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UNDERSTANDING FLEA CONTROL

Fleas are a common external parasite that reproduces best between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with high humidity. Consequently, we see a majority of flea problems in the area from late July until snow cover.

The adult flea is a wingless, laterally compressed brown insect about ¼ “ long that lives up to a year. They live both on the pet and in the environment, taking frequent blood meals. After a blood meal the female lays 3-18 eggs that roll off of the pet into the environment. Eggs hatch in 2-12 days to become larvae. These larvae feed on the feces of the adult fleas, growing and molting over 9-200 days. With the third molt, the larva becomes pupae (cocoon) and stays at this indestructible stage for 7-365 days. Finally an adult emerges from the cocoon to start the life cycle all over again. As you can see, one female flea can become more than 100,000 in less than three months if left untreated.

To control fleas we try to attack at every level of the life cycle that will respond to treatment. (Remember the pupae are indestructible). We recommend treating the pet with Frontline.

To treat the environment start by vacuuming the house thoroughly. Throw the bag away. Next wash all bedding etc. that the pet has come in contact with. Now you can use a combination of the following products to kill adults, larva and keep the eggs from developing. FOGGERS: Each fogger with do up to 6,000 cubic feet (27X27X8). It will not cover from room to room through narrow doors, multiple levels or under furniture. Use multiple foggers for multiple floors and isolated rooms. SPRAYS: Use as treatment in small rooms, pet bedding, under furniture and as follow up in two weeks if necessary.

Finally a repeat application of the sprays may be needed in 2-3 weeks if a large flea burden was present in the beginning. Remember the pupae are indestructible! These hatch out as adult fleas, which you may see. It is not a treatment failure really, just a result of the pupae stage. Consider re-spraying the environment to eliminate this last hatch of adults.

Flea treatment is time consuming and expensive. Prevention is easier and less expensive. We suggest using Frontline March through November to kill adults.

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