Keep the Pets, Lose the Fleas.
Tuesday, November 24th, 2009
We love our pets, there’s no question about it. Unfortunately so do fleas. If you have a pet that spends time outdoors, the chances of that pet coming in contact with fleas just sky rocketed. Here are some easy to use instructions on what to do, to keep your pets itch free, but more importantly, keeping you the owner from scratching as well.
Pets like to be combed and if you catch fleas right away, then they are easier to control before they begin to multiply. Pets who spend time outdoors are likely to bring fleas into the house. There is no practical way to eliminate fleas from the lawn without resorting to highly toxic chemicals which also kill beneficial insects and other wildlife.
Vacuum wherever fleas are suspected. A flea collar in the vacuum’s bag is an effective way to control new flea growth inside the vacuum. Vacuum at least twice a day, wash bedding, and clean upholstery, and within a month you should have interrupted the life cycle. Vacuum the house thoroughly and burn the contents of the vacuum cleaner bag afterwards. If it’s not possible to burn them, double bag and throw out of house immediately.
Flea bombs are much more toxic than flea spot-on products and you have to remove all living creatures from the house while you use the bombs. Flea bombs are also highly flammable and all heat and fire sources should be turned off. Food, tabletops and food preparation surfaces should be covered. Flea bombs are perhaps the easiest method, but they are not very effective or efficient because they release insecticide all over the room, not just where the fleas are located.
Flea bombs are effective in killing fleas that are living in your carpet as long as they contain IGR, which is a growth inhibitor. This chemical stops fleas at the beginning of the life cycle from reaching adulthood and giving birth to more fleas. Flea bombs are ideal for treating the whole of your house. If even one area of fleas is left alive, your dog will come in from the groomers clean of all fleas and eggs, walk back into the house and they will all jump back on again!
Important Last Notes:
Ensure that every time you vacuum, you empty it out to prevent any fleas escaping. Ensuring all pets and people are out of the area before using the flea bomb, ensuring the rooms are sealed properly. Due to the flammable nature of the gas you will need to be sure to switch of all the lights, pilot lights, extinguish all naked flames and remove all sources of heat.
