F L E A S update: it is NOT over yet

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

Our cats have fleas

Hubby and I found bites on our legs, Sooooooooooo itchy....... .
Then I controlled the cats furs and there I found those black spots and even a few living fleas

I went to the vet who prescribed Frontline and Strongal for the cats..... . He says this will take care of the problem. I SURE HOPE SO

Anybody here on PT with good advize

[critters]

Personally, I haven't had good luck with Frontline. Regardless, though, you'll probably have to do something with the house too. Do you have carpet?

[Pam]

Lut, many years ago, before the invention of Frontline, I had a flea situation. I only had dogs (different ones than now) at the time and it was awful. There was lots of bathing and vacuuming going on at my house! I think that you will find that the Frontline does an excellent job. You will need to keep your vacuum cleaner busy for any that may be in the carpet or elsewhere in the meantime. I have not seen one flea since I began using it years ago. Good luck!

[Randi]

It's too late to tell you this, I know, but a few drops of Frontline/Advantage on their neck once a month should prevent them getting any.

However, now that you have them... give each of your girls what the vet told you, and then get the vacuum cleaner out! I don't think you have carpets on, do you? Still, all the furniture have to be vacuumed thoroughly. You may even have to sprinkle some "flee powder" around the house - and in the vacuum clener too, ask your vet about that.

Good luck getting rid of them!

[Catty1]

Rubbing a slice of lime on your bites STINGS but really helps the itch. Or, try a paste of baking soda and a bit of water...it will "draw" the stuff out.

[GILL]

I hate fleas. Te lemon or the baking soda does work. I'm the one that gets the bites almost before the cats. Flea powder is a staple in our house, because if one gets in, explosion. We have no carpets, just throw rugs. The Frontline does work and the last few years we have had very little trouble. Before Frontline I would bomb the house at lest once a year.
By the way the throw rugs can be cleaned in a washing machine (we do not use our machine, take them to a laundra-mat).

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

Tuesday 30th

I am at my wits end!!
I did EVERYTHING that was suggested, treated the cats several times, washed tons of things, vacuumed non-stop, used spray EVERYWHERE, etc... .

But the fleas keep coming back! we are all biten all over our legs, even my sons tummy and my hubby's arms! The cats seem to be free of fleas; but the way it is now, they will get infested in no time

Today I bought the most agressive things: bombs! I will treat the complete house with it, will put the cats in carriers, and leave the house during 4 hours.......! I f that won't help, I will go nuts!! Well, I am already!

I am so down and nervous.... ; Where did I deserve this???

[GILL]

Sorry too hear. I know what you are going through. I am usualy the frist one bit.
We have had to bomb several times. Just be carful, make sure that all pilot lights are off (stove, oven, water heater). I am lucky in that my house is all electric and I have a disconnect switch out side. With our CREW we have several large dog carriers. So in some cases ther are two that travel together. WE try to make it a nice day out for everyone.
While we are waiting for the house we also treat with Frontline. We also wash all clothes, towels, ect. as soon as as posible.

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

Sorry too hear. I know what you are going through. I am usualy the frist one bit.
We have had to bomb several times. Just be carful, make sure that all pilot lights are off (stove, oven, water heater). I am lucky in that my house is all electric and I have a disconnect switch out side. With our CREW we have several large dog carriers. So in some cases ther are two that travel together. WE try to make it a nice day out for everyone.
While we are waiting for the house we also treat with Frontline. We also wash all clothes, towels, ect. as soon as as posible.

Sorry, but why do I have to put all pilot lights off??
And we cannot do it with the DVD-player, it is always on standby! Or do I have to switch electricity off completely What with the food in the freezer then?

[Catty1]

Lut - I am sure your freezer will be ok for four hours.

These precautions are so the fumes from the bombs don't hit anything that might start a fire. DVD players can be switched back on.

How expensive are professional exterminators in your area? Some have a guarantee, or will include a follow-up treatment in their prices. The cost can be worth it as they have done this a LOT - ask for references.

Call around - some even use less harmful sprays.

I think with Frontline, the cats have to be treated regularly. Wonder if it works on humans?

Poor you and Bernard! I hope you find the answer soon!

[Craftlady]

Frontline and Frontline Plus is made to use monthly. It's for ANIMAL use only and not on humans. Box says that loud and clear.

Skin So Soft from Avon (not the lotion made for bugs, same stuff more expensive because it says "for bugs") works great keeping outdoor bugs off humans. $7 bottle last a long time and your skin gets nice and soft in the process

[critters]

Or do I have to switch electricity off completely What with the food in the freezer then?

The food in the fridge and freezer will keep itself cold for some hours as long as nobody's flapping the doors open & closed, but I wouldn't prefer whole-house bombing. I set off bombs in 1 room last year but finally ended up closing off the room, stuffing a towel under the door, and letting the miserable varmits starve for several months. That FINALLY got rid of them!!

LOL. Actually, I got a faceful of Advantage one time, and neither fleas nor mosquitoes would touch me for a whole month!! If I did camping or any of that I'd seriously consider doing it on purpose. Not in the face, maybe--it stinks!!

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

You surely all think I am a bad catmommy, and that I don't take care of my cats . I must tell you: that is NOT true! Zazou must have brought the critters home from her "city-trip", and blesses the complete house with them. Due to severe personal problems, I didn' notice them scratching a lot until we got bites too . I don't get it why I didn't see them scratching . Guess I was to confident that those nasty fleas would never come to our house
I have to take the consequences now...
I "bombed" the house this morning. Please fleas, DIE, DIE, DIE !!!!

[sasvermont]

Some people are lucky and fleas don't hang out on their pets. I have had one nasty process with fleas, and I learned my lesson. I had to bomb my house, twice, the second time after 30 days. I had to de-worm my cats, de-flea my cats and also spray around baseboards and under sofas etc. It was horrible. I have learned my lesson. I use Frontline 9 months out of the year.


Lut, someday you will look back and wonder how you got through this.

Outside = flea territory

Fleas may be less invasive in your country, but there are everywhere here in the USA. Since I live in an area where frost on the ground is early, we do get a little break in the cycle outside. But inside the house, is 365 days a year, since I use my heat when it gets cold.

I hope the bombing thing works for you. It may take awhile and it may require a little vigilance for awhile. Got to get in the habit of applying the Frontline or Advantage stuff.

I feel your pain.