Flea Control: How to Get Rid of Fleas
Fleas are insect parasites that use their sharp mouth parts to pierce their host's skin and suck their blood. This leaves red, itchy bumps, and flea bites can spread diseases such as bubonic plague. Many cats and dogs are allergic to flea bites, and will scratch or lick their skin raw. It's important to get rid of fleas as soon as they become a problem. For effective treatment, you must treat your pets, your house and your yard. Otherwise the fleas will return. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Kill the fleas on your pet using a commercial flea treatment. Many options are available, including sprays, shampoos, tablets, flea collars and topical skin ointments. Follow the directions on the package label.
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Wash your pet's bedding at least once a week in the hottest water the fabric can stand. Fleas lay their eggs in the bedding. Washing the bedding will kill the eggs and pupa.
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Vacuum carpets, floors, rugs and furniture daily. Vacuuming sucks up the adult fleas, eggs and larva, where they dry out and die. The vibrations from the vacuum also cause adults to emerge.
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Spray areas of the home where pets spend time with insecticides that contain IGR methoprene or pyriproxyfen. These chemical growth regulators prevent the immature fleas from maturing.
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Spray areas of your yard where your pets spend time. These areas include doghouses, kennels, under decks, and along fences and foundations. The most effective outdoor treatments contain chlorpyrifos or permethrin, along with IGR methoprene or pyriproxyfen.
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Tips & Warnings
Some chemicals only kill fleas in certain life stages. The flea has a four stage life cycle, and the egg and pupa phases are resistant to chemicals.
Not all treatments are appropriate for every pet, so make sure the treatment you choose is not harmful. Some only work on dogs, and some are only safe on dogs and cats older than 12 weeks.
References
- Photo Credit scratching cat image by Lucid_Exposure from Fotolia.com
