Fleas!
Fleas! Fleas! Fleas!
Fleas aren’t just a nuisance to your pet and you; they can cause serious medical conditions. As a flea bites, it injects a small amount of saliva into the host animal. Some animals are allergic to this saliva and contract a condition known as Flea Allergic Dermatitis (FAD), which is characterized by severe itching and scratching. A single flea may cause such a response in some animals. In addition to causing FAD, fleas can transmit tapeworms and in extreme cases, cause anemia.Life Cycle of the Flea
Fleas pass through a life cycle consisting of four phases: egg, larva, pupa and adult. Completion of the life cycle from egg to adult varies from two weeks to six months, depending on environmental conditions. Normally after a blood meal, the female flea lays about 25 to 40 eggs per day – up to 2,000 eggs in her lifetime on a host animal! Eggs hatch in two days to two weeks into larvae found indoors in floor cracks, along baseboards, in carpet and on furniture and bedding. Outdoor development occurs in shady, moist areas. Larvae take a week to several months to develop, molting several times. Their food consists of digested blood from adult flea feces, dead skin, and other organic debris. Pupa mature to adulthood within a cocoon woven by the larva. In about four to 15 days, adult fleas emerge or may remain resting in the cocoon until the detection of vibration, pressure, heat or noise. Most fleas over-winter in the larval or pupal stage with survival and growth best during warm, moist winters and spring.The fully formed adult flea residing in the cocoon (pre-emerged adults) is the stage that can extend the longevity of the flea. If no stimulus is present, it can remain quiescent in the cocoon for up to four months. These adults in their cocoons are protected from insecticides. Thus, fleas may continue to emerge from cocoons for up to three months following treatment of the environment. Optimum temperature for the flea’s life cycle is 65 to 85 degrees and optimum humidity is 75-80%.
Flea control is best achieved with simultaneous, coordinated effort involving strict sanitation, pet treatment and environmental treatment (both indoors and outdoors)
Treatment of Your Pet
There are many products on the market that are effective in controlling and/or preventing flea infestations, such as shampoos, dips, powders and sprays. However, Program, Frontline spray, Frontline Top Spot and Sentinel are the products that have the greatest success rate at controlling fleas. Detailed information about these products is available from your veterinarian.Treatment of the Environment
Indoor: Thoroughly clean your house. Vacuum the house thoroughly, including draperies (lower portions), hardwood floors and carpets. Concentrate on areas where your pet spends time. Vacuum upholstered furniture, under cushions and on all carpeted areas. Wash or discard your pet’s bedding. Discard the vacuum bag outside immediately. After cleaning, use a spray that contains an adulticide and an insect growth regulator for maximum effectiveness. It is every important to use these sprays as instructed,. Evacuate the house on the day of treatment; cover all food-processing surfaces and utensils; and provided proper ventilation before re-entering the house.Outdoor: Apply a yard spray to the entire area where your pet or family members spend time, especially any moist, shady areas. Follow label directions to assure adequate coverage of your yard. Frequent re-applications may be required during periods of rain.
