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

[sasvermont]

I don't use collars, and as far as I know, they are not necessary if you use the topical treatments. I would use the comb and dispose of the fleas quickly and carefully. I recommend you quickly put the flea and the hair in a zip lock bag and then pinch the flea to death.....then dispose of the contents in the toilet.

The sooner you get the fleas off the cats, the faster your problem will be resolved.

Gosh, I hated having fleas....thank goodness for the topical treatments. Once you get rid of the fleas, the monthly applications will seem easy! My cats don't like them, but hey, the don't have a choice!

Good luck!

[Catlady711]

Don't use flea or any other type of parasite collar. They have lots of harsh cemicals in them, and honestly I've seen fleas at work crawl right over the darn things anyways, they don't work.

If you're using the Frontline PLUS you don't really need to comb out the live fleas as they WILL die. But combing out the flea dirt and dead fleas would probably help keep your critters cleaner.

Also if you have fleas like that, you may want to watch your critters in the next 3-6 weeks for signs of tape worms. They are small rice sized segments that may be on your pets stool, or stuck on the fur of their backsides. If you see those you need to call your vet for some medication for them.

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

If you're using the Frontline PLUS you don't really need to comb out the live fleas as they WILL die. But combing out the flea dirt and dead fleas would probably help keep your critters cleaner.

I see "FRONTLINE" on the box, I hope it is the right thing!

Also if you have fleas like that, you may want to watch your critters in the next 3-6 weeks for signs of tape worms. They are small rice sized segments that may be on your pets stool, or stuck on the fur of their backsides. If you see those you need to call your vet for some medication for them

Why is that? Do fleas also bring eggs of tape worm on them

[lizbud]

I don't know about the" worms" thing, but you definately do not need a
flea collar if you use the topical treatment. In fact, it overloads the chemicals
needed to kill fleas, lice, etc & itsn't good to use both.

I agree Frontline Plus is a little expensive, but I hate FLEAS with a passion.
Some seasons seem to be worse than others for flea problems. This one was
bad for us in Indy.

[Catlady711]

I see "FRONTLINE" on the box, I hope it is the right thing!

There is an older version of Frontline that does NOT have the PLUS on the box. Only the one with the PLUS on it has the growth regulator in it to help kill fleas in your home and keep them from reproducing. Both versions of Frontline work equal at killing adult fleas.

Why is that? Do fleas also bring eggs of tape worm on them

Fleas are an intermediate host to tapeworms. When a pet ingests a flea carrying the tapeworm larva then it gets into your pet. Yes, it's definately yucky. Just keep watch for them, usually takes 3-6 weeks before they show up. Normallyl only pets that show signs of tapeworm are treated.

[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

[GILL]

CATTY1 hit the nail on the head. Most good bombs fill the house with a vapor that can be flamable. I shut off the electric becouse of the thermasats may spark if the heat goes on. And for me it's easy as it is only 1 switch. Pilot lights are an open flame so I would not chance it.
I don't know if you have any fish but tha tanks would have to be sealed, with ours I would run a long air line from out side to keep a positive press in the tanks. Needless to say that any food human or animal must be removed from the open areas. We would take the cat food, water bowls and toys with us.
I have used Skin so soft and it does work. When Ginger was with us we would keep a wash cloth in a bag with, Skin so soft, by the door, so that when we went for a walk we could give her a wip-down before going out.

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

CATTY1 hit the nail on the head. Most good bombs fill the house with a vapor that can be flamable. I shut off the electric becouse of the thermasats may spark if the heat goes on. And for me it's easy as it is only 1 switch. Pilot lights are an open flame so I would not chance it.
I don't know if you have any fish but tha tanks would have to be sealed, with ours I would run a long air line from out side to keep a positive press in the tanks. Needless to say that any food human or animal must be removed from the open areas. We would take the cat food, water bowls and toys with us.
I have used Skin so soft and it does work. When Ginger was with us we would keep a wash cloth in a bag with, Skin so soft, by the door, so that when we went for a walk we could give her a wip-down before going out.

Okay!! I will turn off the main handle!
We don't have a fishtank. Lots of fish in our OUTDOOR pool, lol

Update from vet
He said I am doing everything perfectly! No fleas on the cats; and the fleas who dare bite them, get a lovely potion of poison. They all got their yearly shots too.
Zazou had to stay for 1 night though. Due to exessive grooming, she has lots of "tangles" on her tummy. As she won't let me comb her there, we have no choice as to have her tommy shaved...! Will be a cold winter for my fluffy sweetheart!

[Catlady711]

I just caught the update on the fleas.

Flea control once they are as out of hand as yours are is a LONG TERM process. As long as you keep treating the pets in the house with Frontline PLUS every 30 days the fleas will eventually die and stop biting you. Don't forget what was in my original post. 1 female flea = 2,000 eggs. If there's fleas coming out of the carpet biting you then plenty of females have had time to lay LOTS of eggs. It may take as long as 1-2 years of treating the cats every 30 days to completely be rid of them but they will go away, you just have to have patience. The problem didn't happen in a few weeks and certainly won't go away in a couple weeks.

I personally wouldn't recommend flea bombs. They are nasty, and have a whole bunch of downsides to them.

[jennielynn1970]

Is there any way you can get an exterminator? I'd do that before bombing. There's so much you have to do with bombing a house. Normally with exterminators you have a one time fee, but you can sign up for a monthly contract and they will come out ANY time during that month that you have a problem. I normally use an exterminator in my house because I live in a row home and the basement gets "water bugs" in it because of dampness. Basically a nice way of saying the basement gets Oriental Roaches in it... ick... but it's city living, and they spread in row homes easily. Thankfully, that is all I've really had to deal with living in a row home, but the exterminator will come out and treat ANY infestation problem I have when there is a contract. I'd check into it, it's a an investment, but it's worth the peace of mind.

[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!!