Flea Frustrations

The veterinarian-recommended flea control you have given your pet is effective in killing the fleas that jump onto your pets. 

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While in the process of eliminating an infestation, you will still see fleas due to the hatching of flea eggs. Just one flea lays 40+ eggs/day in your pet’s environment. One flea has left 280 eggs over seven days before you’ve realized there is one flea. 

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When an egg hatches, the juvenile flea will quickly jump onto your pet for a blood meal. In that first jump or bite, the flea is exposed to the medication on your pet. Each exposed flea will die within 30 minutes. 

 

All indoor and outdoor pets should be kept on a quality flea product for at least 3-4 months while remaining eggs hatch. Your pets may need to remain on flea medication in the future to address future single fleas that are introduced to your pet to avoid a new infestation. 

 

Bathing will help your pet be more comfortable, but avoid bathing more than every 2-3 weeks to prevent skin dryness and prematurely breaking down water-resistant topical flea treatments. 

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Home and yard treatments can’t affect or reach all the eggs dropped in the environment during an infestation (similar to grains of sand). Eggs (with or without chemical treatment) will hatch in the house and yard over the next few months. Hatching requires vibration, time, and humidity. 

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Wash bedding (blankets, pillows, etc) that your pet lays on. Frequently vacuum carpets, rugs, and fabric furniture to keep removing some eggs until all hatching fleas are eliminated. 

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Diatomaceous Earth (food grade) is an affordable, effective, non-chemical powder which can help primarily inside the home (and can be helpful in some outdoor areas). It can be purchased at yard, farm, and garden supply stores. Google “Diatomaceous Earth for Fleas” for instructions.