Fleas: Ultimate Control
We know! You have tried everything and nothing seems to work! You are at your wit's end and do not know what to do next in your war on fleas.
A recent study* carried out in NSW and Queensland targeted households who swore blind nothing will work. The following methods were applied with a 92% success rate. Failure only occurred when household pets were exposed to an uncontrollable source of fleas (e.g. wild animals).
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
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Ensure all pets are dosed correctly with a topical application of Frontline or Advantix once monthly (one pipette per pet) all year
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Apply the topical spot on directly to the skin when the coat is dry
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Do not bathe or shampoo pets until 48 hours after treatment
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Remove the pet's collar prior to application
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Keep the household environment clean, especially the areas where pets access, i.e. cleaning between tile cracks, floorboards and paving to reduce environmental flea populations
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Vacuum regularly to remove flea eggs, some larvae and flea excrement, and also to stimulate pupae to emerge. In severe internal environmental infestations, steam cleaning is more efficient in removing soil and debris than vacuuming (after first serious vacuuming dispose of vacuum bag!)
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Wash pet bedding, blankets etc in water greater than 60°C for 10 minutes
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Place rugs, cushions, door mats in direct sunlight every few days. Sun exposure causes very high egg and larval mortality
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The pet's favourite sleeping areas should also be cleaned regularly (e.g. remove organic debris from under the patio, veranda, kennel)
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Store the product in an area that is less than 30°C
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Flea bombs can be useful as an initial procedure. Use as directed, ensure sufficient product is used for the floor space of the dwelling.
ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS
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Block off pet's access to under the house (and any other obvious external flea infested areas)
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Discard all flea infested items
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Avoid pets swimming daily
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Avoid untreated pets visiting home premises
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Monitor flea numbers after pets have been in the yard or after walks outside the home property to ascertain whether flea numbers increase subsequent to the activity to determine the potential source of re-infestation
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Unless prescribed by your veterinarian, do not use medicated shampoo
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Do not use detergent, cleaning agents, soap or human shampoo to wash your pet as these products can strip the natural oils from your pet's coat