Cryingbcoffleas asked 6 years ago
Hi so we took the dog to the south and he ended up coming back with fleas. We frontline every month but this obviously hasn’t done anything because a week later I had fleas jumping on me in my room. We implemented a new rule where the dog is only allowed downstairs, but I think this made the problem in my room worse so I moved into my sister’s room.
We got a can of Johnson’s flea fogger and set that off this morning in my room as there don’t seem to be any downstairs. We have so treated my dog with Bravecto tablets which have worked wonders on him as he has no creepy crawlies whatsoever (we think he might also have had dog lice).
We came back and when I went to my room no fleas jumped on me (massive improvement as just this morning I had 10 at a time around my ankles and more on the floor).
So here’s the problem. I have just found a flea on me in the living room.
I know that it will take time for the fleas to truly go away, however I wanted to check that what I’ve done will be enough to eventually get rid of them. My mum won’t fog the downstairs as we have toddlers around and is worried about the carpets. We only have wood floors upstairs.
We are vaccuming every day and as I said the dog has been treated (lasts for 3 months). Will this be enough?
Sorry for rambling but I’m panicking here ?
Thank you, your website has truly helped me out
Adam Retzer Staff answered 6 years ago
Hello,
First of all, I apologize for the late response. As the site grows, I am having a hard time keeping up.
By now, you will know if your efforts were enough. Were they?
The main problem I see in your control strategy is neglecting to treat the downstairs with carpets. Carpeting is the ideal habitat for developing fleas, and immature stages make up 95-99% of infestations.
A safer alternative to foggers is applying an insect growth regulator (IGR) concentrate. IGR specifically targets insect hormones, so it is considered safer than traditional insecticides. And with spray application, you can direct it into the carpets, as opposed to foggers which will get insecticide particulates everywhere in the room. Martin’s IGR is a good choice for indoor use.
Warm regards,
Adam
Cryingbcoffleas answered 6 years ago
Hi thanks for the reply. So the fleas kept coming back in my room for a while but eventually the situation calmed down and for a while there were no fleas. I should also mention we used diatomaceous earth because we read that it was a non toxic solution, and so we used this upstairs and downstairs.
I thought we were in the clear for a while but then i caught a flea on me about a week ago. Haven’t seen one since but I’m not freaking out like I used to and I’m on holiday not for 2 weeks so I guess I’ll see what the situation is like when we get back?
Basically the problem is not as bad as it was but I’m not completely sure the fleas are fully gone yet.
The dog is still being treated will this be enough to control the problem for now?
Adam RetzerI am glad to hear the infestation is almost gone. Treating the dog should be enough at this point. Though continuing to vacuum regularly wouldn’t hurt.
The last fleas you are seeing were likely pre-emerged adults. After pupating, adult fleas can elect to stay inside their cocoons in a quiescent (sleep-like) state for up 5 months. This greatly extends their longevity. Most of the fleas won’t do this, but some will.
The two cues that trigger the pre-emerged adults to emerge are heat and pressure on the cocoons, as this would indicate a host is there. Vacuuming is a good way to simulate these host cues and force emergence.
Anyway, it sounds like you are dealing with the last remnants of the infestation. It should be over soon. Keep the dog on flea treatment until you are positive all of the fleas are gone.
