How to Get Rid of Fleas

If you have pets, particularly if they go outdoors, then fleas may very well be a fact of life. Therefore, it's important to know how to deal with this annual threat, which usually lasts from early Spring, until late into the Fall, when temperatures become too cold for them to survive in the outdoors.

Fleas are basically a type of parasite. They must have a blood meal to reproduce, so they jump on an animal, and even humans, bite, feed and jump off. Just finding one or two on your pet, is not a true indication of how bad your flea problem may be. But when you find them popping on and off you, or surfaces in your home, you have likely got a full-fledged infestation.

The reproduction cycle of a flea is such that if they do get inside your house, feed on animals, and then lay eggs, there is the potential of having to deal with them for months on end. Fleas can even bury themselves and their eggs deep in pile carpeting, where they will hatch 3-4 months down the road.

The key to stopping a problem before it develops, is to treat your pets, if they go outside. If you have strictly indoor cats, there is no need to treat them unless you have evidence of fleas being tracked inside by humans. This can happen, especially in the country, or hot, humid areas, which tend to give the breeding cycle a boost.

The most popular products on the market today, are Advantage, Revolution, and Program. Each of these has dosages and treatments designed for both dogs and cats of varying sizes. Advantage and Revolution are pesticide liquids that are applied to the scruff of the neck, and/or along the back where animals can't lick. When the flea bites the animal's skin, it dies. Program is a pill for dogs, and liquid for cats. This works not by poisoning the flea, but by introducing a flea hormone into the dog or cat's system, which will be ingested when the flea feeds on their blood. It prevents the shell case of flea eggs from hardening, thus ending the reproductive cycle when the fleas die.

All these products will kill off what is trying to feed on your pets, but if the infestation is fairly severe, you should seek the advice of your veterinarian for a pest control treatment for you home, as well.

Additional Article - How to Get Rid of Fleas

How to Get Rid of Fleas

Fleas are external parasites that live on your dog, biting the skin to suck blood and causing itching, allergic skin conditions, and sometimes transmitting a serious disease.  Fleas are small, but are clearly visible on your dog if you look in the groin area where there is usually a little hair. They are picked up outdoors; from other dogs, or from infested areas indoors or outdoors. Here are some ideas on how to get rid of fleas.

Flea shampoo is also an option.  Give your dog a bath with this specialized shampoo.  While it was once thought that insecticide shampoo and collars were a good thing to use for getting rid of fleas, it was found that excessive use dried the skin.  The flea collars were of no use either.

Use polymerized borate compound, which is available at your local pet store, to sprinkle on carpets, baseboards and furniture.  It kills all fleas in about a week.  It is odorless, and safe for pets and children.

Keep your home free from clutter; it serves as a hiding place for fleas.  Vacuum often, and seal and secure the vacuum bag in plastic, and freeze it.  This will kill the fleas as well. Dogs are wonderful animals, but sometimes they run around in every room of your home.  Cut off your dog’s access to a few rooms; less rooms – less fleas to worry about.  If you have a house dog, and he sleeps on a blanket or bedding, wash it weekly. Also, remember to roll up the blanket to ensure that you trap fleas and eggs, if any.

Finally, if the problem becomes serious, i.e., if your dog is scratching a lot or pawing at the ears, or you discover fleas when checking the dog each week, make an appointment with the veterinarian so that medication can be prescribed to control the problem.

Owning a pet is a major responsibility.  If you keep him clean and healthy and keep your house in good order, you will never have to give a thought to getting rid of fleas at all.