Getting the initial control over fleas is not an easy five minute job but once you have control then maintenance will be easy. Don't get disheartened if it seems that you get a fresh flea infestation a week or two after using the following flea control method. It is explained to you in this article why this often happens. It has to do with with the flea pupae being impervious to insecticides.

Let's get on with the job of getting rid of fleas in your house and on your cats or dogs.

How do I break the flea life cycle?

It is important to treat all of your pets and your house on the same day. It is pointless to treat your house and not your pet, it is also pointless to treat you pet and not your house. This is the only way you will get total flea control.

EGGS

Fleas that are living on your cat or dog lay eggs. The eggs drop off your pet and land on your carpet or floor.

LARVAE

The eggs hatch and become larvae. These little worm like creature have hair like bristles that enable them to move around. They avoid the light and move to crevices, corners, under furniture, in cracks between floor boards and along skirting boards.

PUPAE

After a while the larvae pupate. This means that they spin a cocoon around themselves and begin a change. In the cocoon they are changing into adult fleas. It is just like a caterpillar which spins a cocoon and then emerges as a butterfly.

The more of the pupae you vacuum up the better the outcome. The cocoon surrounding the developing flea is water tight and impervious to insecticides.

When you have finished vacuuming dispose of the vacuum bag completely if you have disposable bags in your vacuum cleaner.
 

STEP 2 - Spray Insecticide 

Spray all carpets, rugs, floors and places your pet sleeps with a flea surface spray, flea bomb or fogger that kills flea eggs, larvae and emerging adult fleas. Check the label of sprays for active ingredients. Use one that contains IGR.  Make sure you get into every nook and cranny and pay special attention around skirting boards and under rugs and furniture.

Most people will find insecticides in aerosol form easier to apply than liquids unless you have a pressure sprayer.

What is IGR? 

IGR is short for Insect Growth Regulator. IGR is Birth Control for Fleas. This protein works on the developing flea eggs and larvae and stops fleas from developing to maturity so they cannot lay eggs.

Flea bombs and flea foggers containing IGR are very effective at killing fleas but the insecticide does not always reach under beds, furniture and rugs. Flea bombs and foggers are designed to be let off in the middle of a room. Be sure to move what furniture you can so as to enable the spray to penetrate carpets and flooring beneath.

Follow the instructions that come with the flea spray, flea bomb or fogger and remember to remove all fish, reptiles and other living creatures from the room.

Read This - Very Important

It is important to note that while the fleas are in the pupae stage (in their cocoons) they are not affected by insecticides. The cocoons are watertight and protect the developing flea. This is why you may think you have killed all the fleas and larvae in your home but two weeks later a new flea infestation can occur.

Don't Forget about your Yard and Garden

Do fleas live in the yard?

Yes, you must also tackle your yard and garden. There is no need to purchase special yard spray as you can use the same spray that you sprayed your house with. Spray around where the pet sleeps, in crevices, gravel and sandy areas. If you live in a high set house you will need to spray under the house. Spray patios, verandahs, kennels and nooks and crannies. The majority of the yard which is in sunlight should be OK as the larvae tend to avoid bright places.

You can also let off flea bombs or flea foggers under your house on a windless day.

Next wash all of your pets bedding and soft toys. Shake them well and hang them in the sunlight to dry

Home Remedy to kill fleas?

You may not like using insecticides and chemicals around your house but a home remedy to kill fleas will not work. You will have to use an insecticide and more importantly you should use an insecticide containing IGR. Once you have broken the flea life cycle you will not have to spray on a regular basis. Once the fleas have gone you can put the insecticides away for ever.

STEP 3 - Treat your pets

How do I get rid of fleas on my cat or dog?  Which flea products do I use on my pet?

The older generation of flea control products (Flea powders, flea collars and dips) are now completely obsolete. The latest treatments are top-spots, which are much safer for both pets and humans. These are applied to the skin, usually between the shoulder blades and the chemicals disperse through the skin’s oils. Some of the top spot products available are Advantage, Frontline and Revolution.

You may think that top spot treatments are expensive but I have found it false economy to use anything else. Most of the top spot  products advise that you use them monthly but I have found that once you have broken the flea cycle in your home you will be able to use them less often. I rarely have the need to use them more than once or twice a year. Of course keep in mind that a visiting pet or a neighbour's cat in your yard can start the cycle all over again.

How can fleas harm my cat or dog?

Fleas feed on your pet's blood and make your cat uncomfortable A heavy infestation can cause it to become anaemic and unwell. Flea infestations have been known to kill kittens. Some individual animals are allergic to flea saliva and this causes the pet abject misery with constant scratching and self mutilation. The most common allergy dermatitis in cats and dogs is a flea allergy. Fleas also spread tapeworm from one animal to another.

I would advise that you have a chat to your vet or vet nurse about which flea product is most suitable for your pet.

Two weeks later and the fleas are back!!!

Expect to see a few new fleas emerging for up to two weeks. These will be the fleas that were in the pupal stage during treatment.

Remember that while the fleas are in the pupae stage (in their cocoons) they are not affected by insecticides. The cocoons are watertight and protect the developing flea. This is why you may think you have killed all the fleas and larvae in your home but a week or two later you are still seeing adult fleas.

Continue vacuuming regularly after the initial treatment.

You may have to repeat the treatment of house and pets again after a couple of weeks if you are still seeing large numbers of fleas, especially if the initial infestation was particularly heavy. Remember, you can get rid of fleas forever!

Once you have treated your pets and house for fleas try not to let them come in contact with other animals that are infested. Politely ask visitors not to bring their pets to your house as one visit by a flea infested dog or cat can start the flea cycle all over again.

For maintenance... Watch your cat or dog for tell tale scratching and re-apply the top spot if you see even a single flea. Don't delay as fleas multiply very quickly. Vacuum thoroughly any area your pet goes. Wash bedding and toys often. 

 Other Articles  Get rid of dog and cat urine odors            How to stop your cat scratching the furniture  

  Pet Pee Problems - A series of articles covering many dog and cat urine issues