On the subject of pets...
Our dogs and cats are no longer treated the regular way for fleas (flea powders, collars, flea and tick drops etc.) We had a cat go into a seizure after using a new product (that was later taken off the market) and a few dogs that have had reactions, varying in severity.
-We feed garlic to the dogs (not the cats) in powdered form (springtime inc. brand).
-The dogs wear amber stone collars when outside (they're supposed to help keep pests away, not sure if they help or not but they're really pretty anyhow.
-We use food grade diatomaceous earth (NOT pool grade!!! very important) in our yard to dry any fleas up. You can also feed this to dogs and cats for internal parasites. (I repeat, not pool grade but only food grade!) It's non-harmful to beneficial bugs.
-Cedarcide spray/Wondercide is an excellent flea killer/preventative for yard or home
-We feed a raw diet that seems to help boost immunity
We flea bath if necessary but we haven't had the need to in several years because the above seems to be working. Also, for cats (whom we don't bath because we value our lives) we mix Braggs cider vinegar with water, dampen an old rag, and go over them well until their coats are damp. Comb out, and either pat dry with a towel or let them air dry. The vinegar seems to repel fleas, is safe and beneficial if ingested, and adds tremendous shine to their coats. We do this weekly.
The above works for dogs, too.
Our cats used to hate any kind of grooming done, but since we do this weekly now and it's a warm and fuzzy bonding time they have learned to like it, then love it. When I get the bottle of vinegar, a few towels, and a comb and a flea comb they all come running and jostle over who gets to be in my lap first
Finally, if I am taking the dogs or a dog to an outdoor area, I mist with an essential oil flea and tick spray that smells wonderful and is safe and harmless.
Hope the "flea hacks" help someone out there