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Cornell University : Cornell Cooperative Extension
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| Yates Association |
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Fleas |
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Wherever dogs, cats or other furry pets are part of the household, fleas may become a problem - even when pets are not allow outside. Fleas attack humans, as well as animals, and a house overrun by them is almost impossible to live in. Fleas feed on animal or human blood. They cannot breed or survive without this blood source. The female flea lays her eggs on pets, then the eggs fall off and hatch in places where the pet spends most of its time. Indoors these places may include furniture, carpets and on the pet's bed. The larval fleas that hatch from the eggs develop to maturity in the cracks in the floor and other crevices and hiding places. A home may become heavily infested with developing larvae before the infestation is noticed. Adult fleas that result from developing larvae can live several weeks without feeding. This explains why people who have a pet sometimes find their homes overrun with fleas upon returning from vacation; even though few or no adult fleas were detected in the house when they left. Fleas can be very difficult to control once they are established. Effective control, while not likely permanent while you have a pet, generally consists of three parts: Treat the outdoor area your pet inhabits most, such as behind foundation plantings, under the porch, and the general outdoor area near the house. Treat the pet. Seek your veterinarian's advice as many new treatments are available, including internal medications, as well as baths and powders. Third: clean and treat inside the house. Thoroughly vacuum carpets and furniture including all around cushions, the bottom parts of upholstered furniture and underneath all furniture. Possibly hot water carpet cleaning will be necessary but at least vacuum thoroughly. Remove any old pet bedding materials. After all the cleaning, treat with an insecticide that includes a growth regulator - or IGR. Treat every area you cleaned including wall to floor crevices, carpeting and furniture: under cushions and the bottom side. If you hire an exterminator you still must do your part to treat your pet and prepare the household for treatment. If your pet goes outside, you cannot overlook that area and have an effective treatment. Flea bombs with a growth regulator are generally not totally effective without following these guidelines. Cornell
Cooperative Extension Yates Association |
