Fleas in House

Archive for April, 2011

There are more than two thousand species of fleas and they can develop into a difficult-to-control problem if they are not immediately gotten rid of. Undertaking several different steps to manage your flea problem is the most effective way of fully eliminating these tiresome pests.

Flea sprays are typically used together with other flea control products to manage flea infestations. Zodiac Flea Spray works by killing fleas on your pets as well as in your homes.

There are three varieties of flea sprays from Zodiac that specifically control fleas on pets and inside your home.

Zodiac Flea Sprays

You can use any or all of the following flea sprays to work on your flea problem.

Zodiac Flea and Tick Spray for Dogs and Cats

This flea control product kills fleas upon contact. It can also kill flea eggs for up to four weeks. To soothe your pet’s skin, it is infused with aloe vera extracts, lanolin, coconut extracts and oatmeal.

This flea control product also has a powder scent and can be applied to both cats and dogs eight weeks old and over.

Zodiac Premise 1000 Flea Spray, Zodiac Premise 2000 Flea Spray

These two flea sprays from Zodiac works on eliminating adult fleas as well as mature ticks upon contact. It can likewise kill flea larvae found in carpets, rugs, curtains, upholstered furniture and beddings.

It is a water-based solution so you don’t get any lingering smell after application. Zodiac Premise 1000 can kill fleas within 1000 square feet while the Zodiac Premise 2000 can cover 2000 square footage.

Both varieties come in two different sizes, ideal for small or large house interiors.

Zodiac Premise Plus Flea Spray

This product on the other hand, can be used in smaller homes; treating about 300 square footage. As with the other two flea sprays, this product works on killing fleas upon contact. It is ideal for use on carpets, curtains, upholstered furniture and bedding items.

When you use any of these flea sprays together with flea shampoos and flea collars, you can instantly manage flea infestation both on your pets and in your homes; and prevent re-infestation by eliminating inhibiting fleas from reproducing or developing into adult fleas since the sprays likewise target flea eggs and larvae.

You can find these Zodiac flea sprays for sale on the internet through selected pet supplies shops as well as general shopping sites that offer all types of products, from consumers’ needs to pet supplies.

Ticks with a white spot on the back are female Lone Star Ticks. Its common name is Lone Star while the formal name is Amblyomma americanum.

Description

The white spot or star on the female is what distinguishes it from other ticks. The white spot, sometimes called a star, forms part of the tick’s shield. Aside from the spot, the tick is known for being very forceful. It will travel long distances just to go after its host.

Repelling the Ticks

Various ticks can be used to repel the ticks. Among the most effective are deet-based repellents. There are also many products available that can keep the fleas at bay. Spot-on and topical treatments can be used. There are also shampoos that can get rid of ticks and also fleas.

Diseases

Keeping Lone Star ticks off your pet is necessary because it can carry a lot of diseases. These include Tularemia, Human Monocytic Ehrlichiosis and quite likely Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. The tick does not carry Lyme disease, but some people get rashes that are similar to those of Lyme disease. The cause of the disease is unknown.

However, it has been established that it isn’t due to the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria which carries Lyme disease. If you get bitten by ticks with a white spot on the back, the rashes may appear.

Additional symptoms will include fever, fatigue, muscle and joint pains and headaches. This condition is now known as southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI). Treatment consists of oral antibiotics.

Location

The Lone Star tick is found mainly in the south central and south eastern states. Studies have shown that the tick range has been expanding over the past three decades. It has been sighted in places like central Texas and Oklahoma and northern Maine.

Feeding

The Lone Star tick feeds on dogs, cats and humans. This is true not just for the adult tick, but even at the larva and nymph stages. When bitten, the area will appear red and be irritable.

While it causes discomfort, it does necessarily imply an infection has set in. There are many antibiotics and skin creams that may be used to reduce the pain.

The best way to avoid being bitten by ticks with a white spot on the back is by not going to their habitats. These include areas with lots of bushes and thick wood. if you have to go to those places, wear socks.

Sand flea services are usually not provided for by companies that specialize in various flea treatments. To understand why, a few facts have to be considered.

Facts about Sand Fleas

These fleas are not the ones you see on dogs and cats. These fleas are found in beaches, marshes and sandy areas. Also, these creatures are not insects; they are crustaceans. Their most conspicuous features are the transparent wings. These wings have gray and black spots. There are many types of sand fleas.

The American sand flea comes with antennas that are much longer than those on other the other species. The size varies. Some are no bigger than a rice grain. But some types can be four times larger than that. There are also some species whose size is somewhere in between.

Are These Fleas Dangerous?

These creatures feed on other sea creatures, and in that sense they can be dangerous. But they do not attack people. Unlike other fleas, the sand fleas do not get into cats, dogs or other animals. Very rarely do people get bitten.

However, it can happen. The fleas will usually bite around the feet or ankles. Due to the small size of the sand fleas, people can be bitten even before they realize it. Only the females bite.

Sand Flea Bite Symptoms

The bitten area will swell up. There will be rashes or welts. This may last for a few days or longer. Some people also get fever from the bites. It is the welts that are very itchy.

Flea Bite Treatments

There are many treatments available, so sand flea services are usually not needed. First of all the bitten area must never be scratched. If it is scratched, infection may set in. Then, wash the bitten area with soap and water. Or you may apply antiseptic lotion or alcohol.

If it itches, press a cold compress on it. Calamine lotion reduces the itchiness as well. One percent hydrocortisone cream has also been proven to be effective in getting rid of the swelling.

Antihistamines may also be prescribed by your doctor. Anti-inflammatory treatments are administered for persistent bites. A natural treatment for sand flea bites is aloe vera.

Even though sand flea services are not that common, you can avoid or treat the bites using the methods described above. But if the bites are serious, you can always go to your doctor for a prescription.

Raid Flea Spray is a product designed for controlling tick and flea infestations in homes. The product works by killing the insects on contact. Unlike other insecticides, the spray is non-staining and comes with a pleasant smell.

How to Use the Spray on Ticks and Fleas

First take out the pet bedding. Clean it or throw it away. Get the spray and use it on the sleeping places of the pets. You should also spray floors, wall cracks, doorframes, windows and baseboards. You must also spray carpets and rugs because fleas like to hide there.

After applying the sprays, put the newly cleaned bedding place. It’s a good idea to treat the pet before putting them back into the bedding. If the infestation is heavy, you can use Raid Flea Spray with the Raid Roach and Flea Fogger.

How to Use the Spray on Dogs with Fleas or Ticks

Don’t use the product until you have read all the instructions on the label. It must be emphasized that the spray is only for dogs. If your dog is old, pregnant or debilitated, consult your vet before applying the spray. To spray, hold the animal and spray a foot away from it.

Spray just enough to dampen its coat. Do not over spray.

If the dog has long hair, ruffle its fur and spray. Spray behind the hand. For uniform application, rub the dog’s coat. Don’t spray on the head or any part of the face. If there is a tick infestation, spray on the tick itself.

This spray shouldn’t be used on dogs less than 12 weeks old. This should not be sprayed on wounds either. Avoid spraying on the anal and genital area. Bathe the dog in water and mild soap if allergic reactions occur. Consult your vet if the allergic reactions persist.

How to Use on Crickets, Silverfish and Roaches

Use the spray in pipes, baseboards and at the back of cabinets and bookcases. You should also spray in other storage places as cockroaches conceal themselves there. If you see the insects, hit it directly.

Warnings

Keep this product out of reach of children. Don’t let the spray make contact with your skin, eyes or your clothing.

After you use Raid Flea Spray, wash your hands with soap and water. It is important that the spray not come into contact with food. If there is a fish aquarium nearby, cover it before using the spray.

Raid Flea Fogger is designed for use when there is heavy flea infestation in your residence. The fogger does not just kill the fleas but also the eggs of the fleas.

How to Use the Fogger

Step 1

Find the areas in your home that have to be treated. The most likely places you have to treat are doors, closets, drawers, cupboards and cabinets. Cover or remove any food exposed. Make sure the fogger does not get onto food processing equipment, utensils and dishes. You should cover or remove them from the site.

Step 2

Cover any waxed floors or furniture. Shut down the air flow system in fish tanks. Cover the fish tank. You may use newspapers. For appliances, you may also use newspapers or plastic covers. Turn off the air conditioners and fans. Close all the windows.

Step 3

Turn off all the pilot lights and flames. For rooms that are 12 x 12 ft or less, use only one can of the fogger.

Step 4

Put a chair in the center of the room that has to be fogged. Place newspapers on the chair. Shake the canister. Take off the tab and position the sprayer away from your face. Press the sprayer pad until it locks into position.

Step 5

Set the canister on the chair. Get out of the room. Get everyone including the animals out of the house. before using Raid Flea Fogger.

Step 6

Leave the treated area for two hours at least. After two hours or more, come back into the room. Open the windows and doors. Leave the room. Allow the air to cool the area for half an hour.

Precautions

Do not inhale the fogger and make sure it doesn’t make contact with your skin. After using the fogger, wash your hands. Don’t breathe the vapors and do not allow it to make contact with your skin. It is very important that the area is ventilated.

If your clothing comes into contact with the fogger, remove your clothes. Wash it with water for 20 minutes. Do the same if your skin makes contact with the fogger. If you accidentally inhale the product, get out of the room and breathe some fresh air.

Do not store Raid Flea Fogger near flames or objects that produce intense heat. Never puncture the container. It is also important that you don’t expose the product to temperatures over 180 F. Use the package only after reading the full instructions.

If you’re looking for a solution to a problematic flea infestation then you will probably come across a brand called PetSmart. It is one of the biggest names in pet care out there. It’s actually a pet store that operates both in Canada and the United States. They provide pet supplies that owners will definitely need and they also provide pet care services such as grooming among other things.

This pet store is just like the other pet stores out there that are engaged in the retail industry. It was founded in 1986 and has its headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona. They have a pretty wide selection of products to help pet owners. They have supplies for grooming and training. And yes, they do have a few things to help you get rid of an infestation, like flea bombs for example.

PetSmart Flea Bombs

People call this line of products by many different names but they definitely refer to the very same thing. Some of the names these products go by include foggers, bug bombs, and insect bombs. One thing you should remember though is that like other pet stores, this one does not really produce its own insect killing products. Think of it as a retail store and not as a manufacturing company.

So, when you walk into their stores and ask for a flea or an insect fogger, the guy at the desk will show you different products from many different brands or labels. Some of these insect bombs they have on sale include Zodiac Indoor Fogger, Adams Plus Room Fogger, Ultrasonic Fogger, Exo Terra Fogger, Zodiac FleaTrol Foggers, Zoo Med Repti Fogger, and Bio Spot Room Fogger.

If you happen to find a brand you’re familiar with and have found useful then you can opt to get that one. The PetSmart staff at their stores will be more than willing to provide you with details on each product on display. You can ask for a different flea bomb if the one you know didn’t really work well for you.

Using the PetSmart Flea Bombs

You usually use flea bombs pretty much the same way. There is a tab on the top that you take off to release the pesticide into your home. Just make sure that all living creatures inside the house are taken out before you unleash the deadly cloud. Make sure you cover all the plastic and glass surfaces. Give the fog a few hours to settle just to be sure you nail all the little pests in your room. Remember to follow all the package instructions.

Frontline Plus for Dogs is one of the most widely treatments in the United States and many other countries. Aside from being effective, the product is also very easy to use.

Step 1

First you have to buy the right package. Read the Frontline package. Choose the weight range that is appropriate for your dog. Only use the product that fits your dog’s weight.

Step 2

Open the applicator. Apply the whole content of the package on the skin of the dog. To do this, part the dog’s hair at the back of its neck. Apply the treatment there. The medication should be applied below its neck. This will prevent the dog from licking it off.

Step 3

After applying frontline Plus for Dogs, keep your dog dry for 24 hours. This will allow the product to work thoroughly. After 24 hours, it’s all right for the animal to get wet because the product is now in the dog’s skin. Following the application, the fleas will die, usually in 18 hours or less.

Step 4

Reapply the treatment after a month. If there are only a few fleas, reapplication can take place after three months. Frontline for cats are applied every six weeks.

Tips for Buyers

Always weigh your dog before buying. Don’t try to estimate the weight because you might get it wrong. When you buy the product, look at the box. The corresponding weight will be on the front of the package. for instance, if your dog weighs 22 lbs, the yellow box is the right one.

If you are concerned about your dog’s health, talk with your vet. The product doesn’t require any prescription, but a checkup prior to usage will never hurt.

Where to Buy

The product is available in many pet stores. If there is one available, you should buy it there. but if you are buying bulk, purchasing online is a much better option. The reason is websites often give discounts when you purchase in large quantities.

There are also websites that offer coupons. These will entitle you to Frontline discounts if you buy a six month supply. Your vet may also be able to recommend places where you can get the product for a cheap price.

Regardless of where you buy Frontline Plus for Dogs, it is imperative that you use it only according to the instructions. Never apply more than what is indicated in the product.

Frontline is one of the commercial products sold in pet stores that many veterinarians suggest or even recommend. It is a well-recommended product along with other top of the line flea control products today. There are solutions for both cats and dogs and it works on fleas and on ticks as well.

Availability

This line of products is readily available in many countries, states, and territories. This basically means that it can be bought over the counter in pet stores. However, there are also countries and states where this or any other chemically based flea solution can only be purchased with a prescription from your vet. You may want to check with your vet or local health office regarding the laws in your territory.

Application and Use

You should treat Frontline and their entire line of products as medicine. Make sure you read the instructions on the package. More of often than not, you will be instructed to apply the product only once every month. This is usually enough to get rid of even the worst flea outbreak that anyone can experience.

It is never recommended that you use this product more than once a month. Those who have used it to remove extreme cases of infestation still use it once a month but worked on the problem in a whole year. A year long application is usually recommended even by vets and pet stores when you intend to totally get rid of a flea infestation in your home.

This monthly flea control period does not only protect your home and your pets but also saves you money. Frontline can be a bit of an expense compared to other brands but the efficacy of this product is worth the cost. There are also pet owners who apply this product on their pets for only a part of the treatment year.

In case you decide to forgo the year-long treatment then you should observe your pet closely during the months when you do not use this product. At the very fist sign of a tick or flea on your pet use the product immediately to avoid an outbreak. At times, one application for every six weeks is enough flea control treatment for your home and your pet.

Side Effects

Take note that some pets may experience some form of irritation at the site where you applied the product. It is recommended that you consult your veterinarian in case the irritation becomes a lot more severe after several days of application of Frontline. This flea control product is intended for external use only. Puppies should be at least 10 weeks old and kittens should be at least 12 weeks old.

The common house fly, scientifically known as Musca domestica Linneus, is most prevalent during the autumn season. These flies breed in the summer and by autumn; they have already hatched and developed into mature flies.

Fly season usually starts around late September and can last until December. During this time, it is important to keep house flies at bay since they carry multitudes of disease-causing bacteria, viruses and other parasitic pathogens.

House Fly Life Cycle

The common house fly goes through four phases during its lifetime: egg, larva, pupa and adult. A single female fly can lay up to a hundred eggs per reproductive stage, numbering up to nine hundred eggs during its lifetime.

The female fly usually lays eggs in clusters hence; it is common to see flies huddled together in a suitable breeding environment. A female fly is typically bigger than the male fly and it has a wider gap between the eyes as compared to that of the male’s eyes.

The eggs hatch when the weather is warmer, which is normally around summer, and the larva or maggots feed on decaying and damp organic matter. When the larva is ready to undergo its pupae stage, it will look for a cooler and dryer area.

It will then develop into an adult, taking around three days and five weeks at most, depending on the humidity level of its environment and temperature.

Keeping House Flies at Bay

Since these flies feed on decaying matter and like to lurk around damp areas, it is important to keep your surroundings clean at all times. They particularly love fecal matter hence; you should always throw your pet’s manure in a covered garbage bin several feet away from the house.

Most people put in window screens to prevent the flies from entering their homes. Screen doors are also usually installed or if this is not possible, you should always keep your doors and windows closed.

There are several products that you can use to get rid of the flies. Fly traps, fly swatters and fly papers are only some of the most common fly control products used to prevent flies from infesting the home.

Since fly season usually starts around autumn, you should consider doing a general cleaning of the entire house especially your outdoors, before autumn comes to dissuade the flies from staying around.

If they do not find any suitable breeding environment as well as decaying matter to feed on, they will not stick around your home.

Those who have been pestered by flies will welcome almost anything just to get rid of these flying fiends. When we get all too aggravated, we may be more open to using more drastic means of ridding our home of these little pests. We may even come to the point of considering the use of fly foggers or bug bombs. Before we try these pesticides we should also consider some factors that may affect our living conditions.

Safety Considerations

One of the things anyone should consider before using any type of bug bomb is their own personal safety. It should be noted that these products do not have any direct threat or effect to you and your pets. However, it should also be noted that care should be taken when using such products. The CDC has reported illnesses, injury, and at times even the death of individuals and pets due to the improper use of these insect foggers.

One should take necessary safety precautions when using these fly foggers. One of the precautions you should take is to seal or keep food away from the poisonous fog that is created. Remember that this poisonous chemical can seep or leak into food and contaminate it making it a health hazard.

Ingredients

Remember that different types of foggers use different types of chemicals that can either repel or even kill insects. These products usually come in a can and are activated by the removal of a tab on the top. This in turn will release pesticide chemicals into the air in your home creating a fog or mist that settles on various surfaces. These chemicals can kill any insect on direct impact.

Although different manufacturers can use different chemicals, most fly foggers have pyrethrin as one of the ingredients. This is one of many pesticides that can be used to get rid of flies and other pests. Other insecticides such as methoprene and permethrin may be included in the can. Given the insecticides used in these products, one should avoid inhaling the said contents of any fogger.

Fire Hazard

The Health Department of New York has flagged fly foggers and other insect foggers as fire hazards. It has been found out that when these chemicals are released into the air, they can explode whenever they come into contact with any form of ignition source.

Examples of such ignition sources include something as unnoticeable as a hot stove or even a pilot light. Again, care should be taken and your entire home should be inspected for any source of ignition before using these products. Do not attempt to fog your house after cooking dinner and turn off any electrical source before using insect foggers.

Prevention

Consumers should first take every necessary precaution before using foggers. You should read the labels first and use the recommended amount of foggers for your home. Hire a professional in case you’re unsure of how to use fly foggers and any such products.