Kristi M. asked 7 years ago
Hello,
I’ve been lurking on this site for a few weeks very informative and I think I’ve got most of questions answered I’m just feeling like these fleas are making me a go a little insane. In mid November last year my dog underwent stomach surgery to remove a stomach obstruction, during one of his visits they mentioned fleas, but didn’t say much else. A few weeks after recovery I do spot a few fleas on him, I washed him thoroughly and bought a flea comb and began checking him regularly. Then I didn’t really think about my cats, but was horrified to find one of them covered in dirt and fleas. I’m a very anxious person especially when it comes to my toddler so I was extremely reluctant to try any pesticide type thing on my apartment and pets. I used an organic product called wondercide quite frequently and did give my cats a few capstar pills and bathed all three animals with dawn soap quote frequently. I know that was part of mistake was thinking I could do it organically because they were not going away not a day would do by without finding at least a small handful on the pets, even with regular vacuuming.
So I had a friend of mine who works for terminix come and spray the apartment and took the animals to my in laws and gave them all frontline plus and it’s been three weeks and some days I can’t fine any on the animals with the comb some day I’ll find about 2 maybe 3, but I was extremely aggravated to find what I believe to be flea bites on my son’s side and back, he’s almost 2 so he spends a lot of time playing on the floor. My husband has been vacuuming about every other day and washing the filters, but now I’m noticing a few bites on him and I.
Sorry about the long story, but I just want to make sure I’m on the right track are they biting me because they can’t feed on the treated animals so much anymore? Will they go away soon? I will keep treating my pets monthly and checking them as often as possible, vacuuming as often as possible and keeping up on laundering all bedding for myself and pets what else should I be doing, should I think about having terminix come back, I know those treatments are pretty regulated and it worries me with a toddler around to do any more of them. I’m sitting here right now going crazy not sure if I’m feeling bits or imagining things…
Thanks,
Paranoid Mama
Adam Retzer Staff answered 7 years ago
Hello Kristi,
I’m sorry to hear about your struggle with fleas. It sounds frustrating. The good news is that it sounds like you’re on the right track. The monthly Frontline Plus treatments, regular vacuuming, and weekly laundering should end the infestation.
Unfortunately, you’ll probably continue to see a few fleas around for another month or two. This may continue for slightly longer since the infestation wasn’t brought under control right away, so the fleas had time to lay more eggs and grow the population.
The immature stages in the environment all need to emerge and die before the infestation completely ends. But the Frontline will prevent any new adults from reproducing. So those currently in the environment should be the last generation. Vacuuming will help force cocooned adults to emerge, and the vacuum will then suck them up before they have a chance to bite people or pets in the home.
You shouldn’t need to have Terminix back. Your current control regimen should do the trick. However, if you want to add another layer of control to the environment, you could do it yourself. Using and insect growth regulator (IGR) is the best option.
IGRs are considered safer than traditional insecticides. They specifically mimic natural insect hormones that control molting and metamorphosis. When exposed, eggs and larvae are unable to reach adulthood. The nice thing about IGRs is that they remain active indoors for 7 months, so they’re great for preventing re-infestation.
Look for the IGR active ingredients pyriproxyfen (Nylar) or methoprene (Precor). These ingredients are found in a variety of products. Since you’re worried about toxicity, I’d suggest using an IGR concentrate. That way you won’t have to apply any other more toxic chemicals (such as those found formulated in premise sprays). Martin’s IGR is a good concentrate option.
Hope this helps!
Adam
