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PEST
GALLERY
FLEAS
Ridding a home of fleas can be a frustrating
and costly endeavor. Unlike some pests
encountered around the home, fleas cause
discomfort and irritation to both pets and
people.
Fleas account for more than half of all
dermatological conditions requiring
veterinary assistance, and even a single
flea bite to a hypersensitive animal or
person may cause intense itching and
irritation.
For successful flea control, the home, pet
and oftentimes, the yard must be treated.
Yet the manner in which these treatments are
performed can greatly influence the results.
The following information will help
frustrated pet owners effectively rid their
homes and pets of fleas.
Essential Facts About Fleas
- Adult fleas (the biting stage seen by
pet owners) spend most of their time on
the animal, not in the carpet. This is
why treatment of the pet in conjunction
with the pet's environment is an
essential step in ridding a home of
fleas.
- Adult fleas lay all of their eggs (up to
50 per day) on the pet. However, the
eggs soon fall off the animal into
carpeting, beneath the cushions of
furniture, and wherever else the pet
rests, sleeps or spends most of its
time. This is where homeowners should
focus control measures.
- After hatching, flea eggs develop into
tiny, worm-like larvae. Larvae remain
hidden deep in carpet fibers, beneath
furniture cushions and in other
protected areas. The larvae feed mainly
on adult flea feces (dried blood) which
accumulates, along with the eggs, in pet
resting and activity areas.
- Before becoming adult fleas, the larvae
transform into
pupae within a silk-like cocoon. Pupae
remain inside the cocoon for 2 to 4
weeks, sometimes longer. The cocoon is
resistant to insecticides and this is
why some adult fleas are seen for an
extended period, even after the home and
pet are treated.
Treatment of Premises
If you neglect to treat the pet's
environment (the premises), you will miss
more than 90% of the developing flea
population -- the eggs, larvae and pupae. If
the pet spends time indoors, the interior
of the home should also be treated. Before
treatment, the pet owner should:
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Remove all toys, clothing, and stored
items from floors, under beds, and in
closets. This step is essential so that
all areas will be accessible for
treatment.
-
Remove pet food and water dishes, cover
fish tanks, and disconnect their
aerators.
-
Wash, dry-clean or destroy all pet
bedding.
-
Vacuum!
-- vacuuming removes many of the eggs,
larvae and pupae developing within the
home. Vacuuming also stimulates
pre-adult fleas to emerge sooner from
their insecticide-resistant cocoons,
thus hastening their contact with
insecticide residues in the carpet. By
raising the nap of the carpet, vacuuming
improves the insecticide's penetration
down to the base of the carpet fibers
where the developing fleas live. Vacuum
thoroughly, especially in areas where
pets rest or sleep. Don't forget to
vacuum along edges of rooms and beneath
furniture, cushions, beds, and throw
rugs. After vacuuming, seal the vacuum
bag in a garbage bag and discard it in
an outdoor trash container.
Treatment of Pet
It is important that the pet be treated in
conjunction with the premises, preferably on
the same day. Adult fleas spend virtually
their entire life on the animal -- not in
the carpet. Untreated pets will continue to
be bothered by fleas. They may also
transport fleas in from outdoors, eventually
overcoming the effectiveness of the
insecticide applied inside the home.
Pet owners should always read the product
label. Certain products can be used only on
dogs, and some list specific treatment
procedures for puppies and kittens. Do not
treat pets with the same products used to
treat carpeting or the yard. As previously
mentioned, it is important that pets be kept
off treated carpets and surfaces until the
spray has completely dried.
Fleas can be successfully controlled by
diligently following the steps outlined
above. Homeowners who lack the time to
control fleas themselves or who are
uncomfortable applying pesticides may wish
to enlist the services of a professional
pest control company.
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