If you are the proud owner of a cat or dog, chances are you have some knowledge about the inconvenience and irritation of a flea infestation. While no pet parasite is a good problem to have, fleas are notoriously tricky to get rid of completely. They are also happy to live on any host that crosses their path, be it the animals in your home or the humans!
There are many stories and urban legends surrounding fleas and how to prevent them. The good news is that there are ways in which you can stop your home from being subjected to a flea invasion. However, before we delve into the facts and myths surrounding flea prevention, let’s find out a little bit more about these common but bothersome parasites.
All About Fleas
Fleas are a type of external parasite. They feast on the blood of their host by biting in and consuming the host’s blood though the skin. Contrary to popular belief, fleas do not have wings. Instead they travel from host to host by jumping, as despite their tiny size, fleas can jump extraordinarily well.
One of the main difficulties with fleas is the rate at which they reproduce. A single, pregnant flea can produce as many as 50 eggs each day. With the typical flea lifecycle only taking 3-4 weeks, or less if the conditions are perfect, meaning a small infestation can grow into a large problem very quickly. Of a population of fleas, only around 5% are fully mature adults, the rest are either eggs, larvae or pupae.
The bad news is that fleas are hardy little creatures that can live without a host for as long as 100 days. This means that if they are in your home, they may be living quite comfortably in your carpets or flooring, curtains, sofas or anywhere else within reach for several months before they need to find a host!
Treating a Flea Problem
If you have fleas in your home, you should start the process of eliminating them as soon as possible. Flea bites are very itchy as their saliva contains a toxin that causes irritation. Excessive scratching can cause infections to develop. It’s important to get on top of the infestation before it spreads out of control.
Your vet will be able to recommend a treatment to kill any live fleas on your pet, but it is your responsibility to treat your home to ensure that all fleas at all stages of the lifecycle are eliminated. To do this you will need to vacuum your home in all areas where fleas might be lurking very thoroughly several times a day. You should seal your vacuum bag as soon as you are finished each time, which will prevent any re-infestation. You will also need to sanitize wash all bedding, towels, and other lenis and cushions in which your pet makes contact.
Flea Prevention: the Myths Debunked!
If you search for flea prevention on the internet, you will be bombarded with websites and individuals all suggesting “tried and tested” ways of preventing flea infestations in your home. Unfortunately, as with much of what you can find on the internet, many of these solutions simply aren’t true or accurate!
MYTH: Ultrasonic collar and plug-in devices are effective against fleas
FACT: High-frequency, ultrasonic devices have absolutely no effects on fleas, nor many other pests including other insects and rodents. However, your pet will be able to hear them, and this could cause a change in her behavior.
MYTH: Indoor cats can’t catch fleas
FACT: Although she may have a lower risk of contracting fleas, there is still a chance that a flea jumps in to your home through an open door or low window, or is transported in on a shoe, pants leg, or another animal that enters your home.
MYTH: I can set up my backyard to repel fleas
FACT: There is a lot of information online about certain plants or types of wood chips that can repel fleas. While some are natural insect repellents, the quantities are almost certainly not sufficient to guarantee repelling 100% of fleas, putting your pet and your home at risk.
MYTH: You can control fleas by feeding your pets raw garlic, garlic powder, or pills
FACT: There is no evidence to support this claim, quite the opposite! Garlic can be toxic to many animals, particularly cats and dogs, and should be avoided completely.
The best way to protect your pet and home from flea infestations is to use the appropriate flea prevention treatments as recommended by our veterinarian. These will have been tested to ensure their effectiveness as well as their safety for your pet.
