Fleas “We want to live without them”. YUCK!!!

Sometimes we think flea season is just during the warmer months which can be true. We have had a very dry summer here in WNY so fleas haven’t been prevalent.  Now all of a sudden they are showing up. Here is some info to help you better understand fleas, the diseases they cause and ways to get rid of them.

The following environments fleas can thrive in. 

-Outside: 70-85 degrees with high humidity. Low humidity causes flea larvae and eggs to dry out. Prolonged exposure above 95 degrees does the same thing. Below 40 degrees they die quickly. They love shady moist areas. Under leaves, mulch, decks are prime breeding spots. 

-Inside: They love carpeting, pet bedding and furniture and PETS!

-Host: They also need a host to live off of. Animals or humans they don’t care. 

Diseases they can carry

Human:

-Murine Typhus

-Plagues (Bubonic, Septicemic, Pneumonic)

-Cat Scratch Fever

-Tapeworm

Pets:

-Tapeworm

-Flea Allergy Dermatitis 

-Bartonellosis (Cat Scratch Fever)

-Mycoplasama haemofelis

-Rickettsial Infections

Treatment of fleas

Topical:

-Pesticide or All Natural Sprays- lasts for hours to the whole day. Some Pesticide Spray may last longer depending on ingredients. 

-Spot Treatments (Placed on pet’s back or between shoulder blade) last for 30-90 days depending on brand. 

-Diatomaceous Earth (A powder that dissolves the exoskeleton of fleas.  The flea dehydrates and dies. This is an all natural alternative.)

Oral:

-Works through the blood stream

-Longevity depends on brand

Flea Shampoos or Dips

-These kill the fleas currently on the pets to give quick relief

-Longevity depends on brand

-Pesticide and All Natural Applications 

House Treatment

-Bombs

-Sprays

-Diatomaceous Earth

-Borax

-Deep Cleaning and Vacuuming 

Yard Treatment

-Spray or Granules: These can be all natural or pesticides 

It’s really your choice as a pet owner what you decide to use to protect your pet. Your vet is your best avenue to go through for advice on what to use. With pesticide treatments we have to take into account over time fleas can become immune to certain chemicals. It’s a good idea with your vet's advice to find which one works best for the area you live in. 

PLEASE NEVER USE TOPICAL TREATMENTS FOR DOGS ON CATS!!! DEADLY!!!! Only use treatments on cats that are made for cats. 

Bye bye fleas!!!!

Thanks for reading. If you have any questions please reach out.