Help - major flea problem!

**DianeSnizzy** · 08-18-2006, 11:35 AM

Just wondering.... are cat fleas harmful to humans??

**Catlady711** · 08-18-2006, 01:51 PM

Originally Posted by DianeSnizzy

Just wondering.... are cat fleas harmful to humans??

Yes, that's one more reason it's important to prevent fleas in the first place, as well as take immediate action against flea infestations. Fleas can transmit a number of diseases to your pets and their human families. That's not saying every flea bite will contain disease, but it's certainly not worth the risk!

For the long winded, big worded details, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has an article on flea borne diseases.

**MajesticCollies** · 08-18-2006, 02:11 PM

If you want an alternative to the chemicals try some holistic all natural approaches. here is two I can recommend

1. Diatomaceous Earth. This is a all natural substance from the earth. It is made up of Silicon Dioxide.It is long lasting when kept dry. It is a mechanical insect killer.Insects cannot become immune to its action. When they come in contact or ingest it, they will die in 48hrs. It will not harm your pets. If you apply it on your pets dont get the dust particles in thier eyes or let them breath it. Ingesting it will not hurt them. Treatment for fleas, Thoroughly treat floor and bedding around pets sleeping quarters. Treat surrounding cracks and crevices, baseboards, carpeting and whereever fleas are suspected.

2.

Non Toxic Flea Treatments

I discovered a formula of natural oils that I apply to my dogs' skin during flea season. That formula seems to repel fleas and possibly even destroy newly hatched fleas. In addition, it helps heal their skin irritation, eruptions and hotspots.

In a 16 ounce bottle, I mix 1 to 2 ounces of Neem oil,emu oil and/or jojoba oil, some extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil and just a few drops or half a dram of tea tree oil, To this, I add a tablespoon of golden seal extract. I fill the rest of the bottle 1/2 with organic white vinegar and water. I mix all ingredients well and massage the mixture into the entire surface of the skin or just the affected areas. I do NOT rinse. l usually do this once or twice a week, depending on the severity of the skin condition or flea outbreak. For severe hot spots, I may apply the mixutre 2 to 4 times a day on these spots. ( The only drawback is the tea tree oil's strong odor.).

Neem Oil - The seeds, bark and leaves of the neem plant contain compounds with proven antiseptic, antiviral, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer and antifungal uses. Neem is one of the most powerful blood-purifiers and detoxifiers in Ayurvedic usage. For thousands of years, the Indian people have appreciated the medicinal and insect-repellent properties of neem leaves and seeds. Neem extracts have been studied extensively by the U. S. Dept. of Agriculture, and have been developed into natural commercial pesticides which are safe for use on food crops.

Lynnie from doglogics makes her own topical treatment for the dogs. She uses it when they go out once a day or if in the woods, more often). It has a glycerin base, to it I add, lemongrass oil, grapeseed oil, eucalyptus oil, citronella oil, and a capsule or two of vit E for
preservation. I get all the ingredients at the Health Food Store locally. Works on fleas, ticks, chiggers and blackflies.

Neem products:

Here's how I use 100% pure Neem oil on my dog: I mix one ounce of pure neem oil with 2 or 3 ounces of organic white vinegar and 4 to 6 ounces of water. Before applying, I hose my dog thouroughly with water. I shake the bottle real well several times while applying the oil mixture on his entire body, including legs, feet, tail, etc. Then I brush my dog to help disperse the neem oil futher on his fur and skin. I do not rinse him off. Neem oil repels flea immediately and help heal hotspots and promote a healthy skin. My dog stopped scratching immediately! As explained above, I have also use neem oil mixed with tea trea oil, jojoba oil, emu oil and golden seal oil on my dog Shasta, when her skin was in real bad condition. All these oils promote a healthy skin