Fleas generally prefer animals to humans and your pet may have flea infestation that you are notaware of. It is important to check your pet regularly for fleas, because once you can see them in your home, you probably have a serious problem. Flea populations generally consist of50%eggs, 35% larvae, 10% pupae and 5% adult.
Fleas generally prefer animals to humans and your pet may have flea infestation that you are not aware of. It is important to check your pet regularly for fleas, because once you can see them in your home, you probably have a serious problem. Flea populations generally consist of 50%eggs, 35% larvae, 10% pupae and 5% adult. Check your pet's belly and underarm areas, as fleas many times prefer these places on your pet. Fleas move quickly, so you must separate the hair rapidly or they will have scurried away before you can see them. Because fleas bite, small amounts of blood may be present on your pet. You can wipe your pet with a wet white cloth or paper towel and examine it to see if there are any traces of blood. A flea comb may also be utilized to investigate.
There are over 200 species of fleas in the United States. August and September are the months that have the greatest adult flea populations. As many pet owners have come to know, these creatures can wreak havoc in your home. A single female flea can produce 50 eggs every day.
Many times an adult female can lay over 7000 eggs in her lifetime. After about two weeks, these eggs hatch into larvae, and remain at this level from a few days to a few weeks. They then form a cocoon and these pupa are virtually indestructible until they hatch into adults. This is the main reason why fighting fleas can be so difficult.
Fleas can cause your pet health problems. Your pet may get tapeworms that are spread by ingestion of an infected flea. Your pet may also become anemic because of the blood they lose when bitten. Fleas can eat up to 15 times their body weight in blood each day. Your pet may also contract an allergic reaction to the flea's saliva, which causes itching and red patches or hair loss. Your veterinarian can prescribe steroids to ease your pet's discomfort. Your pet may also get infections from scratching. Other signs of flea infestation include black specks which are feces on your cat's skin, lethargy, and fleas or flea eggs in your pet's hair or bedding. Pets that go outside are especially at risk for flea infestation because fleas live in the grass eating off of wild animals until your pet brings them inside.
When beginning a program to control flea infestation in your home, you must consider several areas that need treatment. Naturally, your pet is the first place to start. Insecticides and powders used on your pet will have limited success because they are only effective for a short time before they need to be reapplied. These also only kill adult fleas. Sprays that contain insect growth regulators will assist you in breaking the life cycle of fleas. You must be careful when using sprays, as they can be toxic if given in too large an amount. Always check the labels of the product carefully, or consult your veterinarian.
Flea dips are effective for a few days because they are not rinsed off and remain for a time on the skin. There are several products that can be purchased through your veterinarian that work quite well. These products are either given orally or applied to the skin and last for a month or so. One topical product will kill fleas before they bite the pet, which is especially helpful if your pet has allergies to the flea saliva. Pet collars with egg control can also be helpful in your battle against infestation.
The second area to deal with is the indoor environment. Vacuuming very thoroughly with a beater brush head is effective on carpets. Extra attention should be given to the places that your pet spends a lot of time. Furniture should also be cleaned, even if the pet does not get on it because fleas can jump up. Flea sprays that regulate insect growth should also be sprayed. Powders can also be applied to carpets and furniture. Steam cleaning carpets is not recommended because fleas love humid environments and you may actually aggravate the problem. Because pupa are indestructible until they hatch, you may have to repeat this step several times until all unhatched cocoons are gone.
You must also treat the environment outside of your home for complete flea control. Since fleas and larvae can't survive in dry climates, you should give shady, cool areas your attention. Rake organic debris and discard it. Larvae will thrive in these areas. Yards should be treated with insecticide sprays, as well as areas under porches and decks, sheds and animal enclosures. Since fleas can safely harbor on wild animals, outdoor flea control can be especially difficult.
