How To Keep Fleas Under Control?

If you have furry pets, it’s more than likely you have experienced a flea infestation at some point. Whether it’s only a few or hundreds, fleas are a cause of great irritation for homeowners and their pets. As well as delivering itchy, uncomfortable bites, fleas are also a carrier of tapeworm and can cause anaemia in pets. Another fairly infrequent risk of flea bites is roundworm infestations in pets and tapeworm infections in young children if a flea carrying the parasite in its early stages is accidentally ingested.

So How Do I Know Whether Or Not My Pet Has Fleas?

First and foremost, the most obvious sign that your pet has fleas is constant biting and scratching of their skin. Another sign is patches of what may look like pepper – take a wet cloth and dab at it, if the cloth is dark red, then it is what is known as “flea dirt” or excrement.

How To Check For Fleas & Where They Hide

As fleas are very small and very good at hiding, they can be difficult to find. The most common areas fleas will try and hide on your pet is on the inside of the leg and under clumps of hair – so make sure you inspect your pet thoroughly if you suspect fleas. Another way to check for fleas is to place a bowl of water on the floor in the room where you suspect you are being bitten. Any fleas will jump into the bowl and you will know for sure whether or not you have a flea infestation on your hands.

How To Keep Fleas Out Of Your Home

Fleas are more common in Spring and Summer and enjoy tall grass so they can jump onto your pet’s back and hitch a ride into your home. Here are some handy tips to ensure both you and your pet/s enjoy a flea-free Summer:

• Start them on a flea program from the vet or good pet store, i.e. use something like Advantage, Frontline etc. If they are already on a program, we suggest you alternate between flea treatments every 2-3 months.
• Alternate between treatments, this prevents fleas building up an immunity
• Wash your pet with a flea treatment.
• Vacuum daily using a paper bag
• mop d\with hot water and tea tree oil
• Keep lawns mowed and neat
• Keep ground clear of leaf matter

If you have pets, it is essential to prevent fleas becoming established in carpets and bedding:

• Vacuum carpets and furnishings where pets sleep to remove fleas and eggs. Use the strongest suction that will not damage the fabric. Empty the vacuum cleaner bag directly into a sealable plastic bag and immediately discard it outside your home.
• Wash pet bedding regularly in hot water to kill flea eggs, larvae, and adults within cocoons
• Take care when transferring bedding, rugs, etc, to avoid spreading flea eggs
• Consider placing pet beds in areas without carpets such as on wooden floors
• Have your pets treated for fleas the same day your property is sprayed.

Handy Hints

• Although pets are the most common way to get fleas, homes without pets can also get infested. If you go outside, you can bring fleas in so it is best to do a flea check now and then to be safe.
• Fleas can be found in the home in all seasons but the most common time for an infestation is spring and summer.
• Fleas like other blood-sucking parasites they can transfer diseases.
• Check with your veterinarian when treating pets for fleas.
• Be aware that while vacuuming can help in fighting fleas, you must change the bag or empty the canister. Then take the trash outside right away. There may still be live fleas and flea eggs in the bag or canister and they can re-infest your home.

If you find you have a flea infestation give us a call today on 1800 819 189 & find out how we can help you eradicate and keep fleas away from your pets and your home!