Flea and her eggs
Eradicating fleas is often far more challenging than it sounds.
It requires considerable perseverance and attention to detail if all fleas, larvae and eggs are to be eliminated from the surface of the body and home environment.
This is especially important for dogs and cats who suffer from a flea bite hypersensitivity, given that a single bite can cause itching and inflammation of the skin for 2 - 3 weeks.
Tackling an infestation as soon as possible is also vital given that 20 fleas can produce a population of half a million in as little as 4 weeks, under favourable conditions.
Flea dirt on a wet kitchen towel (showing blood dissolving in the surrounding water)
Here's how to increase the chances of success:
1. BATH all dogs in the house:
An effective solution is a combination of organic neem oil and organic tea tree oil shampoo.
Add 2 - 3 drops of the neem oil to a dessertspoon of the tea tree oil and lather all over, taking care not to get any in the eyes.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water and pat dry.
NOTE:
Test wash a small hairless area inside one thigh with the combination above, and wait 48 hours to make sure there is no untoward reaction before using all over.
An approved natural flea shampoo should be used in place of the neem / tea tree combination for cats, as these and other essential oils are toxic for cats.
2. VACUUM the house from top to bottom:
Be sure to include curtains, sofas, rugs, mats, mattresses, corners, gaps in hard floors, baseboards, shelving, inside cupboards, hard to reach places under and behind furniture etc.
It's best not to leave anywhere a pet goes or might go unvacuumed.
This should be repeated every other day, until all signs of fleas have been absent for at least 12 weeks.
Flea eggs in a carpet
3. WASH all sheets, throw-overs, blankets and bedding - including your own just to be on the safe side.
4. APPLY a natural deterrent regularly to all pets:
Dogs: the neem / tea tree combination described above can be used weekly / fortnightly for this purpose.
Cats: combing freshly squeezed lemon juice down the back weekly is often effective (don't forget to test on the skin inside a back leg first as advised).
5. INSPECT all pets before they re-enter the house from outside:
This is particularly important after being in the garden, going on a walk or coming into contact with other animals at a friend or neighbours house, training classes, doggy daycare, shows, a grooming parlour or vet clinic and elsewhere.
6. SPRAY the home with a product designed to kill fleas and prevent eggs developing into adults.
This may be necessary if an infestation persists despite the measures outlined above.
This product has proved effective for many pet parents.
NOTE:
These contain chemical insecticides, and as such should be handled with care, and used in strict accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
It is also advisable that all pets are removed from the house while this is carried out and all windows are opened to air the home prior to their return.
WORMS
Fleas can transmit tapeworms, and so when an infestation occurs it's important to screen for intestinal parasites every 3 months using this kit.