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Flea Control starts with Flea PreventionFlea prevention is important. Fleas are only the start of the problem. They cause worms, transmit disease and can bite animals and people. Once your cats have fleas, it seems impossible to get rid of them. I've tried all kinds of things in the past, even nasty insecticides like "malathion" to no avail. If you are lucky enough to live in the high desert, fleas can't survive the winter and usually don't reappear the following spring. However, for the rest of us, flea prevention and control are a way of life. The best way to control fleas is to stop them before they start. The most effective method I've found for this is a barrier control made from diatomaceous earth. This non-toxic powder can be used all over the house and garden. It has a nice side benefit in that it also rids your property of cockroaches, beetles and other hard-shelled bugs. It is safe around pets and children and food preparation areas. The drawback to these preparations is appearance. This measure should be used whether you have an infestation or not, because it will help in all instances. Flea Eradication
Flea collars made of cloth and filled with flea powder or plastic impregnated with chemicals seem to do little to rid cats of fleas. They seem to be good prevention once the fleas are eradicated in the home. The best flea removal on cats comes from the spot treatments recent to the market. Be sure to get the right strength for your cat. The strength of these treatments depends on the cats weight. Too strong and it can cause a reaction, so watch your cat after you apply them. Too weak, and it is ineffective. You can give your cat a flea bath with wet or dry shampoo. You can also add Garlic and Brewers Yeast to your cat's diet. These supplements make the cat less attractive to the fleas. There are flea sprays you can use around the house and garden to rid yourself of fleas. They come in aerosol and pump spray bottles, and are wonderful for spot or area flea prevention and eradication. You will want to treat every ten days to prevent re-infestation, and to kill any residual fleas or eggs. If you have a real bad case of fleas on your property, you can use a fogger. Remember to remove the cat and other animals including birds, and turn off aeration systems for fish and cover the tanks, for the area being treated. Read and follow all directions on the label, and make sure no one enters the area for at least the recommended time as listed on the label. Be sure you understand all warnings for use and disposal of these items. Flea PreventionAfter eradication comes prevention. Now that you have the fleas out of your house, don't invite them back in. Use the barrier treatments and spray treatments as directed. Use prevention on your cat on a regular basis. Fleas are sneaky. You walk by a flea, it jumps on your clothes and gets a free ride into your world. It will lay eggs and the next thing you know, you are infested again. Fleas are a part of owning pets. Our best efforts control their movement, but they are always ready to take over again. Contact Form CatLover Magazine Subscription Form
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