jessicasbrownies asked 6 years ago
Hi Adam,
thanks tor all the GREAT info. This has been a sanity saver for me. I’m exhausted, and just anxious and itchy all the time. This has been my only hope that this will end… someday.
I have been dealing with fleas for two weeks. We ignored the signs for so long, it’s probably a horrifying infestation and I just want to cry thinking about it. Diligent washing, vacuuming, spraying with “Vets Best” washing the cat twice with flea shampoo and treating with frontline, as well as twice daily combing of said cat, has brought us to the point of only seeing 1-2 tiny fleas a day. I still get bitten at night. I am the only one getting bitten (thank goodness) but I have found fleas on my 3yr old and 10mo old and it is so heartbreaking. I feel so responsible and just AWFUL that this is happening. Anyway, psychological status aside, we have to leave town for a week for Christmas. Which means no washing, vacuuming, combing, will be done. What can I do to ensure the greatest control while I am gone, and what can I expect when I get back? Will we be back to square one?
Adam Retzer Staff answered 6 years ago
jessicasbrownies,
I am glad you found the website useful! I am sorry I couldn’t get to your question before you left for the holidays.
The infestation should continue to diminish while you are gone. If the cat is treated with Frontline, no new generation of eggs will be laid. So you’ll still just be contending with the immature stages already in the environment.
You may see more adult fleas upon your return home. However, these were just the hidden immature stages that finally matured and emerged. It isn’t an indication that the infestation is getting worse. Thoroughly vacuum when you arrive home to remove any adult fleas in the environment before they can bite your family.
You may want to consider using a flea spray with an insect growth regulator (IGR) for long-term control and prevention. I don’t think Vet’s Best has an IGR ingredient. Here is a page on IGR sprays for more information.
Also, you may want to limit the amount you shampoo the cat to once or twice a month. Flea drops are labeled as water-proof, but excessive washing or submersion can reduce efficacy. The flea drops should be sufficient in controlling the fleas, but soothing shampoos can help give pets relief from itching.
If you are getting bitten at night, there are few things you can do. First, prevent your cat from accessing the bedrooms. Then launder your bedding to kill any potential fleas. Fleas usually can’t jump high enough to get onto beds. So ensure any sheets that are hanging down are tucked in, otherwise you may be giving them easy access onto the bed. If the mattress is on the floor, consider purchasing a bed frame to give it some distance from the ground.
Happy holidays!
Adam
