Cats are naturally able to fight, play and sleep in flea-infested areas. You can bring in cat fleas from under your house or abandoned buildings where fleas are still lurking. These parasites are able to hitchhike back to their home and multiply. Dog and cat health can be compromised by fleas and protecting them is vital in the relentless battle against the parasites. The same techniques you use to fight cat fleas can be used in your yard and home. Basic cleaning, as with yard and home protection, is the best foundation for your attack.
Flea combs – A flea comb is the best tool to remove adult fleas from cat fur. Combing has several benefits. It removes adult fleas and reduces the need for insecticide. Additionally, two can be combined with an alcohol- or soap solution to kill adult fleas immediately. Adult fleas favor thick fur and therefore accumulate heavily near the face, neck and front of the tail.
Solutions – Shampoo is a great way to chemically eliminate unwanted pests. Soapy shampoo can be used to subdue light infestations. To dramatically increase the effectiveness of shampoo allow 5-10 minutes of soaking before you rinse.
IGRs – These are available as pills, sprays, spot-ons, or pills. IGRs target larvae and egg development. When exposed to an IGR, adult fleas are incapable of reproducing, eggs fail to hatch and larvae die before maturation. Only the adult fleas survive the IGR’s effects are the problem. This problem can be solved by using IGR’s in conjunction with mild insecticides to kill adult fleas. Outdoor cat enclosures
Enclosure – Cat and dog enclosures let you choose the place your pet goes after it leaves the house. Cat and dog cages (or enclosures) are usually built in sunny areas where fleas are less likely. It is important to provide shade but keep the area dry. Parasites thrive in moist areas. Besides the added benefit or protection from cars, your pet is residing within your well fortified yard and the chance of flea infestation is reduced.
There are a plethora of products aimed at destroying fleas. Amongst acronyms, such as IGR’s, and chemistry jargon like pyriproxyfen that only a scientist can understand, how do you sort out what does what? Don’t worry, I’ve done all the legwork and now you just need to read. This article is broken into three brief, concise chapters. Chapter I will provide a brief overview of the flea life cycle and how to kill them. Chapter II and Chapter III list how to protect your house, garden, and pet from flea infestation. You will find a link at the end to the specific products you need to eliminate these parasites from your house. We’ll start with an incredible fact. How many eggs were you able to say fleas laid?