Cats are naturally able to fight, play and sleep in flea-infested areas. Fleas can be found under houses or in abandoned structures where they are waiting. These parasites are able to hitchhike back to their home and multiply. Fleas can cause health problems for both dogs and cats. It is important to protect them in the constant battle against these parasites. The same techniques you use to fight cat fleas can be used in your yard and home. As with home and yard protection, basic cleaning is a solid foundation to launch your attack.
Flea combs – A flea comb is the best tool to remove adult fleas from cat fur. Combing has several benefits. It removes adult fleas and reduces the need for insecticide. Additionally, two can be combined with an alcohol- or soap solution to kill adult fleas immediately. Adult fleas prefer thick fur so they can accumulate around the neck, front and sides of the tail.
Solutions – Shampoo is a great way to chemically eliminate unwanted pests. After combing your pet, a soapy bath becomes a gentle insecticide that subdues light infestations. To dramatically increase the effectiveness of shampoo allow 5-10 minutes of soaking before you rinse.
Insect Growth Regulators – Available as sprays, spot-on’s, pills or food additives IGR’s target flea egg and larvae development. IGR’s cause of death is that adult fleas become incapable of reproducing. Eggs die before hatching and larvae are killed before maturation. Only the adult fleas survive the IGR’s effects are the problem. To resolve this problem, IGR’s are often coupled with a mild insecticide to kill the adult fleas. Outdoor cat enclosures
Enclosure – Cat and dog enclosures let you choose the place your pet goes after it leaves the house. Fleas can be less common in cat and dog enclosures. You should also provide shade, but avoid moist areas that can be a breeding ground for parasites. You can reduce the likelihood of your pet getting fleas by keeping them out of your yard.
There are many products that can be used to kill fleas. Amongst acronyms, such as IGR’s, and chemistry jargon like pyriproxyfen that only a scientist can understand, how do you sort out what does what? Not to worry I have done the legwork for you and you will need to do is read. This article is broken into three brief, concise chapters. Chapter I will provide a brief overview of the flea life cycle and how to kill them. Chapter II and Chapter 3 provide information on how to protect your home, garden, and pets from flea infestation. You will find a link at the end to the specific products you need to eliminate these parasites from your house. We’ll start with an incredible fact. How many eggs were you able to say fleas laid?