Fleas in House

Archive for April, 2011

Fleas are well-known as pests to animals such as dogs and cats. These blood-sucking pests can also feed off human beings as well. When one considers the various ways of flea treatment, they should not only be concerned with removing fleas from animals but also on the real estate property as well. More often than not, the larger problem isn’t on the fur but under the rug.

Causes

A flea infestation can be caused by any of the hundreds of species of fleas. They usually come in along with the pets. It doesn’t matter if the animals are owned by tenants who have been around a while or those who have just moved in. These pesky little critters are not picky when choosing a host.

If not cared for promptly, a few fleas can easily turn into a horde. They can spread from the pet dog, cat, or other animal and infest the carpet, other furniture, and other crannies. When they have settled into the living area, this is the time when they can pester people the most.

Flea Treatment

There are a lot of flea treatments out there. You can visit with a veterinarian or any pet store and ask for any top of the line product they can recommend. The flea removal process should include ridding the animals of the fleas as well as the surroundings and living quarters.

If you have an extra room you can ask your current tenants to move out and temporarily take the other room as you deal with the pests in the infested area. Another option is to let them occupy the same area but schedule a visit from a professional pest extermination company the soonest possible time. Remember that the sooner you get rid of fleas the better.

Treatment at the End of Lease

One option for real estate owners is to begin treatment at the end of lease. This way, you don’t have tenants getting in the way when you deal with the pests. You can hire a professional to apply the treatment or do it yourself using solutions you make yourself. Remember to apply the treatment in all locations including skirting boards, carpeting, and other possible breeding grounds.

Treating Vacant Properties

Treatment of vacant real estate property will be a bit more difficult. Remember that fleas will only break out of their cocoons when favorable living conditions are present. They usually wait for the right stimuli like vibration, movement, and increase in carbon dioxide concentrations. These are things that are absent in any unoccupied space or property.

Flea treatment should still be applied in such areas. It should also continue even up to six weeks when new tenants occupy the property. Getting rid of fleas on real estate will require a lot of effort and patience. Don’t panic when you see a few fleas since this doesn’t necessarily mean you have an infestation. Give the flea treatment time to work.

Removing fleas on kittens under 8 weeks is not the same as when you take them off cats. Because of their age, topical flea products usually cannot be applied.

Required Materials

Flea comb
Towel
Water
Baby shampoo

Step 1

Get the baby shampoo ready. This will be sufficient to kill the fleas. Pour a small amount in your hand; a quarter sized will be sufficient.

Step 2

Hold the kitten and massage the shampoo onto the kitten’s neck. The shampoo will act as a barrier. Because of the shampoo, the fleas will not be able to get onto the kitten’s head. They will remain on the body. This will make them easier to remove.

Step 3

Wash the kitten’s body for 5 to 10 minutes. You may remove any fleas you see, but the shampoo should kill them. More likely you will see the fleas falling into the tub one by one.

Step 4

Repeat the bathing process for 3 days for the next two weeks. This should get rid of all the fleas. Aside from the fleas, their eggs may also be on the kitten. Just repeat the process to get rid of them. Always begin around the neck area.

Removing Fleas on Kittens Under 8 Weeks: Method 2

Instead of using baby shampoo, you can use dish detergent instead.

Step 1

Fill a tub or another container with an inch of lukewarm water. Be certain that it is not too hot or too cold.

Step 2

Add a few drops of the detergent into the water. Put the kitten in it. Lather the animal. Keep the kitty in the water for five minutes minimum. This will be enough to kill every flea.

Step 3

Rinse the animal well. Use a dry towel. After drying, use a flea comb on the kitty. The comb will be used to remove any fleas that remain on the coat. Throw the dead fleas in a bowl of soapy water.

Tips

Wash the pet’s bedding to get rid of any fleas there. If the infection came from the mother, use a topical treatment to get rid of the fleas. Vacuum the rest of the house if there are lots of fleas. If you are going to use a flea bomb, keep the kitten out of the house while it is active.

Removing fleas on kittens under 8 weeks is necessary. Unlike older cats, kittens don’t yet have the strength to deal with them. If not removed, the fleas can kill the kitten by drinking all its blood.