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Spring time is here, but along with the warmer weather also comes an increase in fleas. Fleas are the most common pest to bother our pets and drive pet owners crazy. Controlling and eradicating fleas takes vigilance and continual compliance, even when you think the flea problem is under control. Only 5% of the flea population is easily seen, as 95% of the population is still in the egg, larvae and pupae stages. To be flea-free you need to treat, control and eradicate all stages of the life-cycle. To break the flea life-cycle you will need to treat your pet and you may also need to take action in your pet's surroundings and environment to control the fleas. A good first step to eradicate fleas is to kill the fleas that are present on the animals coat. A flea shampoo like Fido's Flea Shampoo will kill and remove the fleas, eggs, larva and pupa that are on the animal. Capstar Tablets are another option as they are a fast acting knock-down for adult fleas. These options are only effective as an immediate flea treatment and will not prevent the fleas from re-infesting the animal. The most successful and necessary treatment method when trying to control fleas is to use a monthly treatment option that works on breaking the life-cycle of the fleas. There are topical products available like Frontline, Frontline Plus, Advantix, Advantage or Revolution which are applied to the animals skin or systemic treatment options in the form of tablets like Comfortis, Sentinel or Program. You should use these types of products on a long term and permanent basis, even once you stop seeing fleas on your pet. The continued use of these in compliance with the instructions will help prevent any further flea infestations. In order to control fleas in a household you must make sure that you treat all pets in the house with a flea product. Keep in mind that dogs and cats will need different treatment products as many products are not safe to use on cats, or dogs that are in close contact with cats. It is also best to limit socialisation with pets outside the home, especially when there is a bad flea outbreak, to avoid your pets from being re-infested with new fleas. It is important when trying to eradicate fleas that on the same day as treatment and on a regular basis, you wash any bedding used by your pets. The bedding should be washed in warm to hot water and allowed to dry in direct sunlight in order to kill any fleas, eggs, larva or pupa present. There are a number of products available, like My Pet Flea Spray or Aristopet Bouquet Flea and Tick Spray that can be sprayed directly onto bedding and carpet to kill and control the fleas. If your pet comes inside or is even close to the house you must make sure you vacuum daily paying particular attention to the areas where they lie, sleep or sit. You can also use a flea bomb in the house but do take care when using them that there are no other animals in the house, like fish, at the time of use. If you have a severe flea infestation or outbreak you will need to treat the environment as well. You should use a yard or kennel spray and pay particular attention to the areas the animals like to sleep, in shady places and under the house. The only way to eradicate fleas completely is to follow the above steps and always continue a monthly treatment product, even once you think the problem is under control. uFEATURED ARTIClE Fleas 101

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