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We put together this flea q&a to help give common answers to those pesky flea questions. We also have a PDF version you can print here. Q: I put frontline on my cat but I am still seeing fleas. Can I put more Frontline on her?
A: While you may apply Frontline more often than the recommended every 30 days in dogs (NOT CATS), usually it is not needed. You may still be seeing fleas because the fleas that jump on your cat (or dog) may take up to 3-5 hours to die.
But even if the flea would happen to lay any eggs during that time, the Frontline Plus, which we recommend, will kill the eggs that the flea lays.
If you have additional questions about applying the Frontline more frequently, call our office for an appointment (309-699-6443), but usually it is not necessary.
Q: Should I use flea bombs or sprays in addition to Frontline?
A: Years ago this was the common way to treat flea problems in the house. Prior to setting off the ‘bombs’ you would clean / vacuum the house. You would then have to have all the pets and people out of the house for 2-4 hours and clean the surfaces afterward. Then wash all of the bedspreads and sheets in the house. It was a big ordeal and understanding, more thoroughly, what we know about the flea life cycle, it may not have been as helpful.
The problem is that the fleas that jump on us / our pets come from the pupa stage. This stage is impervious to any insecticide bomb, spray, drying or drowning. You could almost literally set off a bomb in the house and that part of the flea would survive.
Q: Do / don’t ‘bomb’ the house?
A: There are times when spraying the house with certain insecticides is beneficial, but most of the time we recommend not to go through the work. Primarily, it is a time spent / reward, from getting rid of fleas, ratio. If you can vacuum and mop the areas where the fleas are (which is the area your pets mostly lay down / nap) that is more beneficial than the sprays and bombs. Also, it is of utmost importance that all of the animals in the household be on Frontline Plus flea preventative.
More details are in this PDF form that we put together.
Q: If I am getting bit, what can I do?
A: If you are getting bit, it is usually on the ankles / lower leg. The thing to realize is that the pupa (cocoon) stage is the part you are trying to get rid of to reduce the chance of you getting bit. So first, make sure you are treating your pets with Frontline Plus – our recommended product at this time. Second, take all your bedding: sheets, bedspread, blankets, pillows, pajamas and wash them thoroughly with soapy water. Finally, vacuum and / or mop the bedroom where you sleep.
updated August 2008 |
