Fleas are the commonest parasites of dogs and cats. Fleas are responsible for flea allergy dermatitis, the cause of more than 50% of skin conditions in the dog and cat. Fleas are the commonest reason for pets having to visit the vet. Despite the regular use of expensive flea treatments, it is common for control measures to fail. When fleas are present in high numbers, some will feed on humans causing bites that are intensely itchy. Treating flea problems can be very frustrating.
FLEA LIFE CYCLE
The life cycle of the flea is dependant on temperature. Flea eggs can develop into adults in as little as 14 days in very warm conditions. In cold climates the life cycle may be ten times as long. Fleas are much more of a problem in the warmer southern areas of the country. Eggs are laid and fall from the animal, mainly during the night. The bed and other chosen areas of the house that the pet (s) sleep in become contaminated by flea eggs. Each flea that feeds produces enormous numbers of eggs - 50 eggs are laid per day with each adult producing up to a thousand eggs in its lifetime of 20 days. When the eggs hatch, the larvae feed on flea dirts (flea faeces) that drop from the pet into the bedding. Fleas larvae avoid light and burrow deep into the carpets and bedding to feed. Flea larvae rarely survive outdoor, but survive well in the protected environment of the home.
WHY FLEA CONTROL MEASURES FAIL
It would seem that use of an appropriate insecticide on the household pet would completely control fleas by killing each flea as they feed. However adult fleas may feed within a few seconds of climbing on a pet. No currently available insecticide can stop all fleas from feeding. Some fleas will feed and some flea eggs will be laid. Flea eggs and larvae are much more resistant to insecticides than adult fleas and, because adult fleas lay so many eggs, flea eggs and larvae represent by far the biggest flea population in the house. It has been said that fleas are a parasite of houses, not pets!
Flea populations develop resistance to insecticides quite rapidly and older flea treatments are noticeably less effective at controlling fleas. In particular, pyrethoid (permethrin) or organophosphorus flea treatments are rarely effective against adult fleas and are, in addition, much more toxic than modern flea treatments. Lately we have noticed that even more modern product, such as the very popular Frontline, have seemed to have become less effective.
THE ANSWER - INTEGRATED FLEA CONTROL
The best way to control fleas is to use a modern, safe insecticide on the pets together with a flea growth regulator to prevent flea eggs and larvae developing into adults.
MODERN INSECTICIDES - ADVOCATE/PRACT-TIC
Advocate is an exceptionally safe product that is very effective against fleas and lasts a long time. Advocate also contains a compound that penetrates through the skin and also controls intestinal worms. In fact, Advocate controls the following infections
Fleas
Ear Mites
Mange- both Fox Mange (Sarcops) and Demodectic mange
Heartworm disease
Intestinal round and Hookworms and Whipworms
Advocate should not be used in puppies of less than 7 weeks of age or in dogs under one kilo bodyweight.
PRAC-TIC - for routine flea control only, PRAC-TIC is a very useful product for use in dogs above 8 weeks of age. It has improved retention in the coat in the face of wetting or washing and has good activity against ticks. It is thus a handy product for country dogs.
FLEA GROWTH REGULATORS
Integrated flea control requires the use of an insecticide preparation on all pets in the household and the use of flea growth regulators to limit the development of the eggs and larvae. Integrated flea control has been found to be the absolutely best way of controlling fleas in the house.
ACCLAIM AEROSOL
Contains the flea growth regulator methoprene. If fleas have been allowed to build up to high levels, the Acclaim aerosol should be used every 3 months after vacuuming the carpet. Please note: vacuuming alone is poorly effective as pupated flea larvae glue themselves to the carpet fibres.
PROGRAM
Contains the flea growth regulator luferunon. This can be used as either a monthly tablet or as an injection in cats that lasts 6 months. It should be combined with the use of atopical insecticide for integrated flea control
SEVERE FLEA PROBLEM CHECKLIST
All animals in house treated with Advocate/Prac-tic ‚
Flea growth regulator in use ‚
Flea treatments is use all year ‚
Acclaim Aerosol used on carpets and bedding (3 monthly) ‚
Topical insecticide used at no more than monthly intervals ‚
Pets sleep in their own bed every night ‚
Pets bedding hot-washed regularly ‚
Carpets vacuumed prior to Acclaim application ‚
