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

 

 

 

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