The Flea Control

Fleas are small insects that are able of giving
humans and their pets big hassles with a bit stab
of their proboscis. There are over 2,400 species
of fleas worldwide, but fortunately, there are
just four or five species of fleas that are a
menace to humans. The most usually found species
in America is the cat flea, which feeds upon cats
and dogs, as well as humans.

An infestation of fleas can be a grave threat,
not simply an annoyance, in some cases. Flea
bites can cause skin discomforts as well serious
allergies in pets and humans. Sometimes, more
serious fleas pass on serious diseases. So it
becomes very crucial to prevent them from
breeding, or demolishing them once they are
present, by using various measures.

The first step towards stopping the growth of the
fleas is through vacuuming the house on a regular
basis. This helps in keeping the flea population
low by killing adult and egg-stage fleas,
although vacuuming has not testified very
efficient in killing the flea larvae. As a more
sophisticated step, cracks should be sealed after
vacuuming, to permanently eradicate these
favorite breeding areas for fleas.

In cases of serious infestation, steam cleaning
and other criteria might be required. Research
shows that if a cat flea larva is exposed to
1030F for one hour, it dies. Some commercial
devices are available in the market to produce
such lethal temperatures. As this tool that
yields heat consists of a loose shaft, it can
only be applied locally. Therefore, fleas may
break away by hiding in the carpet or elsewhere.

Another technique of killing fleas is by using
insecticidal on the organic matter accumulated
outside the house. Another product, named
Insecticidal Dust, containing silica aero gel, is
also successful in killing fleas by rupturing
their skin and absorbing the oil and moisture.
The direct application of products containing
citrus peel extracts, d-limonene, and linalool on
pets’ bedding are useful in killing fleas in all
the stages of growth. Finally, pest control
products sold by veterinary doctors, like sodium
poly-borate, applied on carpets, are also useful
in killing fleas.

Taking preventative steps at the right time can
save us from the irritation and troubles caused
by these tiny creatures; but if we already have
them, there are a number of ways to get rid of
them.