jphpgh2 asked 6 years ago
We found fleas in our home on 11/13 (8 weeks ago) and I began treatment on my cats and dog right away and have been vacuuming every day since. I had an exterminator come about 4 weeks after we found the fleas and I am still seeing live ones. I have quarantined my cats to the basement. I only have carpet on my steps to the basement, which is where I am seeing most of them. My vet said I would need to vacuum for 3 months, but I feel like I will see a flea every day for the rest of my life. I need some advice on what to do and how long this may last.
Adam Retzer Staff answered 6 years ago
Hello,
Sorry to hear of your frustrations. It sounds like you have taken all the correct steps, though I don’t know what pet treatments you are using (monthly flea drops like Advantage II or Frontline Plus?), or environmental treatments. If the exterminator used and insect growth regulator (pyriproxyfen or methoprene) then they shouldn’t need to come out again. The IGR will remain active for 7 months, preventing any new eggs and larvae from reaching adulthood.
Infestations usually end in around 8 weeks, but it can take longer sometimes, especially in severe infestations. But if the pets are properly treated, then the fleas shouldn’t be able to reproduce. The fleas you are seeing should be the last generation. The problem stage is cocooned adults, which can enter into a quiescent state for up 5 months. Vacuuming is best way to force these “sleeping” fleas to wake up, emerge, and die.
I apologize for the late response.
Warm regards,
Adam
jphpgh2
replied 6 years ago Thanks Adam! I was worried about you, but thought maybe you were on vacation. I have treated my cats with Bravecto and nexguard on my dog. Tonight after spraying Wondercide under my basement stairs (I had not been able to get all the way under) I saw 3 live fleas. I am in week 11.
Adam RetzerAre you seeing a decline in the flea population? It may be a good idea to set up some flea traps to track the population and see when the infestation is completely over.
I’d suggest continuing the pet treatments. And continue regular vacuuming. For the environmental spray, you may want to switch to something with pyriproxyfen or methoprene. Here’s a page with some related sprays.
If you aren’t seeing the problem diminish within another month, it may be time to hire professional pest control again.
Do I need to have an exterminator come back. In addition to the above, I had to pull out my washer the other night and after working on it, I noticed more active fleas. I have also been using cedaecide which seemed to have been working until pulling my washer out. 🙁