Female fleas lay 400 eggs over several days and fleas mature within a week. Homeopathic and lemon based treatments can kill fleas and work as a preventive measure.

Veterinarian Dr. Jason Benner reports that flea pupa can remain dormant for years, even in an empty house. Sensing vibrations and body heat, fleas will hatch and jump onto a host. Flea eggs are also carried indoors on the bottoms of shoes.

According to Proud Dog Health, a pet's skin can develop hot spots from flea bites. Pets chew and scratch until the area bleeds and the hair is gone. Hot spots must be treated before getting rid of fleas and ticks. Mix one part of any kind of vinegar with one part water in a spray bottle and apply it to the hot spots.

Lemon juice applications provide an inexpensive method for preventing and killing fleas and ticks. Mix one part lemon juice to one part water and pour the solution into a spray bottle. Spray pets liberally, avoiding their eyes. Avoid a pet's hot spots. Lemon juice can also be added to flea shampoo.

Lemon solutions will kill fleas in the house and help prevent new infestations. Mix the juice of four lemons, including rinds, with 1/2 gallon (2 litres) of water and mop the floors. Fleas and roaches will flee.