Flea Control - Summer or Winter

Fleas are blood-feeding "ectoparasites". This is a fancy term for any organism that bites to obtain a blood meal from their host animal. Mosquitoes, ticks, horse/deer flies are all examples of ectoparasites. There are many species of fleas but the one that most people are familiar with is the cat flea, which primarily attacks dogs and cats but will bite people as well.

Adult cat fleas are small, brownish colored insects that are flattened side-to-side. This shape allows them to move easily between hairs. Immature fleas (larvae) are white, worm-like insects. Adult female fleas require host blood in order to successfully lay eggs. Larvae live in the animal's "nest" and feed on dried blood, from the adult, and other organic debris. Larvae do not bite.

A cat flea infestation can develop quickly - egg to adult in about a month. Plus, flea pupae, the stage between larvae and adults, can remain dormant for months if no suitable host is present. This is why long-vacant rooms can suddenly become "infested" as adult fleas emerge in response to the presence of potential hosts.

Cat fleas mainly occur in two places - on the host, or in the host's "nest". The nest is anywhere the host (pet) spends a lot of time. Fleas spread out from the nest area so that an entire room, or home, may become infested. Since neither stage spends time outdoors fleas are not affected by outside temperatures. Even the coldest winters have virtually no effect on flea populations that are "snug-as-a-bug" in the host's nest.

Now-a-days cat fleas are easily controlled with topically applied flea medications. I prefer the type that is not readily absorbed. I believe these pose less potential for toxic side effects than do systemic (blood circulating) medications. You may wish to combine the topical medications with treatment of the "nest" with an insect growth regulator containing methoprene (Precor) plus pyrethrum insecticide. This will help with long-term control. Before applying the topical liquid you should shampoo the pet with a good quality flea shampoo.

A small number of animals don't tolerate the topical medications. In these cases you will need to rely on treating the nest area with the insect growth regulator, flea combing and flea shampoos. This is more difficult but can be very effective as well.

Flea collars are not particularly effective especially compared to the topical medications now available for flea control. Also, there is no need to treat outdoor areas, except kennels, for fleas (see above).

If your pet lives mostly indoors and has only limited contact with other potential flea sources you may only need to treat once a year.

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