipped with a light.
Some of the best areas to place your flea traps are;
Around Pet Beds
Pets are more likely to get fleas because of dirt and extra fur. Therefore, if your home’s source of fleas is pets like dogs and cats, place the bowl around the kennels. The fleas will walk out of the pet’s house at night into the bowl and drown.
However, since fleas are uncomfortable for pets, you can prevent them entirely. Bathe your cats and dogs regularly and flea comb their fur to remove insects. Dip the comb in soapy water after every comb to drown any fleas present. You should also wash them with shampoo and leave them on the skin for a while.
Under Furniture
When fleas invade your house, they will primarily hide in dark places. These places are under the furniture. Putting the flea trap and a lamp around these areas will attract the fleas and drown them before they breed more.
On Carpets
Fleas could fall from your pets onto the rugs and carpets. Besides, their eggs are also small and can easily remain and hatch on the mats. Placing the trap on the carpet ensures you catch as many fleas as possible.
You can also avoid having fleas on your carpet by vacuuming the areas every week. This is more important if you have pets. When you vacuum, the machine will suck all the tiny insects and their larvae. This way, the insect does not have a way of escaping.
You can extend the vacuum to hard-to-reach areas by installing a brush or nozzle. Ensure you also reach under the furniture and lift the rugs to vacuum the other side. Once you are done, remove the bag where the dirt was collected and dispose of it immediately.
Under Shrubs Around The Yard
Another source of fleas into the house is around the shrubs in your yard.
Although the insects are in their habitat, they could start jumping into the house and start breeding. If the yard is a significant source of these insects, place the traps there. Ensure you carry the lamb, and put the heat source away from dry leaves.
How Effective Are Light Flea Traps?
Light flea traps work, and they are effective. When you place a light bulb in or above the bowl with dish soap or a sticky trap, it attracts the fleas. Some will jump to land on the light but many will drown or get stuck.
However, the light flea trap will only attract the fleas around the furniture, bedding, and yard. They also only attract adult fleas, as the small ones and larvae cannot jump into the water.
Besides, fleas cannot move from the pets to jump onto the light, meaning those on the dogs and cats will continue breeding.
How Do Electric Flea Traps Work?
Some people are reluctant to use electric flea traps claiming that they don’t work. The truth is, these traps work, but they won’t kill all the fleas in the house.
Electric flea traps are made using the biological facts about fleas. Since the insects mostly live on bodies and feed on blood, they are attracted to warm areas. Besides, they also seem to like lights with specific colors.
Electric flea trap manufacturers set up the traps with a heat source to attract insects. As they draw closer, the fleas think a warm-blooded animal is around that area and move close. The trap is also fitted with glue. So, when the parasite jumps to land on the animal, but they miss, they are trapped in the glue.
How To Get Rid Of Fleas Using Traps
Once you set up your trap and leave it overnight, empty it in the morning. Ensure you refill the bowl with a fresh mixture of water and dish soap to trap the fleas, or use new stick tabs. You can repeat the procedure every day until you stop catching more fleas.
You can also use indoor plants to trap the fleas. Place the plant beside the trap. When the plant produces carbon dioxide, the fleas think that there is a host. They could jump to land on the plant but miss and get into the water.
You can also use a vacuum to get rid of fleas. When you vacuum the couches, carpet, and rugs, you will trap the big, small, and larvae form of the fleas. Once you finish vacuuming, dispose of the paper where the dirt was collected in an area you are sure the insects won’t come out. You can alternatively burn the paper.
A flea infestation can be troublesome and a headache, and you don’t have to wait until you notice one or two fleas. One of the preventive measures to avoid these parasites is maintaining cleanliness. You can keep your pets groomed, wash them every week and trim and comb their fur.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, now you have a good idea of how flea traps work.
Fleas will be attracted to a light that gives off both light and heat. This will trick them into thinking they are getting closer to a warm blooded animal such as a pet or a human. Some flea traps even use specific colors that are meant to add an extra layer of attraction.
The fleas will then jump towards the light and land near it. The aim is for them to either land on a sticky substance such as glue or a sticky pad, or alternatively a soapy water solution. Either way, the flea will be trapped and will quickly die. When combined with a full vacuuming of your house, this should be the end of your flea infestation.
