Cats have an innate ability to play, fight and sleep in the perfect flea infested areas. Fleas can be found under houses or in abandoned structures where they are waiting. These parasites simply hitch a ride back to your home and there, they multiply. Fleas can cause health problems for both dogs and cats. It is important to protect them in the constant battle against these parasites. Your techniques to combat cat fleas are similar tactics used on your home and yard. You can launch your attack by starting with a basic clean, just like you do for yard and home protection.
Flea combs are the most effective tool for adult fleas that have trapped themselves in 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.
Insect Growth Regulators – Available as sprays, spot-on’s, pills or food additives IGR’s target flea egg and larvae development. IGRs can cause adult fleas to become incapable of reproducing and eggs to fail to hatch. Larvae also die before they reach maturity. The only issue is the adult fleas that ultimately survive the IGR’s affects. This problem can be solved by using IGR’s in conjunction with mild insecticides to kill adult fleas. Outdoor cat enclosures
Enclosures – You can choose the location that your dog or cat roams after leaving the safety of your home. Cat and dog cages (or enclosures) are usually built in sunny areas where fleas are less likely. You should also provide shade, but avoid moist areas that can be a breeding ground for parasites. Your pet will be safe from fleas if they live in a well-kept 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? You don’t have to worry, I have done all the work for you. All you need to do is to read. Three brief but concise chapters make up this article. Chapter I will provide a brief overview of the flea life cycle and how to kill them. 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?