Flea Flea Go Away!
Hi Friends,
I've been getting a lot of irritated customers complaining about the unyielding flea population this season.
It has been the worst spell yet and methods seem to be less effective than before...
but it isn't as much the products we are using as much as it is the WAY we are using them.
So I've decided to share some information that might help the fight
Lets start with understanding the flea life cycle: egg--> larvae--> pupa--> biting adult flea
an adult female flea can lay 50 eggs per day
eggs are not sticky and usually fall off into carpet, bedding, soil etc
flea eggs hatch anywhere from 2 days to a few weeks depending on conditions
growth from larvae to pupae takes 7-21 days
pupae take 7-200 days to become and adult flea
Most commonly fleas emerge in 1-4 weeks
Flea pupae can remain dormant in the environment for up to 6 months before re-infesting your pet
95% of the flea population in your home are in the egg, larvae, and pupae stage
a flea can live more than 100 days without a blood meal
Treatment Steps: remove fleas from indoor environment, remove fleas from outdoor environment, remove fleas from pets, keep immature fleas from developing Treatment Weapons: fogger, carpet/upholstery spray, carpet powder, dog/cat spray, dog/cat powder, yard spray, topical treatment, shampoo Treatment Plan: Controlling fleas is a multi-step process For every flea you see on your pet, there are generally hundreds of eggs and larvae in your home and yard. An effective flea control approach involves not only treating your pet, but your home and yard as well. 1. Indoor Environment Vacuum thoroughly, especially below drapes, under furniture, where your pet sleeps etc. Vacuum high traffic areas daily, other areas weekly. Seal vacuum bag in a plastic bag and toss immediately. Use carpet powders, diatomaceous earth, foggers or sprays to stop egg development for what may be missed by vacuum and areas that are hard to reach (baseboard, under furniture). Look for "insect growth regulators" such as Nylar (pyriproxyfen), or methoprene. Wash pets bedding weekly. 2. Outdoor Environment Fleas tend to like moist, warm, shady spots where there is organic debris. Concentrate treatment around patios, under porches, dog houses, and bushes. Rake away leaves, straw, and grass. Zodiac and Advantage make concentrated yard treatments that can attach to your hose and make treatment quick and easy. Small animals, raccoons, opossums, rodents, and neighboring cats can carry fleas into your yard so try to discourage them from entering any way you can. <photo id="5" /> 3. Your Pet There are a number of things you can do to treat your pet: once a month topical treatments, sprays, dips, shampoos, collars, powders, and oral products. With any product applied on pet, you may see some live fleas on your pet for a short time after spraying, shampooing etc. That is perfectly normal. It takes time for flea products to work because fleas must come in contact with insecticide and absorb it. Until all fleas in your home have died you will still see fleas even on a pet that has been treated. Some immature forms may continue to develop, especially if the problem was big to begin with. Stay persistent. Keep following the flea control routine until all fleas of all life stages are gone. This could take several weeks to several months. Once a Month Treatments: Most common treatment. Applied to small area on pets back, generally between shoulder blades. If one product doesn't work, try another brand with a different active ingredient. Do not use products with permethrins on cats. Flea Pills: There are several options, some target eggs others adult fleas. Some need a trip to the vet, and some can create side effects. Please research and consult a vet to decide if this option is right for you. Comfortis Capstar (one time immediate treatment to kill fleas but not for future prevention) Trifexis Sentinel Nexgard Revolution Shampoos: Flea shampoos are most effective when used with other flea treatments. On there own they only kill adult fleas for about a day. The shampoo should be left on the pet for around 5-10 minutes so its not a quick dip. Shampoo is best used to rid the pet of the current fleas and almost "start fresh" before applying another flea treatment. Remember to wait 24 hours before applying a topical treatment after a bath. Flea Collars: Collars mainly work by releasing chemicals into your pets skin. Some dogs develop a rash while some dogs still get bit around the lower body but not around the head or neck. It can be a form of prevention but doesn't work great for a treatment method. Flea Powder: Generally lasts up to a week. Can kill and repel adult fleas. The main thing to remember is BE PERSISTENT! No matter what you use, you must treat more than once. Don't expect one spray or fogger to rid you of your flea problem. Just using Advantage or Frontline won't keep you flea free depending on where you live and the lifestyle of your pet (lots of walks, indoor/outdoor, etc). Neighbors cats and wild animals will continue to bring fleas in the yard which in turn will continue to jump on you or your pet and come inside. As long as you stay on top of the cycle and treat immediately, you can control any flea infestation. Good Luck! If you have any questions, message me here or on Facebook :) Leila
