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Common commercial products for killing and controlling fleas include flea combs, foggers and collars. Flea combs are mainly used for daily grooming and flea removal. However, a pet owner must be persistent in using the combs daily. Each time a pet returns from outside or comes in contact with another animal, the pet owner must use the flea comb to remove any new fleas. This can be inconvenient and is time-consuming. For many, this is an impractical may to rid a pet of fleas.
Flea foggers or "bombs" are commercial flea killer designed to release a burst of pesticide spray into the air of an infested area. Foggers are effective for a few months at a time but are ineffective as a means of long-term protection. However, they do offer the convenience of application and clean-up. When the can is empty, it is simply discarded. Another disadvantage is that the mist released does not reach all areas of a room, such as under beds, etc. Foggers may also cause allergic reactions.
The most commonly used product for flea protection is the flea collar. The collar is worn around the animals' neck and repels fleas for several weeks. The pesticide in some of these collars is neutralized if the collar becomes wet. They are fairly effective overall and give good protection if the infestation is very light. However, considering the fact that these must be replaced repeatedly for the life of the pet, these can be quite expensive over time.
A more dependable form of flea control is diatomaceous earth. This substance can be purchased fairly inexpensively at gardening stores and at some health food stores. Diatomaceous earth kills fleas by literally drying out the entire body of the flea. It is very effective in killing fleas when dusted into cracks and corners around the home and in pet areas. Heavy infestations are usually cleared up within two weeks.
Gaining popularity are many topical medications applied directly to the pets' skin, usually between the shoulder blades. These medications are available commercially or may be prescribed by veterinarians. These applications usually kill all fleas for several weeks. There have been reports of these medications causing allergic pet reactions. In cases of heavy infestation, a veterinarian may recommend a more potent oral medication.
Least effective in flea control are powders, citrus shampoos and sprays, which may offer relief initially but have no lon-lasting effects. However, some pet owners have their own non-traditional remedies. These include adding garlic or kelp to pet food, sprinkling borax washing detergent into carpets and spraying pets with onion or garlic juice and water. solutions.
One thing to remember when using any flea control method is that they house and pet area should be kept as clean as possible, with pet bedding washed regularly. Vacuum often and afterwards seal the dust bag and discard without opening.
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