Pet Peeves

Feb 3, 2015   Shawn   Pet Care Tips

They're brownish-black in color, one-twelfth to one sixteenth inch long, have six legs, a flattened body and carry a threat of diseases and parasites. That's right, I'm speaking of fleas. As a pet owner, it's only natural for you to experience an infestation. Before this occurs, it helps to understand the signs of an infestation, and some tips to remedy the situation.

If you notice small, itchy red wounds on yourself or your pets, or if your pets are excessively scratching, it's possible that a flea is the culprit. Flea comb your pet and examine the comb for any fleas or white (eggs) or black (dried blood) speckles. Also, examine any bedding material for these white and black speckles. If you find any sign of fleas, it's time to do something about it!

The following tips can help you alter the living conditions fleas find most inviting:

• Administer a flea bath or dip, or take your pet to the groomer or vet for a flea bath. Do this the same day you schedule or perform any pest control efforts in your home.
• Speak with your vet about any products that are recommended for flea prevention on your pet, and possibly outside in your lawn.
• Wash all pet bedding in hot water, or dispose if necessary.
• Groom pets regularly, and BE SURE you do this outside to keep and fleas and eggs from falling off inside your home.
• Trim lawns and weeds to create a drier and unpleasant environment for larvae.
• Vacuum all floors and upholstered furniture to remove as many eggs, larvae and adult fleas. Seal the used vacuum bag in a plastic bag and dispose of it in an outside receptacle.
• Avoid exposure to flea infested animals, public areas and homes.

Patience is key when dealing with flea infestations.  I personally know when I experienced one while working for animal control and believe I brought the culprits home from work with me at some point!  It was a very frustrating experience.  Fleas can reproduce rapidly at room temperature, and are more common during our warm and humid temperatures here in Florida. They go deep within your carpeting, rugs and upholstery and fleas are naturally protected from some pesticides during various stages of their life cycle, which makes their elimination even more difficult.  This requires you to constantly exercise diligence in the tips provided above.