Fleas can
reproduce very quickly. In just one fleas lifetime (about two weeks) she can
lay hundreds and hundreds of eggs. Once these eggs hatch the larva will begin
feeding on pet hair, flea feces, dried blood, or any other disgusting organic
matter found in carpets, furniture, and on your pets.
After
feeding this larva will spin a cocoon in which it can lay dormant for up to a
year waiting for a victim. The use of pesticides on fleas while in this cocoon
stage is pointless. They are almost completely immune to poisons. There is not
a pesticide on the market today that can kill them completely or consistently
while in the cocoon stage.
Unfortunately,
even when fleas can be killed using pesticides there is still the concern over
the chemicals being used. Many pesticides are in themselves an issue for the
health of your family and pets.
In April
2009, advisories from the EPA regarding spot-on type flea treatments began to
be released. The EPA reported receiving over 44,000 reports of adverse
reactions in pets. Those reactions ranged from mild skin irritation to seizures
and death (600 deaths according to the report).
Cyphenothrin
and permethrin are just two products that are used in many flea treatments that
have proven to be problematic, especially for smaller dogs and cats.
Believe it
are not there are many simple ways to combat flea infestations which work just
as good if not better than using toxic chemicals.
The first
and one of the most important things you can do is vacuum. Vacuuming daily will
rid your carpets of those cocoon stage fleas. The heat generated from the
vacuum will also encourage them to hatch into their more vulnerable stage so
that they can be dealt with swiftly. When possible use a vacuum with a bag and
dispose of the bag promptly after vacuuming the floors and furniture. Yes, you
need to vacuum all the furniture as well. If you have a current infestation
daily vacuuming is one of your best defenses. As you will be targeting the
fleas and the eggs before they have a chance to hatch and multiply.
Also keeping
your pet healthy and feeding a healthy diet will help to discourage fleas. The
better shape that your pet is in the less attractive they will be to nesting
fleas.
Garlic can
be used to rid your pet of fleas. However, garlic must be used with caution as
it can be toxic to your dog when given in the wrong amounts. Discus the use of
garlic for flea control with your vet to determine the right amount for your
pets body weight. There are also many natural store bought mineral supplements
for your pet such as diatomaceous earth.
Prevention
is key. Keeping your pet bathed and brushed and performing regular full body
inspection for parasites is a good idea.
There is
also a number of natural
alternatives to pesticides including items like cedar oil, rosemary extract,
citronella and many more.
Lastly, I
would like to give you one of my simplest and favorite flea prevention methods
for your pets bed.
For whatever
reason fleas hate eucalyptus. I like to create these cute little pouches of
eucalyptus for my pet's bed. Here are simple instructions on how to make your
"flea free pet bed" pouch.
You will
need:
A handful of
fresh eucalyptus steams (available at many hobby stores and florist.)
One 10"
round cut cheese cloth or other breathable material.
One 3 inch
strip of ribbon.
Tear your
eucalyptus in to small 1-2 inches strips and place it in the middle of your
cheese cloth. Gather the edges of the cloth to the middle creating the small
pouch which encases your eucalyptus. Tie the gather with a bow using the
ribbon. Couldn't be simpler.
You will
want to place this pouch inside of your pets bed. In a way that your pet will
not be able to access it. Place one pouch per pet bed.
Not only
will this help to keep fleas off of your pets bedding it will smell nice. You
will want to replace the eucalyptus in the pouch at least once a month for best
results.
These are
just a few of the natural ways you can discourage fleas in your home and on
your pet. There are many recipes for homemade flea shampoos and sprays. There
are also many natural shampoos and sprays being sold on the market.
Don't allow
your pets or your family to become food for these nasty bugs this summer. Use
prevention methods and be open to trying the natural alternatives for
elimination and prevention of fleas. Here is wishing all pets a flea free
summer.
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