Key to Being…

Generally these pesky things ride into your home on a pet.  Result: an unhappy furry pal, and a big nuisance for you.

Some interesting facts:

• Generally fleas live in your pets environment, not directly on your pet
• Fleas live about 90 days, and one flea lays about 60 eggs per day
• Fleas adapt to their environment a bit like cockroaches.  They become more immune to popular flea chemicals with every generation
• The adult flea can jump nine inches straight up and five inches sideways

Tips on getting rid of fleas:

• Fleas really don’t like citrus, so you can soak a sliced lemon (including skin) in boiling water and leave overnight.  Next day sponge your dog with it.
• Another thing that repels fleas (and some other insects) is cedar.  Check your pet store for a cedar shampoo.
• Bathe your pet with mild soap and comb afterwards.  Fleas will drown in a bath that makes lather, so all you need to do is leave it on for 3-5 minutes and then rinse.  Don’t bathe them too often though as this will dry out the skin.  And remember, the majority of fleas will be found away from your pet.
• A nifty way of trapping fleas is by putting a large shallow dish filled with soapy water on the floor and shining a light on it.  The light will attract the fleas, they’ll hit it, fall into the water, and because the soap breaks the surface tension of the water they won’t be able to get out again.
• If you mix brewer’s yeast or garlic in your dog’s food, their blood will taste awful to fleas and they’ll stay away.  Before you do this, check with your veterinarian.  Cats should not eat garlic as it is toxic to them and some pets may get a skin allergy to yeast.
• Wash your pet’s bedding, especially during flea season.
• Vacuum frequently, as University of California lab study showed that it catches about 96% of adult fleas.   After use, put the vacuum bag inside a plastic bad, seal it and throw it away.  Or else, seal the end of the vacuum cleaner hose with a plastic bag until you vacuum next time.

References
- Natural Flea Control
-  Osbrink, W.E., M.K. Rust, and D.A. Reierson. 1986. Distribution and control of cat fleas in homes in southern California (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae). J. Econ. Entomol. 79:135-140.