Flea product
- Thread starter Priss
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BJM
Member Since 2010
If you are going to use a flea bomb, know that ANY living animal (besides the fleas!) must be out of the house, not merely moved to, say, the basement.
A pet sitter I know went to a house recently and discovered that a family member had put 6 cats in the basement, missing a 7th cat, then set off flea bombs. Three cats died.
A pet sitter I know went to a house recently and discovered that a family member had put 6 cats in the basement, missing a 7th cat, then set off flea bombs. Three cats died.
Larry and Kitties
Member Since 2009
So you are going to move the fleas out too? (joking)
BJM said:
BJM
Member Since 2010
Foggers will leave a chemical residue everywhere.
Will be less toxic to sprinkle carpets thoroughly with food grade diatomaceous earth (DE), brush it in, vacuum it out (put flea collar in vacuum bag), and vacuum thoughly. And repeat frequently. DE is the exoskeleton of small marine diatoms. Sharp edges cut up the flea larvae and fleas naturally. DE will kill eartworms and beneficial insects in the garder so only use where you aren't growing stuff! Weqr a mask and do not stir it up - not good for the lungs!.
Also, if you pick up some disposable/washable bed liners, you may spray those with insectacide on 1 side, outside, then lay the sprayed side down over the carpet. Keeps much of it becoming permanent in the environment you and the cats touch and breathe.
Members of the mum family - mums, marigolds - contain naturally ocurring pyrethrins which discourage insects. Plant around patios and doorways.
Use a flea comb to comb out fleas, eggs, and larvae then shake off into soapy water.
Capstar is a 24 hour lasting oral med that will kill adult fleas that bite the cat. Frontline Plus has become less effective in Columbus, OH. This may be true elsewhere. Advantage II, in combination with Capstar seems to work OK.
Will be less toxic to sprinkle carpets thoroughly with food grade diatomaceous earth (DE), brush it in, vacuum it out (put flea collar in vacuum bag), and vacuum thoughly. And repeat frequently. DE is the exoskeleton of small marine diatoms. Sharp edges cut up the flea larvae and fleas naturally. DE will kill eartworms and beneficial insects in the garder so only use where you aren't growing stuff! Weqr a mask and do not stir it up - not good for the lungs!.
Also, if you pick up some disposable/washable bed liners, you may spray those with insectacide on 1 side, outside, then lay the sprayed side down over the carpet. Keeps much of it becoming permanent in the environment you and the cats touch and breathe.
Members of the mum family - mums, marigolds - contain naturally ocurring pyrethrins which discourage insects. Plant around patios and doorways.
Use a flea comb to comb out fleas, eggs, and larvae then shake off into soapy water.
Capstar is a 24 hour lasting oral med that will kill adult fleas that bite the cat. Frontline Plus has become less effective in Columbus, OH. This may be true elsewhere. Advantage II, in combination with Capstar seems to work OK.
Barb & Mr. Frog
Member Since 2013
It's interesting to me that you mention that about your location BJM, I tried frontline years ago and it didn't do jack (on fleas NOR ear mites which my vet told me it would work for).... I just figured it wasn't a good product, it never occurred to me that the fleas in my area may just be 'immune' to the effects of it for whatever reason (it was significantly cheaper than advantage at the time so likely the reason?)
Ann & Tess GA
Member Since 2010
Also all dishes even in cupboards should be washed before using again and all food removed or in well sealed containers. Bombs are dangerous and a real hassle.
I'd shampoo the carpets first. Soapy water kills adult fleas and you'll get a lot of the eggs and larvae up she you extract the water. After drying use the DE (it doesn't work wet!) I make sure to take the cushions off all upholstered furniture and get it into the cracks too. Wash the bedding regularly, thats where the eggs and larvae are, seldom on the pet. A flea trap (a simple light over a dish of soapy water or you can buy commercial ones) can let you know early on when you are getting fleas. A periodic dusting of DE on carpets and upholstered furniture is good prevention. DO NOT use swimming pool filter DE, get food grade. More expensive, but our 10 lb will last for years!
I agree on the Frontline, it has been ineffective here too. That's what happens when anything is overused, products need to be rotated. If not the only critters to survive and breed are the resistant ones.
I'd shampoo the carpets first. Soapy water kills adult fleas and you'll get a lot of the eggs and larvae up she you extract the water. After drying use the DE (it doesn't work wet!) I make sure to take the cushions off all upholstered furniture and get it into the cracks too. Wash the bedding regularly, thats where the eggs and larvae are, seldom on the pet. A flea trap (a simple light over a dish of soapy water or you can buy commercial ones) can let you know early on when you are getting fleas. A periodic dusting of DE on carpets and upholstered furniture is good prevention. DO NOT use swimming pool filter DE, get food grade. More expensive, but our 10 lb will last for years!
I agree on the Frontline, it has been ineffective here too. That's what happens when anything is overused, products need to be rotated. If not the only critters to survive and breed are the resistant ones.
BJM
Member Since 2010
The DE is unscented. It is a very fine powder, so maybe use it the same way you would use powdered boric acid for ants - in areas where it won't get kicked up.
For the individual with respiratory issues, there are a number of environmental adjustments which may be made (I'm asthmatic). That was part of the reason I put the flea spray on a disposable bed pad then laid it where it could work, yet not coat everything. And why I'm very careful with the DE. Whenever possible, I've replaced carpet and drapes with smooth flooring and vertical blinds which minimze some of the common places dust and dust mites live. And check out Don Aslett's "How to Make Your House Do the Housework" for other ideas in reducing home maintenance. You may find it on our shopping partner Amazon (link at top of page here.)
For the individual with respiratory issues, there are a number of environmental adjustments which may be made (I'm asthmatic). That was part of the reason I put the flea spray on a disposable bed pad then laid it where it could work, yet not coat everything. And why I'm very careful with the DE. Whenever possible, I've replaced carpet and drapes with smooth flooring and vertical blinds which minimze some of the common places dust and dust mites live. And check out Don Aslett's "How to Make Your House Do the Housework" for other ideas in reducing home maintenance. You may find it on our shopping partner Amazon (link at top of page here.)
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