Flea Infestation - A Major Pet Problem During Summer

It has been found that there are approximately more than 2000 species of parasitic fleas; the most common ones feed on cats, dogs and humans. Fleas do not have wings but they are dark colored bugs that are 1/16 to 1/8 inch in size. Since these parasites do not have any wings, they have the tendency of moving from one host to another by jumping up to 7 inches in the air. The amazing fact about them is that they can jump several thousand times in a row. It has generally been found that fleas are most active in warm, humid climates. Pets who reside outdoors are also more prone to flea attacks than the ones who remain indoors. 

The other important thing that you need to know as a pet owner is the difference between hitch-hiker fleas and a home infestation. Adult fleas that are found on the pets come directly from an infested house, garden or park. They hatch from cocoons concealed from the environment and make the lives of pets miserable by jumping straight on the pet.

If these cocoons are from a source that resides outside the house, then the fleas that you see on your pet are termed as hitch-hikers. These hitch-hikers can be treated with a product like Frontline Top Spot. With the application of this ingenious treatment hitch-hikers will be killed before they lay eggs that infect your house. But if the fleas are coming from cocoons concealed with the home, then you have a problem of house infestation. This is usually a case that is found in summers where the flea life cycle happens very swiftly.

If you do not use a treatment promptly on all your pets on a regular basis, these hitch-hikers from external infestations will reside in your pets and start laying hundreds of eggs. These eggs fall out of the fur wherever the pet goes. These eggs, then hatch into tiny larvae which travel into carpets between floorboards and underneath furniture. The larvae then get transformed into adult fleas. Then the fleas directly hunt for a new host from the environment and cycle goes on and on.

The best way to treat your pet and eliminate fleas is by consulting with your veterinarian who would suggest some diagnosis and help you select the best flea treatment product for your pet and environment. There are lots of treatments available in the market like Advantage, K9 Advantix, and Capstar. Please do not use a treatment that is intended for cats on dogs and vice versa. Your veterinarian would be the best person to envisage a plan for preventing fleas in future and ensure that your pet’s health is good.

For indoors, you need to methodically vacuum the whole house encompassing yard surfaces. You need to clean everything under the furniture and rugs. Once you are done with the activity close up your vacuum bag in a plastic bag and then abandon it off from the house. This will stop fleas from coming back into your house again. It is also very important to opt for a chemical treatment since; there can be a residual of live fleas remaining in the carpet. You should wash the bed of the pet thoroughly in order to kill all fleas. If you still find fleas in your house, then it is best to call professionally trained pest removal expert. They would help you get rid of fleas from your house.

For outdoors, it is very important to completely clean your yard by eliminating the yard and garden debris. It has generally been found that stacked wood, discarded pots and piles of bricks are ideal breeding grounds for fleas. Ensure that you are not overwatering the yard because fleas prefer moist environment.

Fleas can be a lot of trouble for your pets, especially during summers. But if you take care of the things mentioned above then you can prevent these unwanted pests from invading your home and attacking your pets.

---