Reply by Don Butler

A friend had fleas in his house because of his “outdoor” cats. His carpets were badly infested and his ankles were bitten badly.

I rigged a small lamp over a pie pan which was filled with soapy water each evening. Every morning the pan had dead fleas floating on the water amid the soap bubbles. It seems to work this way: The fleas (and other bugs, too) are attracted by the light bulb. But something about the soap in the water makes them fall helplessly into the water and they drown because the soap breaks down the surface tension of the water and they sink just below the surface.
Try this if you have any flies, mosquitoes or other flying creatures. When you see one on the ceiling, prepare some warm water and a drop or two of dish washing detergent in a glass. I say a glass because you will be able to see what happens.
Bring the glass slowly, so as not to startle the bug, just below where it is clinging to the ceiling. You will be surprised to see the bug lose its grip and drop into the water.

Every time.

I used to live out in farm country in a rented house. Our neighbor showed us this trick when we were swarmed by houseflies in the warm weather. The lighted pan of soapy water cleared hundreds of flies every summer.

It’s also non toxic to humans and pets and far cheaper than chemicals. It’s also readily available in most every house.

Sincerely yours,
Don “Doesn’t Dance With Fleas” Butler

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