Elizabeth,

One of the most effective non-chemical treatments we have tried is to place
a large tray (about 1-2" deep) of soapy water on the floor in the middle of
the affected area and put a small lit candle in the center. The treatment
works best if this is done overnight when the room is completely dark
(except for the candle of course!).  If you put the candle in a hurricane
lamp or other protective enclosure or use a small jarred candle then you
won't have to worry too much about leaving it unattended-just to make sure
it can't fall over or ignite anything.  If you are really worried you could
station someone in the house to check on it every once in a while to make
sure everything is secure but the person can't stay in the room (they offer
a tempting meal and the single candle won't be a draw it needs to be).  If
you do this repeatedly over the course of several nights you will eventually
catch all of the adult fleas without having to introduce any chemicals into
the room.

Jeanne Willoz-Egnor, Director of Collections Management, The Mariners'
Museum

 

 

  _____  

From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf
Of Elizabeth Walton
Sent: Friday, July 09, 2010 9:15 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] historic house: uninvited guests

 

Hello wise listers. 

 

I am wondering if any of you wise souls have any idea about safe removal of
fleas in a historic house. We think they came in with some rogue raccoons,
that are now removed. I read and heard that borax is effective, but worry
about the effects it may have on historic 150 year old wool rug fibers.  

 

Any ideas? 

 

Elizabeth Walton

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