Cats have the natural ability to hunt, fight, and play in the most flea infested places. 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. Dog and cat health can be compromised by fleas and protecting them is vital in the relentless battle against the parasites. The same techniques you use to fight cat fleas can be used in your yard and home. Basic cleaning, as with yard and home protection, is the best foundation for your attack.
Flea combs – A flea comb is the best tool to remove adult fleas from cat fur. Combing has several advantages, it removes adult fleas thereby reducing the amount of insecticide needed and two, combined with a alcohol or soap solution can kill adult fleas on contact. Adult fleas favor thick fur and therefore accumulate heavily near the face, neck and front of the tail.
Solutions – Shampoo is a great way to chemically eliminate unwanted pests. A soapy bath will soften light insect infestations after your pet has been brushed. Allow shampoo to soak for 5-10 minutes before washing.
IGRs – These are available as pills, sprays, spot-ons, or pills. IGRs target larvae and egg development. IGR’s cause of death is that adult fleas become incapable of reproducing. Eggs die before hatching and larvae are killed before maturation. The problem is that the IGR can kill the adult fleas. This problem can be solved by using IGR’s in conjunction with mild insecticides to kill adult fleas. Outdoor cat enclosures
Enclosure – Dog and cat enclosures allow you to choose where the animal wanders once it leaves the safety of the home. Cat and dog cages (or enclosures) are usually built in sunny areas where fleas are less likely. Shade also needs to be provided but veer away from moist areas where the parasites often flourish. Besides the added benefit or protection from cars, your pet is residing within your well fortified yard and the chance of flea infestation is reduced.
There are many products that can be used to kill fleas. How do you distinguish between the many acronyms like IGR’s and the jargon of chemistry such as pyriproxyfen? Not to worry I have done the legwork for you and you will need to do is read. Three brief but concise chapters make up this article. Chapter I will briefly describe the flea and its life cycle, vital to understanding how you can kill the buggers. Chapter II and Chapter III list how to protect your house, garden, and pet from flea infestation. The Chapter III ends with a link to the products that you will need to rid your home of these parasites. For now, we start with an astonishing fact, how many eggs did you say fleas lay?