Archives for August 2022

Fleas on puppies

August 24, 2022 By admin

In this article we will discuss fleas on puppies and the effects they have. We all love our puppies. Cute little things that bring joy to the family after their arrival, especially to our young kids, who may probably want to cling to these puppies all day. Then, comes the scourge of fleas on puppies occasioned by the painful irritations that follow.

This sight is usually heartbreaking as we all hate to see our puppies in pain. Pain brought about by an attack by fleas.

Unfortunately, fleas are non-discriminatory bloodsuckers, who would care less about the source of their blood, so far as that source is ever ready to meet their feeding needs.

Now, the onus lies on you to protect these cuties from the rampaging prowl of fleas.

How to Tell If Your Puppy Has Fleas

Finding fleas on your puppies can make you feel rather blue. It elicits this feeling of being the worst pet owner out there. No, you’re not. These things happen and can be sometimes entirely out of your control. Fleas on puppies can be readily identified if you’re attentive to these signs:

Increased scratching, biting and licking.
Flea dirt, which looks like tiny black specks.
Loss of furs.
You may observe the adult flea themselves on your puppies.
Red scabs or welts may develop.
Pale gums.
Your puppies may become restless, nervous and generally show a lack of good health.

Treating Your Puppy

While some products that kill fleas on your older dogs can also be used on puppies as young as 6 weeks, for the younger pups less than 6 weeks, a flea comb will work just fine.

Commence treatment by thoroughly washing the puppy’s beddings, vacuuming its sleeping area and going ahead to treat the puppy’s mother (if she’s present in the same household).
Treat your puppy with a fast-acting oral flea treatment.
Bathe your puppy with a specially designed flea shampoo.
Flea sprays can also be used.
Use flea collars.
Your puppy will need regular and constant checkups. So, continue to inspect them every day for signs of fleas.

An all-year-round treatment strategy is necessary to break the fleas’ life cycle.

Treating Your Other Pets

If your puppy has fleas, then maybe your other pets have fleas too. Commence a flew treatment on other pets. This will help to keep the flea infestation in check.

Treat Your Environment

Puppies love playing in our yards, alongside our kids. By sanitizing your yard and ridding it of all flea infestation, you’re keeping your puppies safe from fleas attack. Our yard and immediate environs are our first line of defence against these pesky pests.

Sweeping your yard for flea eggs, larvae and pupae and flooding them with water is one strategy that works well. These eggs and larvae won’t survive the ensuing flood. And if there are no eggs to mature into adults, them your puppies are safe. Flea control is just about egg control.

Apply Diatomaceous Earth around your home. With puppies around, the food-grade is recommended. It is safe and non-toxic when eaten. Visit the CDC website for more information on fleas and how to control them.

Prevention Tips

You now have vulnerable puppies in your home. Take extra care to ensure they’re safe from fleas.

Fleas on puppies maybe brought about by untidy lawn, therefore, Keep your lawn short and neat.
Fleas hate direct sunlight; so, reduce the number of shady shrubs, bushes and trees in your yard.
Keep your puppies away from suspected infested areas.
Consult your Vet on your puppy’s flea problems. Not all products are suitable for them. Your Veterinarian will recommend the right ones.

Finally, your puppies’ immune system is yet to develop at that stage of their life. So, they’re quite vulnerable to any flea attack. Fleas on puppies will wreck a whole lot of damage to their health, such that can leave you miserable. Preventive care is key to flea-free health for your puppy. Read More…

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Top home remedy for fleas on children

August 23, 2022 By admin

Do you think about the top home remedy for fleas on children? We did too and decided to put them together for you.

Having pests in your home is challenging and can become a threat to your family, especially children. Fleas can bite humans and cause itchy bites, which are prone to infection. Some kids can also develop allergies from fleabites. Therefore, it is crucial to get rid of them immediately. Here are some home remedies you can use.

Home remedies for fleabites on children

Wash the bite surface: Wash the fleabites with warm soapy water. This can provide instant relief to the flea bites and soothe the itching
Apply an ice pack: Apply an icepack to the surface alternating on and off every 10 minutes. You can do this for over an hour, and it will help reduce swelling, alleviate inflammation, and ease the itching.
Cut all nails: Make sure your child’s nails are clipped short to prevent them from scratching the bites. You can also bandage the flea surface to prevent them from scratching.

Child-Safe Remedies For Your Home

1. Flea traps

A simple flea trap with dish soap and water is the top home remedy for fleas on children. However, this method only works for mature fleas but not flea eggs and larvae. Add dish soap to a bowl of water and set it in a dark corner in your home. Place a lamp above the water while making sure the other lights in the room are turned off. You should probably use these treatments at night.

2. Lemon flea spray

Cut a lemon add to a pint of water. Boil for about 30 minutes and allow the mixture to sit overnight. Next, pour into a spray bottle and spray in all infested areas around your home, including chairs, pet bedding, furniture and many more. This mixture can kill fleas and repel them but it would not be beneficial if you have a heavy infestation. If you have pets, you can also use the mixture for bathing your pets. It can help kill fleas in their furs and repel fleas. However, you may need to reapply the mix every now and then to keep fleas away from your pet’s coats effectively.

3. Diatomaceous Earth

Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth around the home. The product is non-toxic to humans. However, it will kill fleas by dehydrating them whenever they pass over the powder. Nevertheless, make sure you cover your nose and mouth with a mask before applying and keep your kids and pets outside your home until the dust settles. Leave the powder overnight before you vacuum. You can repeat treatments until you get rid of fleas in your home. Visit the CDC website for flea control

Vacuum your carpets, baseboards, and other parts of your home regularly to break up the flea population in your home. However, the best way to eradicate fleas from your home thoroughly is by calling the pros. They can find all hiding spots and determine the best course of action to kill fleas entirely from your home. Read More…

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Fleas in yard

August 22, 2022 By admin

Our yards can be breeding grounds for fleas. They provide an avenue for these fleas to hitch ride on your pets into your homes. While pets are a major culprit in bringing fleas into our homes, it is not unheard of for you yourself to serve as a conduit for these fleas into your home. It happens. And once inside, the cycle of wrecking havoc begins. Only to be stopped by an aggressive control measure.

Although it can be tricky trying to spot fleas in the yard, if you stick to the right precautionary and preventive strategies, you can have a yard free of fleas.

How To Spot Fleas In Yard

For your search party, you will need a flashlight and a pair of tall white socks. Wear your white socks and slowly move around areas you suspect harbors fleas. These areas may include shady shrubs, under and around trees and bushes, under or on decks and porches, and heaps of decayed leaf debris. All areas where your pets usually frequent should also be checked. If truly you are harboring fleas in your yard, then these fleas will stick on your socks. Care should be taken to dispose of the socks properly.

Treating Your Yard For Fleas

Once it has been established that you have fleas in the yard, many treatment options can be adopted. You can start with insecticides or outdoor sprays. If yours is a huge yard, you may not need to treat the entire area. Concentrate your efforts only in places where you or your pets regularly access.

Using Insecticides

Most flea pesticides will come in the form of sprays or tank pumps. Get yourself familiar with their method of application, and with the product itself. A professional can be called in to help if you’re not conversant with either.

Wear protective clothing, masks, and gloves, then commence the application. Remove toys and other children’s equipment off the area. Your pets and kids should be taken off the field until the place is safe. Treatment should be repeated in a week or two intervals.

Flooding Your Yard

This approach works well to kill off the eggs and larvae of fleas. Ensure to flood your yard with water until the water is a few inches above the ground level. It is widely known that the eggs and larvae of fleas will not survive to flood with water.

Diatomaceous Earth

This is one natural way of killing fleas without breaking a sweat. DE is non-toxic and very safe for the environment. It works by dehydrating the exoskeletons of fleas, leaving them to die off gradually.

Using Nematodes

This is one biological control measure that is very effective. It employs the use of microscopic worms that feed on the larvae of fleas. Its feeding habit extends to other destructive insects, such as termites. Nematodal sprays are harmless to humans and pets if you’re concerned about their toxicity. Apply then to shady areas where your pets .

Other noteworthy treatment options include using cedar wood chips, building barriers around your yard to keep out wild animals and feral pests, and clearing clusters. CDC Tips

If your pets are already infected with fleas, flea shampoo or other types of flea treatment should suffix.

The bottom line is this, a flea free yard is our first line of defense against flea infestations. Do you have fleas in your yard? Then it’s just a matter of time before they invade your home and cause devastating problems. Read More…

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Fleas in Winter?

August 18, 2022 By admin

Fleas in Winter? Winter is approaching. It’s getting really cold out there, and so, we can finally get relief from the irritating nuisance of fleas. You might have thought that with the birth of the winter season, those fleas that troubled us during the warmer seasons will finally get to die off. Well, not so fast. Fleas in winter pose as much threat to you and your pets as they did during other seasons. Though not as prolific as they were during the warmer season, these pests will cause the same hazards, the season notwithstanding.

Flea Cycle And The Winter Period

The flea life cycle has four stages – these are the eggs, larvae, pupa, and adult stage. This entire cycle, from egg to adult flea, is complete in 12-22 days if environmental conditions such as temperatures and humidity are favorable. Practically it takes 3-4 weeks.

Curiously, only approximately 5% of a flea infestation is in its adult phase. The other 95% is in the form of eggs, larvae, and pupae.

Fleas thrive around 75° degrees Fahrenheit, and it is during this temperature range that they complete their entire life cycle. With the female flea laying as many eggs as possible within a short time (50 eggs), these eggs can hatch during the winter period.

Fleas will not hibernate during the winter. Their feeding habits have made it possible that they don’t need to move from place to place in their search for hosts. Fleas will latch onto any opportunity to cling to a host, and once that happens, they will hold on to that host for as long as possible.

The excessive cold during the winter period will ensure that fleas will remain indoors and wouldn’t venture far off from their food source. For the fleas, winter is just a restriction that says, ‘do not go outside, stay indoors and feed.’

Fleas and Freezing Temperatures

Meanwhile, fleas will not survive freezing temperatures for long. This goes for its eggs, larvae, and pupae. But that is not a guarantee that your pets are free from fleas. Therefore, the best treatment for a flea infestation is an all-year-round preventive strategy.

Failing to protect your pets from fleas during the winter period just because you think their activities have been brought to a halt, is a sure way of setting up your home for a devastating infestation once the warmer season is in the offing. Once the seasons commence, you stand the risk of a full-blown infestation, as flea eggs, which were in a sort of dormant phase, will begin to hatch rapidly.

Treating Pets In Winter

Start early by keeping your pets’ sleeping areas very clean. Vacuum these places and wash the beddings in hot water. Other reliable preventive treatments that can be of use include:

Spot-on Flea Treatment: Spot-on medications are applied directly to pets. They are in liquid form, which is usually applied on the neck region of your pets, and they’re expected to eliminate the adult fleas within a 24-hour period.
Oral Flea Treatments: They are orally administered, and can start working just after 15 minutes.
Insect Growth Regulators: Insect growth regulators are able to halt the maturation of flea eggs into adults. They can also kill the adult fleas.
Integrated Flea Control: This approach combines two different types of insecticide, which the different stages of the life cycle of fleas.
Professional Pest Control: Professional pest control should be called in once the infestation becomes intractable for you to manage. These professionals are knowledgeable about the right treatment modalities for you to adopt.

Obviously, fleas in winter are just as irksome as any other season. An all-year-round preventive strategy is your best bet in ensuring that you’re safe, your pets are safe, and your household is safe. Read More…

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Fleas on cats

August 17, 2022 By admin

Fleas are arguably the most consistent parasites for cats. The issue of fleas on cats is an inevitable and persistent one that plague pets and their owners. It can happen any time, although the issue is more rampant during late summer and early spring. The warm temperature and high humidity during these periods are ideal for the development of fleas.

Fleas are persistent parasites that lay dormant for an extended period until they latch onto a host on who they feed and reproduce excessively. Female fleas can lay about 50 eggs daily. Cats are one of their favorite prey, but they can also prey on people. You are probably aware that fleas bite and suck on blood, are you also aware that they transmit diseases.

How to confirm if your cat has fleas

You are likely to suspect the problem when you notice that your cat’s scratching has increased. It is a lot harder to confirm the existence of fleas on cats because they are well hidden in the furs. Therefore you have to perform a thorough flea check to access the situation:

Check for movements on the skin, fur, armpit, paws, groin, and belly.
Check for redness, sores, scratches, and blood on the skin on your cat’s skin.
Comb through the fur and try to collect the fleas on a piece of paper or kill them in soapy water.

How to treat fleas on cats

The presence of fleas on your cat doesn’t mean that your home is dirty, but you still need to treat your cat and your home, both interior, and exterior. You should also speak to your vet, especially if the situation is extensive. The aim of treatment is to eliminate adult fleas and halt the growth of their eggs and larvae. You also can’t use dog flea treatment products or any product that contains permethrin because cats are sensitive to permethrin.

Vet recommended products for treating flea on cats

Spot on (Topical treatment): These are the most effective means of treatment. They are also safe and easy to use. You just need to apply a small portion from the vial along the back of your cat. Look for products with any of the following active ingredients.
Fipronil: The most popular brand if Frontline plus.
Selamectin: Go for Revolution or Stronghold.
Fluralaner: Bravecto is the most popular brand.
Imidacloprid: the most popular brand is Advantage.
Flea collars: The active ingredients in flea collars are Seresto and Flumethrin. You also don’t have to worry about injuries to your cat because the collars have quick release buttons so you can easily eject them if they get cut on something.
Orals: these are medications that are meant to be ingested by cats. They are easy to administer, effective but only offer temporary solutions. Popular brands are Capstar and Comfortis.

Ridding your home of fleas, their eggs, and larvae

The second stage of treatment is your home and surrounding. Here are some activities you need to undertake:

Vacuum your carpets, furnishings, and beds.
Wash your blinds, beddings, and table cloths.
Clean your entire home and maintain the care at least once a week.
Disinfect and clean your yard and compound.

How do I keep fleas out of my house?

August 12, 2022 By admin

How do I keep fleas out of my house? Are there methods that can work? In this article, we will shed insights on the best ways to keep fleas out of the house. Product Review…

The thought of fleas can be depressing — those pesky little jumpers, well known for their great hiking skills and affinity for blood. Though fleas look harmless, they carry specific diseases and can cause allergies or secondary infection. To avoid these issues, you need to make sure you keep fleas out of your home. Bearing this in mind, let us find answers to your question – how do I keep fleas out of my house. Product Review…

Traditional methods

Vacuum regularly – vacuuming can help cut down an infestation at its early stage. This is because 95 percent of fleas in your home represent the group of eggs, larvae, and cocoons. Vacuuming can get a huge chunk of these items of you to pay special attention and use a powerful vacuum cleaner. Once done, secure the vacuum bag properly and dispose it far from your home
Steam cleaning – steam cleaning is one of the most effective ways to tackle a flea infestation. Steam cleaning can also help you get rid of germs, dirt, and debris from your home. Naturally, you can handle this on your own, but it is always more preferable the professionals help you.
Laundering – Laundering will help you kill fleas and any eggs found lodged in your clothes. For items, you cannot launder; dry them at the hottest possible temperature.

Flea repelling agents

Besides cleaning your home regularly, you can also use flea-repelling agents to ward off fleas. Some flea repelling strategies include:

Sprinkling essential oils made from eucalyptus, cedar wood, lemon, lavender, and peppermint
Use an insecticide that contains an insect growth regulator in your compound. (Get the professionals to handle the task).
Use a lemon spray around the house. Fleas do not like the scent of lemon. However, make sure the areas applied do not bleach or become damaged while spraying.
Apply diatomaceous earth around your home. Diatomaceous earth can kill fleas alongside other insects. Simply apply and let it steep for few days before vacuuming again.

Treat your yard

The yard is one of the most common ways fleas infect the house. To prevent fleas from entering your home, you need to keep your yard clean and tidy. Make sure your yard is mowed and trees trimmed to allow lots of sunlight (sunlight can kill fleas). Also, ensure that you do not plant shrubs too close to your home. These prevent fleas or any other insect from crawling into your home.

Wrapping up

So to answer your question – How do I keep fleas out of my house? You can keep fleas away by treating your home, yard, and using flea-repelling strategies. Flea infestations are very difficult to get rid of. Therefore, these strategies discussed in this article can help prevent fleas. If the infestations occur, they can reduce the number of flea treatments you will need for your home. Read More…

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Can fleas live in your bed?

August 5, 2022 By admin

Can fleas live in your bed? The two major factors that make it difficult to treat fleas are their ability to procreate and hide. An average flea lives for about 100 days, and a female flea can produce up to 50 eggs in a single day. It means a female flea can produce up to 5000 fleas during its lifetime. You probably want an answer to the question “can fleas live in your bed,” because you discovered bite marks on your body that weren’t there when you went to bed last night, or you discovered fleas on your pet, and you want to know if they can infest your bed. Product Review…

Where can fleas live in your bed?

Fleas love hiding it. It’s how they survive, and it helps that they are tiny parasites. A bed offers various hiding spots, but fleas can only hide on or under it because they can’t burrow. The only way fleas can get into your mattress is through a torn sheet or open zip. That still leaves a lot of surface area for fleas to hide.

Fleas love hiding in the dark. It allows them to lay unnoticed and undisturbed. They are also intelligent enough to stay out of your way to avoid getting squashed. It means fleas will likely hide in the open creases and quilts of your mattress or between your beddings and blankets.

Can fleas harm you?

Some people think that fleas are only interested in their pets. Fleas can feed on any animal or human as long as they have blood in their veins; pets are just easy prey because it is easy to inhabit their furs.

Flea eggs and larvae can lay dormant for a long time, but adult fleas can only stay away from their food for a short while.

It means you or anyone on a flea-infested bed are the primary sources of food. That’s why you have those bite marks on your body when you wake up in the morning. You may think bed bugs cause the bite marks because they are similar, and you may be right, but if your pet has fleas, then you are most likely dealing with fleas.

Fleas post other dangers to human beings apart from the irritating bite marks. Fleas are also known to carry and transmit tapeworms, and you can develop an infection from the bite wound. Excessive feeding also puts a weaker person at the risk of anemia due to blood loss or complicate an underlying medical condition. Some fleas can also transmit diseases.

Treatment

If you ask me to give a yes or no answer to “can fleas live in your bed,” I would say yes. I would also say that you can prevent them from getting on your bed in the first place or treat your bed when it gets infested with fleas. Check out our article “fleas in bed” for information on how to confirm if you have fleas in your bed and how to treat them. Note that your pet is probably the primary carrier of these pests, so you can save yourself some grief by preventing or at least limiting her time on your bed. Also, note that the best way to treat fleas involves treating your pest and the entire house. Read More… Product Review…

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