WHAT ARE FLEAS?
Fleas are small, wingless insects that feed
on the blood of animals and people. One of
pet owners biggest expense is controlling
fleas. Americans spend an estimate of
about $9 billion a year controlling fleas.
Fortunately, fleas need not be a serious
problem because there are many effective
treatments.
on the blood of animals and people. One of
pet owners biggest expense is controlling
fleas. Americans spend an estimate of
about $9 billion a year controlling fleas.
Fortunately, fleas need not be a serious
problem because there are many effective
treatments.
IDENTIFYING THE PROBLEM
Fleas are brownish-black, flattened looking,
and without wings. They have backward
pointing bristles to help them move through
hair or feathers of animals. They have six legs.
The hind legs are longer and adapted for
jumping. Flea larvae are less than 1/4 inch long
and are a dirty white color. The most likely
place to find larvae is in infested pet bedding.
and without wings. They have backward
pointing bristles to help them move through
hair or feathers of animals. They have six legs.
The hind legs are longer and adapted for
jumping. Flea larvae are less than 1/4 inch long
and are a dirty white color. The most likely
place to find larvae is in infested pet bedding.
UNDERSTANDING FLEAS
During their life cycle fleas pass through four
stages - egg, larvae, pupa and adult.
Although they jump, adult fleas do not travel
long distance without a host. They prefer to
wait and jump onto a passing animal. They
will remain there until dislodged from the
animal. Without a host, adult fleas live only a
few days to 2 weeks. On short haired cats
and dogs a fleas will survive about 8 days;
they will live longer on long haired animals.
stages - egg, larvae, pupa and adult.
Although they jump, adult fleas do not travel
long distance without a host. They prefer to
wait and jump onto a passing animal. They
will remain there until dislodged from the
animal. Without a host, adult fleas live only a
few days to 2 weeks. On short haired cats
and dogs a fleas will survive about 8 days;
they will live longer on long haired animals.
HOW YOU CAN HELP CONTROL
FLEAS
FLEAS
A good flea control program includes good
sanitation and treatment of the pets and
environment. You can eliminate fleas from
your home with proper treatment, but it may
take time, especially if the infestation is heavy.
Sanitation - Change pet bedding and vacuum
regularly. Vacuum under furniture, cushions,
chairs, beds and along walls.
Treating Pets - a good bath is the first line of
defence. Dips or spot treatments may be
needed in some cases.
Treating Homes - Pet living areas should be
treated at the same time the pet is treated.
sanitation and treatment of the pets and
environment. You can eliminate fleas from
your home with proper treatment, but it may
take time, especially if the infestation is heavy.
Sanitation - Change pet bedding and vacuum
regularly. Vacuum under furniture, cushions,
chairs, beds and along walls.
Treating Pets - a good bath is the first line of
defence. Dips or spot treatments may be
needed in some cases.
Treating Homes - Pet living areas should be
treated at the same time the pet is treated.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR FLEA
SERVICE
SERVICE
- Prepare the inside of your home by picking up
items off the floor such as clothes or toys. - Vacuum rug and any pet bedding. After
vacuuming, dispose of the bag. - Wash bed coverings.
- Mopping floors should be done the day
before your service. After treatment, you
should wait a week before mopping floors. - Cut the grass. Your treatment will be more
effective with a shorter lawn. - You and your pets will need to stay off treated
areas for 2 to 3 hours to allow the application
to dry.
...BUT, I STILL HAVE FLEAS
(A Cry for Help)
(A Cry for Help)
A second outbreak is not uncommon to notice
after about 10 days to 2 weeks after being
treated. Flea eggs will hatch causing this
outbreak, but after 2 or 3 days they will die off.
When your home was treated a growth regulator
was also applied to treat for hatching fleas. So
don't panic, this is normal.
after about 10 days to 2 weeks after being
treated. Flea eggs will hatch causing this
outbreak, but after 2 or 3 days they will die off.
When your home was treated a growth regulator
was also applied to treat for hatching fleas. So
don't panic, this is normal.
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