Flea Infestation in Hawaii
Fleas are the leading parasite that we find on our fur babies, but were you aware that many people believe all dogs have dog fleas and all cats have cat fleas? Well, it seems like a logical assumption, but the truth is that about 95% of all fleas that infect our pets (dogs and cats) are cat fleas. Dog fleas look almost the same as cat fleas, but they are not as common. While that may be an interesting bit of information, our dogs and cats contract fleas in the same way: They pick them up from our yards, or they were exposed to fleas by another pet or home that had fleas. The good news is that no matter the actual type of flea, infestation treatment and control are the same.
Controlling Fleas
We will start with flea infestation treatment because fleas reproduce quickly, which can make infestations challenging to control. First, speak with your veterinarian about the best method for treating your pet directly. If you have multiple pets, all should be checked and treated at the same time. The home and yard will also need treating and this should be done in conjunction with treating your pet(s). Clean all pet beds and places where your pet(s) frequent. Vacuum the entire home thoroughly; just be aware that vacuuming does well on adult fleas, but has little effect on flea eggs and larvae. As such, a good vacuuming should be done several more times in a 7-10 day period. Finally, the interior and exterior infestation may require a pest control servicing. Thoroughness is the key in ridding your property of flea infestation, so contacting your pest control provider for a professional consultation is highly recommended.
Flea Treatment
Now that your property and pet(s) are rid of fleas, there are some things you can do to prevent fleas from becoming a recurring challenge.
- Make a habit of checking your pets’ coats for fleas, especially after spending time outdoors. Keep an eye out for too much scratching and/or licking.
- Bathe pets regularly.
- Wash pet bedding and cloth toys frequently.
- Keep your home clean. Good sanitation is important in avoiding an infestation of many kinds.
- Vacuum carpets, floors, and furniture regularly.
Have fun with your pets and keep them flea-free! Any questions, please feel free to give us a call.
