Cats have the natural ability to hunt, fight, and play in the most flea infested places. Fleas can be found under houses or in abandoned structures where they are waiting. These parasites just ride along with you to your home, multiplying as they go. Dog and cat health can be compromised by fleas and protecting them is vital in the relentless battle against the parasites. Your techniques to combat cat fleas are similar tactics used on your home and yard. You can launch your attack by starting with a basic clean, just like you do for yard and home protection.
Flea combs – A flea comb is the best tool to remove adult fleas from cat fur. Combing has several advantages, it removes adult fleas thereby reducing the amount of insecticide needed and two, combined with a alcohol or soap solution can kill adult fleas on contact. Adult fleas love thick fur, so they tend to accumulate near the neck, face and front of the head.
Solutions – Shampoo is an obvious choice to drown and chemically eradicate your unwanted trespassers. After combing your pet, a soapy bath becomes a gentle insecticide that subdues light infestations. Allow shampoo to soak for 5-10 minutes before washing.
Insect Growth Regulators – Available as sprays, spot-on’s, pills or food additives IGR’s target flea egg and larvae development. IGR’s cause of death is that adult fleas become incapable of reproducing. Eggs die before hatching and larvae are killed before maturation. Only the adult fleas survive the IGR’s effects are the problem. This problem can be solved by using IGR’s in conjunction with mild insecticides to kill adult fleas. Cat enclosures best
Enclosure – Cat and dog enclosures let you choose the place your pet goes after it leaves the house. Cat and dog cages (or enclosures) are usually built in sunny areas where fleas are less likely. It is important to provide shade but keep the area dry. Parasites thrive in moist areas. You can reduce the likelihood of your pet getting fleas by keeping them out of your yard.
There are many flea-killing products. How do you distinguish between the many acronyms like IGR’s and the jargon of chemistry such as pyriproxyfen? You don’t have to worry, I have done all the work for you. All you need to do is to read. This article is broken into three brief, concise chapters. Chapter I will briefly describe the flea and its life cycle, vital to understanding how you can kill the buggers. Chapter II and Chapter 3 provide information on how to protect your home, garden, and pets from flea infestation. At the end of the Chapter III is a link to the exact products you’ll need to effectively rid and protect your domicile from these parasites. We’ll start with an incredible fact. How many eggs were you able to say fleas laid?