Cats have the natural ability to hunt, fight, and play in the most flea infested places. Cat fleas can be brought in from under a house or an abandoned complex were fleas are patiently lurking. These parasites just ride along with you to your home, multiplying as they go. 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. As with home and yard protection, basic cleaning is a solid foundation to launch your attack.
Flea combs – A flea comb is the best tool to remove adult fleas from cat fur. Combing has many advantages. It can remove adult fleas, thereby reducing insecticide requirements. Two, when combined with an alcohol or soap solution, can kill adult fleas upon contact. Adult fleas love thick fur, so they tend to accumulate near the neck, face and front of the head.
Solutions – Shampoo is an obvious choice to drown and chemically eradicate your unwanted trespassers. After combing your pet, a soapy bath becomes a gentle insecticide that subdues light infestations. Allow shampoo to soak for 5-10 minutes before washing.
Insect Growth Regulators – Available as sprays, spot-on’s, pills or food additives IGR’s target flea egg and larvae development. When exposed to an IGR, adult fleas are incapable of reproducing, eggs fail to hatch and larvae die before maturation. The only issue is the adult fleas that ultimately survive the IGR’s affects. This problem can be solved by using IGR’s in conjunction with mild insecticides to kill adult fleas. 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. You can reduce the likelihood of your pet getting fleas by keeping them out of your yard.
There are a plethora of products aimed at destroying fleas. How do you distinguish between the many acronyms like IGR’s and the jargon of chemistry such as pyriproxyfen? Not to worry I have done the legwork for you and you will need to do is read. Three brief but concise chapters make up this article. Chapter I will give a quick overview of the flea’s life cycle. This is crucial to understand how you can get rid of them. Chapter II and Chapter 3 provide information on how to protect your home, garden, and pets from flea infestation. You will find a link at the end to the specific products you need to eliminate these parasites from your house. Let’s start with an amazing fact: How many eggs do you think fleas laid?