Please help with flea problem
Question:
>We vacuumed and washed clothes and linens until the cows came > home. And twice we sprayed all the carpets with Mycodex-plus flea > growth inhibitor. After three days of peace we found fleas on the cats > again. We’re at wits end here. Now we are having Orkin in to spray. We > are also having the cats cleaned once again (the poor things) while > the spraying goes on, and are spraying all the upholstered furniture > with Mycodex. We are doing this all at the same time to hopefully keep > from missing anything. > Can anyone tell me whether exterminators have any better track record > than other means? If one or two fleas somehow survive the exterminator > are we right back where we started? Thanks.<<<
You must put fleapowder in your vacuum cleaner bag. Otherwise the flea larvae have a safe haven and plenty of food to develop and reinfest the house. Also vacuum your furniture, especially in the crevices. Vacuum everyday, and make sure you have fleapowder in the bag!!!! Andrea fiddlinvet
Response:
Some people put a flea collar in the vacuum cleaner bag for the same effect. Bill
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->We vacuumed and washed clothes and linens until the cows came > home. And twice we sprayed all the carpets with Mycodex-plus flea > growth inhibitor. After three days of peace we found fleas on the cats > again. We’re at wits end here. Now we are having Orkin in to spray. We > are also having the cats cleaned once again (the poor things) while > the spraying goes on, and are spraying all the upholstered furniture > with Mycodex. We are doing this all at the same time to hopefully keep > from missing anything. > Can anyone tell me whether exterminators have any better track record > than other means? If one or two fleas somehow survive the exterminator > are we right back where we started? Thanks.<<< > You must put fleapowder in your vacuum cleaner bag. Otherwise the flea > larvae have a safe haven and plenty of food to develop and reinfest the > house. > Also vacuum your furniture, especially in the crevices. Vacuum everyday, > and make sure you have fleapowder in the bag!!!! > Andrea fiddlinvet
Response:
I’ve had good luck with professional exterminators eliminating fleas in my house (but this was after my cat died). Be sure to protect your cats from any toxic effect of what the exterminators do. Get this information in advance of the treatment, and don’t forget to consult your vet about it. Frontline or Advantage placed behind the cats’ shoulders will take care of fleas that jump on the cat. However, there will always be times when you notice a flea on your cat that hasn’t been killed yet or flea dirt. An occasional flea seen on the carpet or elsewhere shouldn’t be unexpected either. As you say in your post, you’ve only found three live fleas. This really isn’t unreasonable even if your cats are never allowed outside. Bill
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I need help with flea control for my two cats. I’ve never had fleas > before so I know almost nothing and am very worried. They are indoor > cats but got out and now have fleas. > My cats were found to have fleas about two weeks ago. One week ago > they were both treated with Frontline. They also had flea-dip and > shampoo. I was told the Frontline was supposed to kill any fleas in > 24-48 hours. After a week, more flea dirt was found on one cat and one > live flea was found in the other. How can this happen if Frontline is > supposed to be so good? > As for treating the house, I’ve vaccumed every surface as best I could > (I’m sure I missed something) and sprayed the carpets with > Mycodex-plus from my vet. I now wash their bedding almost every day. I > vaccummed the furniture and covered it with towels, which I wash every > one to two days. I vaccuum the carpets every two to three days. Then > today I found two fleas on the bed spread for my bed. I also removed > the cats’ litter and got them a new box. > I have only seen three live fleas, one on one of the cats and two on > the bed. This doesn’t seem like a major infestation, at least not > compared to some of what I’ve read. As far as I know neither my wife > nor myself has been bitten. > What am I doing wrong? Can anyone tell me when I should see some > relief and what else I can do? I’m worried about what the poor cats > must be going through. At this point the only things I can think of > are getting a professional exterminator and shaving the cats. Does > that work? Help! > Here’s more info on the problem. We went through several flea dips and > baths. We vacuumed and washed clothes and linens until the cows came > home. And twice we sprayed all the carpets with Mycodex-plus flea > growth inhibitor. After three days of peace we found fleas on the cats > again. We’re at wits end here. Now we are having Orkin in to spray. We > are also having the cats cleaned once again (the poor things) while > the spraying goes on, and are spraying all the upholstered furniture > with Mycodex. We are doing this all at the same time to hopefully keep > from missing anything. > Can anyone tell me whether exterminators have any better track record > than other means? If one or two fleas somehow survive the exterminator > are we right back where we started? Thanks.
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I need help with flea control for my two cats. I’ve never had fleas > before so I know almost nothing and am very worried. They are indoor > cats but got out and now have fleas. > My cats were found to have fleas about two weeks ago. One week ago > they were both treated with Frontline. They also had flea-dip and > shampoo. I was told the Frontline was supposed to kill any fleas in > 24-48 hours. After a week, more flea dirt was found on one cat and one > live flea was found in the other. How can this happen if Frontline is > supposed to be so good? > As for treating the house, I’ve vaccumed every surface as best I could > (I’m sure I missed something) and sprayed the carpets with > Mycodex-plus from my vet. I now wash their bedding almost every day. I > vaccummed the furniture and covered it with towels, which I wash every > one to two days. I vaccuum the carpets every two to three days. Then > today I found two fleas on the bed spread for my bed. I also removed > the cats’ litter and got them a new box. > I have only seen three live fleas, one on one of the cats and two on > the bed. This doesn’t seem like a major infestation, at least not > compared to some of what I’ve read. As far as I know neither my wife > nor myself has been bitten. > What am I doing wrong? Can anyone tell me when I should see some > relief and what else I can do? I’m worried about what the poor cats > must be going through. At this point the only things I can think of > are getting a professional exterminator and shaving the cats. Does > that work? Help!
Here’s more info on the problem. We went through several flea dips and baths. We vacuumed and washed clothes and linens until the cows came home. And twice we sprayed all the carpets with Mycodex-plus flea growth inhibitor. After three days of peace we found fleas on the cats again. We’re at wits end here. Now we are having Orkin in to spray. We are also having the cats cleaned once again (the poor things) while the spraying goes on, and are spraying all the upholstered furniture with Mycodex. We are doing this all at the same time to hopefully keep from missing anything. Can anyone tell me whether exterminators have any better track record than other means? If one or two fleas somehow survive the exterminator are we right back where we started? Thanks.
Response:
>Advantage kills the fleas within hours. I believe Frontline works by >not letting fleas reproduce. >Try Advantage
Advantage works for us very well. I don’t think Frontline is an insect growth regulatorr though; I believe it works by killing the adult fleas. Program is one of the brands that work by using an IGR. Sherry
Response:
I found this quite useful set of comparisons … http://www.placervillevet.com/flea_control.htm Jim
Response:
Even indoor pets can get fleas – from their owners playing with others’ pets, or just walking around outside and bringing the fleas inside on their clothing. I had two cats and a german shepherd and terrible fleas! I live in south Florida where fleas live everywhere. Even my lawn had fleas! We tried everything because even walking from one room to another, fleas would jump all over us. We tried EVERYTHING -dips, the vet, bombs etc. I finally ran across a company called RID-X or it may have been RID-A-FLEA but it was a white powder. I paid this guy 150.00 and he came with buckets of this white powder and broomed it into my carpet, under couch cushions, and basically everywhere. His instructions were not to vacuum for 7 days. It took 2 or 3 days to see major results but after a few more days there were no more fleas. NONE! That was 8 years ago and still no fleas. I no longer have the dog but I still have two cats and they have NO FLEAS. My suggestion is to find out what that powder was. It was NOT a poison but it sure worked and still is. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I need help with flea control for my two cats. I’ve never had fleas > before so I know almost nothing and am very worried. They are indoor > cats but got out and now have fleas. > My cats were found to have fleas about two weeks ago. One week ago > they were both treated with Frontline. They also had flea-dip and > shampoo. I was told the Frontline was supposed to kill any fleas in > 24-48 hours. After a week, more flea dirt was found on one cat and one > live flea was found in the other. How can this happen if Frontline is > supposed to be so good? > As for treating the house, I’ve vaccumed every surface as best I could > (I’m sure I missed something) and sprayed the carpets with > Mycodex-plus from my vet. I now wash their bedding almost every day. I > vaccummed the furniture and covered it with towels, which I wash every > one to two days. I vaccuum the carpets every two to three days. Then > today I found two fleas on the bed spread for my bed. I also removed > the cats’ litter and got them a new box. > I have only seen three live fleas, one on one of the cats and two on > the bed. This doesn’t seem like a major infestation, at least not > compared to some of what I’ve read. As far as I know neither my wife > nor myself has been bitten. > What am I doing wrong? Can anyone tell me when I should see some > relief and what else I can do? I’m worried about what the poor cats > must be going through. At this point the only things I can think of > are getting a professional exterminator and shaving the cats. Does > that work? Help!
Response:
> I need help with flea control for my two cats. I’ve never had fleas > before so I know almost nothing and am very worried. They are indoor > cats but got out and now have fleas.
Heavens, don’t panic! Fleas are a nuisance, but not the end of the world. > My cats were found to have fleas about two weeks ago. One week ago > they were both treated with Frontline. They also had flea-dip and > shampoo. I was told the Frontline was supposed to kill any fleas in > 24-48 hours. After a week, more flea dirt was found on one cat and one > live flea was found in the other. How can this happen if Frontline is > supposed to be so good?
Don’t bathe the cats right before or after treatment with Frontline. The oils on the cat’s fur allow the Frontline to be carried all over the cat’s body (from the back of the neck), as the cat moves around. Bathing the cat too soon afterward or right before can interfere with this process. > As for treating the house, I’ve vaccumed every surface as best I could > (I’m sure I missed something) and sprayed the carpets with > Mycodex-plus from my vet. I now wash their bedding almost every day. I > vaccummed the furniture and covered it with towels, which I wash every > one to two days. I vaccuum the carpets every two to three days. Then > today I found two fleas on the bed spread for my bed. I also removed > the cats’ litter and got them a new box.
Frontline doesn’t kill flea eggs, which still may hatch in your carpets and hop onto your cats. Once exposed to the Frontline on the cats, they will die-hopefully, before they can lay more eggs. The cycle will be broken, but it might take a while, especially if the infestation is severe. If you want this to go faster, ask your vet if you can give your cats Program in addition to using the Frontline. This is a product you put in your cat’s food (one dose a month, until the problem is fixed). It’s like birth control for fleas-it thwarts any fleas that survive the Frontline and who bite your cat. They still lay eggs, but the eggs don’t hatch. That breaks the cycle. Also, keep in mind that flea eggs can hatch in your vacuum cleaner bag. Replace it after every vacuuming, or put a cut-up flea collar in the bag (this is the only good use for flea collars, as far as I’m concerned). Don’t use flea bombs or any other toxic substances in your house-they aren’t very effective and they can be dangerous for humans and pets. The Frontline/Program flea collar in the vacuum bag routine should be effective. > I have only seen three live fleas, one on one of the cats and two on > the bed. This doesn’t seem like a major infestation, at least not > compared to some of what I’ve read. As far as I know neither my wife > nor myself has been bitten.
The conventional wisdom is that there may actually be 10-100 times as many fleas as you can see! I have no idea if that’s literally true, but it is likely that you aren’t seeing all of them. > What am I doing wrong? Can anyone tell me when I should see some > relief and what else I can do? I’m worried about what the poor cats > must be going through. At this point the only things I can think of > are getting a professional exterminator and shaving the cats. Does > that work? Help!
Don’t shave the cats (poor kitties), and don’t let an exterminator take your money and fill your house with toxins. Continue with the Frontline (and, optionally, Program) until the problem is fixed, or until cold weather sets in. Good luck, Marca
Response:
I don’t believe either Frontline or Advantage claim to kill 100% of fleas on the cat immediately. It’s closer to 99% of the fleas killed after a few hours or days, perhaps. Also, new fleas can hop on your cat after even if all the existing ones are killed. Both these products are good, but using them doesn’t mean you won’t find a live flea on your cat occasionally. Most people recommend you put a flea collar in your vacuum cleaner bag when you vacuum. That way, any live fleas that are taken up will be killed in the bag rather than having the opportunity to find their way out again. I’ve used a reputable professional exterminator experienced in flea control in the past with good results. If neither you nor your wife have been bitten by fleas, your flea problem really isn’t that bad. It sounds like you’ve gotten a handle on the problem before things could get out of hand. Bill
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I need help with flea control for my two cats. I’ve never had fleas > before so I know almost nothing and am very worried. They are indoor > cats but got out and now have fleas. > My cats were found to have fleas about two weeks ago. One week ago > they were both treated with Frontline. They also had flea-dip and > shampoo. I was told the Frontline was supposed to kill any fleas in > 24-48 hours. After a week, more flea dirt was found on one cat and one > live flea was found in the other. How can this happen if Frontline is > supposed to be so good? > As for treating the house, I’ve vaccumed every surface as best I could > (I’m sure I missed something) and sprayed the carpets with > Mycodex-plus from my vet. I now wash their bedding almost every day. I > vaccummed the furniture and covered it with towels, which I wash every > one to two days. I vaccuum the carpets every two to three days. Then > today I found two fleas on the bed spread for my bed. I also removed > the cats’ litter and got them a new box. > I have only seen three live fleas, one on one of the cats and two on > the bed. This doesn’t seem like a major infestation, at least not > compared to some of what I’ve read. As far as I know neither my wife > nor myself has been bitten. > What am I doing wrong? Can anyone tell me when I should see some > relief and what else I can do? I’m worried about what the poor cats > must be going through. At this point the only things I can think of > are getting a professional exterminator and shaving the cats. Does > that work? Help!
Response:
snip > The problem with inside fleas is that a female flea can go without a blood >meal for 120 days. And all it takes is one. How did your cats get fleas, >anyway? Isn’t your house clean?
well there’s a provocative and ill-founded question ….:0) Jim – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> IBen G.
Response:
>I need help with flea control for my two cats. I’ve never had fleas >before so I know almost nothing and am very worried. They are indoor >cats but got out and now have fleas. >My cats were found to have fleas about two weeks ago. One week ago >they were both treated with Frontline. They also had flea-dip and >shampoo.
Frontline last, *after* the shampoo I hope … >I was told the Frontline was supposed to kill any fleas in >24-48 hours. After a week, more flea dirt was found on one cat and one >live flea was found in the other. How can this happen if Frontline is >supposed to be so good?
Fleas in the environment will continue to get on the cats, and it takes a few hours for the frontline to kill those fleas, so you may well find evidence on the cats until the fleas in your house die out. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->As for treating the house, I’ve vaccumed every surface as best I could >(I’m sure I missed something) and sprayed the carpets with >Mycodex-plus from my vet. I now wash their bedding almost every day. I >vaccummed the furniture and covered it with towels, which I wash every >one to two days. I vaccuum the carpets every two to three days. Then >today I found two fleas on the bed spread for my bed. I also removed >the cats’ litter and got them a new box. >I have only seen three live fleas, one on one of the cats and two on >the bed. This doesn’t seem like a major infestation, at least not >compared to some of what I’ve read. As far as I know neither my wife >nor myself has been bitten. >What am I doing wrong? Can anyone tell me when I should see some >relief and what else I can do? I’m worried about what the poor cats >must be going through. At this point the only things I can think of >are getting a professional exterminator and shaving the cats. Does >that work? Help!
Don’t *panic* … they’re cat fleas, and they won’t kill you. The fleas can’t live on *you* and if you’ve treated the cats properly directly onto the *skin* on the back of their necks, the fleas can’t live on them, so just keep up normal vaccuuming the carpets and wash their bedding as often as you like. We have two outdoor cats, only use frontine and don’t have any fleas .. Jim
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I need help with flea control for my two cats. I’ve never had fleas > before so I know almost nothing and am very worried. They are indoor > cats but got out and now have fleas. > My cats were found to have fleas about two weeks ago. One week ago > they were both treated with Frontline. They also had flea-dip and > shampoo. I was told the Frontline was supposed to kill any fleas in > 24-48 hours. After a week, more flea dirt was found on one cat and one > live flea was found in the other. How can this happen if Frontline is > supposed to be so good? > As for treating the house, I’ve vaccumed every surface as best I could > (I’m sure I missed something) and sprayed the carpets with > Mycodex-plus from my vet. I now wash their bedding almost every day. I > vaccummed the furniture and covered it with towels, which I wash every > one to two days. I vaccuum the carpets every two to three days. Then > today I found two fleas on the bed spread for my bed. I also removed > the cats’ litter and got them a new box. > I have only seen three live fleas, one on one of the cats and two on > the bed. This doesn’t seem like a major infestation, at least not > compared to some of what I’ve read. As far as I know neither my wife > nor myself has been bitten. > What am I doing wrong? Can anyone tell me when I should see some > relief and what else I can do? I’m worried about what the poor cats > must be going through. At this point the only things I can think of > are getting a professional exterminator and shaving the cats. Does > that work? Help!
I have had the same experience. Frontline has not worked well for me and Advantage has. But there are people on this NG that swear by Frontline, so I guess it’s trial and error. You are working way too hard. The solution for me was to buy a flea bomb (from my vet) for every room. Follow the directions, I had to set mine in the middle of each room on a table or ladder. Board your pets for the day. Leave in the morning setting the bombs off and don’t come back until 5PM. Air out your place before you pick up your furries. This worked like a charm but I felt bad about the spiders. Later on I had my carpeting taken out. I have very mild flea problems and my cats are indoor/outdoor. Good Luck!
Response:
We went thru the same thing with our cat, and still do. He had fleas when we got him at 7 weeks old…. too young to dip, and we’ve had them ever since. We got him on that prescription Advantage stuff as soon as we could, and that seems to keep them under control. But we still can’t completely get rid of them. Near the end of the month, he starts getting them again (this probably explaines his excessive grooming problem). But as soon as it reaches 30 days, we give him the Advantage again and he’s good to go for another month or so. It seems that once you get them, you always have them. In a hot and humid climate like where I live, fleas never seem to go away. My brother-in-law had a long haired German Shepherd back in the 70’s who had fleas so bad that he needed a blood transfusion. The vet fully expected him to die, but he made it. He was an outside dog, and outside fleas are even worse than inside ones. The problem with inside fleas is that a female flea can go without a blood meal for 120 days. And all it takes is one. How did your cats get fleas, anyway? Isn’t your house clean? IBen G.
Response:
I need help with flea control for my two cats. I’ve never had fleas before so I know almost nothing and am very worried. They are indoor cats but got out and now have fleas. My cats were found to have fleas about two weeks ago. One week ago they were both treated with Frontline. They also had flea-dip and shampoo. I was told the Frontline was supposed to kill any fleas in 24-48 hours. After a week, more flea dirt was found on one cat and one live flea was found in the other. How can this happen if Frontline is supposed to be so good? As for treating the house, I’ve vaccumed every surface as best I could (I’m sure I missed something) and sprayed the carpets with Mycodex-plus from my vet. I now wash their bedding almost every day. I vaccummed the furniture and covered it with towels, which I wash every one to two days. I vaccuum the carpets every two to three days. Then today I found two fleas on the bed spread for my bed. I also removed the cats’ litter and got them a new box. I have only seen three live fleas, one on one of the cats and two on the bed. This doesn’t seem like a major infestation, at least not compared to some of what I’ve read. As far as I know neither my wife nor myself has been bitten. What am I doing wrong? Can anyone tell me when I should see some relief and what else I can do? I’m worried about what the poor cats must be going through. At this point the only things I can think of are getting a professional exterminator and shaving the cats. Does that work? Help!
Response:
>We vacuumed and washed clothes and linens until the cows came > home. And twice we sprayed all the carpets with Mycodex-plus flea > growth inhibitor. After three days of peace we found fleas on the cats > again. We’re at wits end here. Now we are having Orkin in to spray. We > are also having the cats cleaned once again (the poor things) while > the spraying goes on, and are spraying all the upholstered furniture > with Mycodex. We are doing this all at the same time to hopefully keep > from missing anything. > Can anyone tell me whether exterminators have any better track record > than other means? If one or two fleas somehow survive the exterminator > are we right back where we started? Thanks.<<<
You must put fleapowder in your vacuum cleaner bag. Otherwise the flea larvae have a safe haven and plenty of food to develop and reinfest the house. Also vacuum your furniture, especially in the crevices. Vacuum everyday, and make sure you have fleapowder in the bag!!!! Andrea fiddlinvet
Response:
Some people put a flea collar in the vacuum cleaner bag for the same effect. Bill
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->We vacuumed and washed clothes and linens until the cows came > home. And twice we sprayed all the carpets with Mycodex-plus flea > growth inhibitor. After three days of peace we found fleas on the cats > again. We’re at wits end here. Now we are having Orkin in to spray. We > are also having the cats cleaned once again (the poor things) while > the spraying goes on, and are spraying all the upholstered furniture > with Mycodex. We are doing this all at the same time to hopefully keep > from missing anything. > Can anyone tell me whether exterminators have any better track record > than other means? If one or two fleas somehow survive the exterminator > are we right back where we started? Thanks.<<< > You must put fleapowder in your vacuum cleaner bag. Otherwise the flea > larvae have a safe haven and plenty of food to develop and reinfest the > house. > Also vacuum your furniture, especially in the crevices. Vacuum everyday, > and make sure you have fleapowder in the bag!!!! > Andrea fiddlinvet
Response:
I’ve had good luck with professional exterminators eliminating fleas in my house (but this was after my cat died). Be sure to protect your cats from any toxic effect of what the exterminators do. Get this information in advance of the treatment, and don’t forget to consult your vet about it. Frontline or Advantage placed behind the cats’ shoulders will take care of fleas that jump on the cat. However, there will always be times when you notice a flea on your cat that hasn’t been killed yet or flea dirt. An occasional flea seen on the carpet or elsewhere shouldn’t be unexpected either. As you say in your post, you’ve only found three live fleas. This really isn’t unreasonable even if your cats are never allowed outside. Bill
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I need help with flea control for my two cats. I’ve never had fleas > before so I know almost nothing and am very worried. They are indoor > cats but got out and now have fleas. > My cats were found to have fleas about two weeks ago. One week ago > they were both treated with Frontline. They also had flea-dip and > shampoo. I was told the Frontline was supposed to kill any fleas in > 24-48 hours. After a week, more flea dirt was found on one cat and one > live flea was found in the other. How can this happen if Frontline is > supposed to be so good? > As for treating the house, I’ve vaccumed every surface as best I could > (I’m sure I missed something) and sprayed the carpets with > Mycodex-plus from my vet. I now wash their bedding almost every day. I > vaccummed the furniture and covered it with towels, which I wash every > one to two days. I vaccuum the carpets every two to three days. Then > today I found two fleas on the bed spread for my bed. I also removed > the cats’ litter and got them a new box. > I have only seen three live fleas, one on one of the cats and two on > the bed. This doesn’t seem like a major infestation, at least not > compared to some of what I’ve read. As far as I know neither my wife > nor myself has been bitten. > What am I doing wrong? Can anyone tell me when I should see some > relief and what else I can do? I’m worried about what the poor cats > must be going through. At this point the only things I can think of > are getting a professional exterminator and shaving the cats. Does > that work? Help! > Here’s more info on the problem. We went through several flea dips and > baths. We vacuumed and washed clothes and linens until the cows came > home. And twice we sprayed all the carpets with Mycodex-plus flea > growth inhibitor. After three days of peace we found fleas on the cats > again. We’re at wits end here. Now we are having Orkin in to spray. We > are also having the cats cleaned once again (the poor things) while > the spraying goes on, and are spraying all the upholstered furniture > with Mycodex. We are doing this all at the same time to hopefully keep > from missing anything. > Can anyone tell me whether exterminators have any better track record > than other means? If one or two fleas somehow survive the exterminator > are we right back where we started? Thanks.
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I need help with flea control for my two cats. I’ve never had fleas > before so I know almost nothing and am very worried. They are indoor > cats but got out and now have fleas. > My cats were found to have fleas about two weeks ago. One week ago > they were both treated with Frontline. They also had flea-dip and > shampoo. I was told the Frontline was supposed to kill any fleas in > 24-48 hours. After a week, more flea dirt was found on one cat and one > live flea was found in the other. How can this happen if Frontline is > supposed to be so good? > As for treating the house, I’ve vaccumed every surface as best I could > (I’m sure I missed something) and sprayed the carpets with > Mycodex-plus from my vet. I now wash their bedding almost every day. I > vaccummed the furniture and covered it with towels, which I wash every > one to two days. I vaccuum the carpets every two to three days. Then > today I found two fleas on the bed spread for my bed. I also removed > the cats’ litter and got them a new box. > I have only seen three live fleas, one on one of the cats and two on > the bed. This doesn’t seem like a major infestation, at least not > compared to some of what I’ve read. As far as I know neither my wife > nor myself has been bitten. > What am I doing wrong? Can anyone tell me when I should see some > relief and what else I can do? I’m worried about what the poor cats > must be going through. At this point the only things I can think of > are getting a professional exterminator and shaving the cats. Does > that work? Help!
Here’s more info on the problem. We went through several flea dips and baths. We vacuumed and washed clothes and linens until the cows came home. And twice we sprayed all the carpets with Mycodex-plus flea growth inhibitor. After three days of peace we found fleas on the cats again. We’re at wits end here. Now we are having Orkin in to spray. We are also having the cats cleaned once again (the poor things) while the spraying goes on, and are spraying all the upholstered furniture with Mycodex. We are doing this all at the same time to hopefully keep from missing anything. Can anyone tell me whether exterminators have any better track record than other means? If one or two fleas somehow survive the exterminator are we right back where we started? Thanks.
Response:
>Advantage kills the fleas within hours. I believe Frontline works by >not letting fleas reproduce. >Try Advantage
Advantage works for us very well. I don’t think Frontline is an insect growth regulatorr though; I believe it works by killing the adult fleas. Program is one of the brands that work by using an IGR. Sherry
Response:
I found this quite useful set of comparisons … http://www.placervillevet.com/flea_control.htm Jim
Response:
Even indoor pets can get fleas – from their owners playing with others’ pets, or just walking around outside and bringing the fleas inside on their clothing. I had two cats and a german shepherd and terrible fleas! I live in south Florida where fleas live everywhere. Even my lawn had fleas! We tried everything because even walking from one room to another, fleas would jump all over us. We tried EVERYTHING -dips, the vet, bombs etc. I finally ran across a company called RID-X or it may have been RID-A-FLEA but it was a white powder. I paid this guy 150.00 and he came with buckets of this white powder and broomed it into my carpet, under couch cushions, and basically everywhere. His instructions were not to vacuum for 7 days. It took 2 or 3 days to see major results but after a few more days there were no more fleas. NONE! That was 8 years ago and still no fleas. I no longer have the dog but I still have two cats and they have NO FLEAS. My suggestion is to find out what that powder was. It was NOT a poison but it sure worked and still is. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I need help with flea control for my two cats. I’ve never had fleas > before so I know almost nothing and am very worried. They are indoor > cats but got out and now have fleas. > My cats were found to have fleas about two weeks ago. One week ago > they were both treated with Frontline. They also had flea-dip and > shampoo. I was told the Frontline was supposed to kill any fleas in > 24-48 hours. After a week, more flea dirt was found on one cat and one > live flea was found in the other. How can this happen if Frontline is > supposed to be so good? > As for treating the house, I’ve vaccumed every surface as best I could > (I’m sure I missed something) and sprayed the carpets with > Mycodex-plus from my vet. I now wash their bedding almost every day. I > vaccummed the furniture and covered it with towels, which I wash every > one to two days. I vaccuum the carpets every two to three days. Then > today I found two fleas on the bed spread for my bed. I also removed > the cats’ litter and got them a new box. > I have only seen three live fleas, one on one of the cats and two on > the bed. This doesn’t seem like a major infestation, at least not > compared to some of what I’ve read. As far as I know neither my wife > nor myself has been bitten. > What am I doing wrong? Can anyone tell me when I should see some > relief and what else I can do? I’m worried about what the poor cats > must be going through. At this point the only things I can think of > are getting a professional exterminator and shaving the cats. Does > that work? Help!
Response:
> I need help with flea control for my two cats. I’ve never had fleas > before so I know almost nothing and am very worried. They are indoor > cats but got out and now have fleas.
Heavens, don’t panic! Fleas are a nuisance, but not the end of the world. > My cats were found to have fleas about two weeks ago. One week ago > they were both treated with Frontline. They also had flea-dip and > shampoo. I was told the Frontline was supposed to kill any fleas in > 24-48 hours. After a week, more flea dirt was found on one cat and one > live flea was found in the other. How can this happen if Frontline is > supposed to be so good?
Don’t bathe the cats right before or after treatment with Frontline. The oils on the cat’s fur allow the Frontline to be carried all over the cat’s body (from the back of the neck), as the cat moves around. Bathing the cat too soon afterward or right before can interfere with this process. > As for treating the house, I’ve vaccumed every surface as best I could > (I’m sure I missed something) and sprayed the carpets with > Mycodex-plus from my vet. I now wash their bedding almost every day. I > vaccummed the furniture and covered it with towels, which I wash every > one to two days. I vaccuum the carpets every two to three days. Then > today I found two fleas on the bed spread for my bed. I also removed > the cats’ litter and got them a new box.
Frontline doesn’t kill flea eggs, which still may hatch in your carpets and hop onto your cats. Once exposed to the Frontline on the cats, they will die-hopefully, before they can lay more eggs. The cycle will be broken, but it might take a while, especially if the infestation is severe. If you want this to go faster, ask your vet if you can give your cats Program in addition to using the Frontline. This is a product you put in your cat’s food (one dose a month, until the problem is fixed). It’s like birth control for fleas-it thwarts any fleas that survive the Frontline and who bite your cat. They still lay eggs, but the eggs don’t hatch. That breaks the cycle. Also, keep in mind that flea eggs can hatch in your vacuum cleaner bag. Replace it after every vacuuming, or put a cut-up flea collar in the bag (this is the only good use for flea collars, as far as I’m concerned). Don’t use flea bombs or any other toxic substances in your house-they aren’t very effective and they can be dangerous for humans and pets. The Frontline/Program flea collar in the vacuum bag routine should be effective. > I have only seen three live fleas, one on one of the cats and two on > the bed. This doesn’t seem like a major infestation, at least not > compared to some of what I’ve read. As far as I know neither my wife > nor myself has been bitten.
The conventional wisdom is that there may actually be 10-100 times as many fleas as you can see! I have no idea if that’s literally true, but it is likely that you aren’t seeing all of them. > What am I doing wrong? Can anyone tell me when I should see some > relief and what else I can do? I’m worried about what the poor cats > must be going through. At this point the only things I can think of > are getting a professional exterminator and shaving the cats. Does > that work? Help!
Don’t shave the cats (poor kitties), and don’t let an exterminator take your money and fill your house with toxins. Continue with the Frontline (and, optionally, Program) until the problem is fixed, or until cold weather sets in. Good luck, Marca
Response:
I don’t believe either Frontline or Advantage claim to kill 100% of fleas on the cat immediately. It’s closer to 99% of the fleas killed after a few hours or days, perhaps. Also, new fleas can hop on your cat after even if all the existing ones are killed. Both these products are good, but using them doesn’t mean you won’t find a live flea on your cat occasionally. Most people recommend you put a flea collar in your vacuum cleaner bag when you vacuum. That way, any live fleas that are taken up will be killed in the bag rather than having the opportunity to find their way out again. I’ve used a reputable professional exterminator experienced in flea control in the past with good results. If neither you nor your wife have been bitten by fleas, your flea problem really isn’t that bad. It sounds like you’ve gotten a handle on the problem before things could get out of hand. Bill
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I need help with flea control for my two cats. I’ve never had fleas > before so I know almost nothing and am very worried. They are indoor > cats but got out and now have fleas. > My cats were found to have fleas about two weeks ago. One week ago > they were both treated with Frontline. They also had flea-dip and > shampoo. I was told the Frontline was supposed to kill any fleas in > 24-48 hours. After a week, more flea dirt was found on one cat and one > live flea was found in the other. How can this happen if Frontline is > supposed to be so good? > As for treating the house, I’ve vaccumed every surface as best I could > (I’m sure I missed something) and sprayed the carpets with > Mycodex-plus from my vet. I now wash their bedding almost every day. I > vaccummed the furniture and covered it with towels, which I wash every > one to two days. I vaccuum the carpets every two to three days. Then > today I found two fleas on the bed spread for my bed. I also removed > the cats’ litter and got them a new box. > I have only seen three live fleas, one on one of the cats and two on > the bed. This doesn’t seem like a major infestation, at least not > compared to some of what I’ve read. As far as I know neither my wife > nor myself has been bitten. > What am I doing wrong? Can anyone tell me when I should see some > relief and what else I can do? I’m worried about what the poor cats > must be going through. At this point the only things I can think of > are getting a professional exterminator and shaving the cats. Does > that work? Help!
Response:
snip > The problem with inside fleas is that a female flea can go without a blood >meal for 120 days. And all it takes is one. How did your cats get fleas, >anyway? Isn’t your house clean?
well there’s a provocative and ill-founded question ….:0) Jim – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> IBen G.
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>I need help with flea control for my two cats. I’ve never had fleas >before so I know almost nothing and am very worried. They are indoor >cats but got out and now have fleas. >My cats were found to have fleas about two weeks ago. One week ago >they were both treated with Frontline. They also had flea-dip and >shampoo.
Frontline last, *after* the shampoo I hope … >I was told the Frontline was supposed to kill any fleas in >24-48 hours. After a week, more flea dirt was found on one cat and one >live flea was found in the other. How can this happen if Frontline is >supposed to be so good?
Fleas in the environment will continue to get on the cats, and it takes a few hours for the frontline to kill those fleas, so you may well find evidence on the cats until the fleas in your house die out. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->As for treating the house, I’ve vaccumed every surface as best I could >(I’m sure I missed something) and sprayed the carpets with >Mycodex-plus from my vet. I now wash their bedding almost every day. I >vaccummed the furniture and covered it with towels, which I wash every >one to two days. I vaccuum the carpets every two to three days. Then >today I found two fleas on the bed spread for my bed. I also removed >the cats’ litter and got them a new box. >I have only seen three live fleas, one on one of the cats and two on >the bed. This doesn’t seem like a major infestation, at least not >compared to some of what I’ve read. As far as I know neither my wife >nor myself has been bitten. >What am I doing wrong? Can anyone tell me when I should see some >relief and what else I can do? I’m worried about what the poor cats >must be going through. At this point the only things I can think of >are getting a professional exterminator and shaving the cats. Does >that work? Help!
Don’t *panic* … they’re cat fleas, and they won’t kill you. The fleas can’t live on *you* and if you’ve treated the cats properly directly onto the *skin* on the back of their necks, the fleas can’t live on them, so just keep up normal vaccuuming the carpets and wash their bedding as often as you like. We have two outdoor cats, only use frontine and don’t have any fleas .. Jim
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I need help with flea control for my two cats. I’ve never had fleas > before so I know almost nothing and am very worried. They are indoor > cats but got out and now have fleas. > My cats were found to have fleas about two weeks ago. One week ago > they were both treated with Frontline. They also had flea-dip and > shampoo. I was told the Frontline was supposed to kill any fleas in > 24-48 hours. After a week, more flea dirt was found on one cat and one > live flea was found in the other. How can this happen if Frontline is > supposed to be so good? > As for treating the house, I’ve vaccumed every surface as best I could > (I’m sure I missed something) and sprayed the carpets with > Mycodex-plus from my vet. I now wash their bedding almost every day. I > vaccummed the furniture and covered it with towels, which I wash every > one to two days. I vaccuum the carpets every two to three days. Then > today I found two fleas on the bed spread for my bed. I also removed > the cats’ litter and got them a new box. > I have only seen three live fleas, one on one of the cats and two on > the bed. This doesn’t seem like a major infestation, at least not > compared to some of what I’ve read. As far as I know neither my wife > nor myself has been bitten. > What am I doing wrong? Can anyone tell me when I should see some > relief and what else I can do? I’m worried about what the poor cats > must be going through. At this point the only things I can think of > are getting a professional exterminator and shaving the cats. Does > that work? Help!
I have had the same experience. Frontline has not worked well for me and Advantage has. But there are people on this NG that swear by Frontline, so I guess it’s trial and error. You are working way too hard. The solution for me was to buy a flea bomb (from my vet) for every room. Follow the directions, I had to set mine in the middle of each room on a table or ladder. Board your pets for the day. Leave in the morning setting the bombs off and don’t come back until 5PM. Air out your place before you pick up your furries. This worked like a charm but I felt bad about the spiders. Later on I had my carpeting taken out. I have very mild flea problems and my cats are indoor/outdoor. Good Luck!
Response:
We went thru the same thing with our cat, and still do. He had fleas when we got him at 7 weeks old…. too young to dip, and we’ve had them ever since. We got him on that prescription Advantage stuff as soon as we could, and that seems to keep them under control. But we still can’t completely get rid of them. Near the end of the month, he starts getting them again (this probably explaines his excessive grooming problem). But as soon as it reaches 30 days, we give him the Advantage again and he’s good to go for another month or so. It seems that once you get them, you always have them. In a hot and humid climate like where I live, fleas never seem to go away. My brother-in-law had a long haired German Shepherd back in the 70’s who had fleas so bad that he needed a blood transfusion. The vet fully expected him to die, but he made it. He was an outside dog, and outside fleas are even worse than inside ones. The problem with inside fleas is that a female flea can go without a blood meal for 120 days. And all it takes is one. How did your cats get fleas, anyway? Isn’t your house clean? IBen G.
Response:
I need help with flea control for my two cats. I’ve never had fleas before so I know almost nothing and am very worried. They are indoor cats but got out and now have fleas. My cats were found to have fleas about two weeks ago. One week ago they were both treated with Frontline. They also had flea-dip and shampoo. I was told the Frontline was supposed to kill any fleas in 24-48 hours. After a week, more flea dirt was found on one cat and one live flea was found in the other. How can this happen if Frontline is supposed to be so good? As for treating the house, I’ve vaccumed every surface as best I could (I’m sure I missed something) and sprayed the carpets with Mycodex-plus from my vet. I now wash their bedding almost every day. I vaccummed the furniture and covered it with towels, which I wash every one to two days. I vaccuum the carpets every two to three days. Then today I found two fleas on the bed spread for my bed. I also removed the cats’ litter and got them a new box. I have only seen three live fleas, one on one of the cats and two on the bed. This doesn’t seem like a major infestation, at least not compared to some of what I’ve read. As far as I know neither my wife nor myself has been bitten. What am I doing wrong? Can anyone tell me when I should see some relief and what else I can do? I’m worried about what the poor cats must be going through. At this point the only things I can think of are getting a professional exterminator and shaving the cats. Does that work? Help!
Response:
>We vacuumed and washed clothes and linens until the cows came > home. And twice we sprayed all the carpets with Mycodex-plus flea > growth inhibitor. After three days of peace we found fleas on the cats > again. We’re at wits end here. Now we are having Orkin in to spray. We > are also having the cats cleaned once again (the poor things) while > the spraying goes on, and are spraying all the upholstered furniture > with Mycodex. We are doing this all at the same time to hopefully keep > from missing anything. > Can anyone tell me whether exterminators have any better track record > than other means? If one or two fleas somehow survive the exterminator > are we right back where we started? Thanks.<<<
You must put fleapowder in your vacuum cleaner bag. Otherwise the flea larvae have a safe haven and plenty of food to develop and reinfest the house. Also vacuum your furniture, especially in the crevices. Vacuum everyday, and make sure you have fleapowder in the bag!!!! Andrea fiddlinvet
Response:
Some people put a flea collar in the vacuum cleaner bag for the same effect. Bill
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->We vacuumed and washed clothes and linens until the cows came > home. And twice we sprayed all the carpets with Mycodex-plus flea > growth inhibitor. After three days of peace we found fleas on the cats > again. We’re at wits end here. Now we are having Orkin in to spray. We > are also having the cats cleaned once again (the poor things) while > the spraying goes on, and are spraying all the upholstered furniture > with Mycodex. We are doing this all at the same time to hopefully keep > from missing anything. > Can anyone tell me whether exterminators have any better track record > than other means? If one or two fleas somehow survive the exterminator > are we right back where we started? Thanks.<<< > You must put fleapowder in your vacuum cleaner bag. Otherwise the flea > larvae have a safe haven and plenty of food to develop and reinfest the > house. > Also vacuum your furniture, especially in the crevices. Vacuum everyday, > and make sure you have fleapowder in the bag!!!! > Andrea fiddlinvet
Response:
I’ve had good luck with professional exterminators eliminating fleas in my house (but this was after my cat died). Be sure to protect your cats from any toxic effect of what the exterminators do. Get this information in advance of the treatment, and don’t forget to consult your vet about it. Frontline or Advantage placed behind the cats’ shoulders will take care of fleas that jump on the cat. However, there will always be times when you notice a flea on your cat that hasn’t been killed yet or flea dirt. An occasional flea seen on the carpet or elsewhere shouldn’t be unexpected either. As you say in your post, you’ve only found three live fleas. This really isn’t unreasonable even if your cats are never allowed outside. Bill
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I need help with flea control for my two cats. I’ve never had fleas > before so I know almost nothing and am very worried. They are indoor > cats but got out and now have fleas. > My cats were found to have fleas about two weeks ago. One week ago > they were both treated with Frontline. They also had flea-dip and > shampoo. I was told the Frontline was supposed to kill any fleas in > 24-48 hours. After a week, more flea dirt was found on one cat and one > live flea was found in the other. How can this happen if Frontline is > supposed to be so good? > As for treating the house, I’ve vaccumed every surface as best I could > (I’m sure I missed something) and sprayed the carpets with > Mycodex-plus from my vet. I now wash their bedding almost every day. I > vaccummed the furniture and covered it with towels, which I wash every > one to two days. I vaccuum the carpets every two to three days. Then > today I found two fleas on the bed spread for my bed. I also removed > the cats’ litter and got them a new box. > I have only seen three live fleas, one on one of the cats and two on > the bed. This doesn’t seem like a major infestation, at least not > compared to some of what I’ve read. As far as I know neither my wife > nor myself has been bitten. > What am I doing wrong? Can anyone tell me when I should see some > relief and what else I can do? I’m worried about what the poor cats > must be going through. At this point the only things I can think of > are getting a professional exterminator and shaving the cats. Does > that work? Help! > Here’s more info on the problem. We went through several flea dips and > baths. We vacuumed and washed clothes and linens until the cows came > home. And twice we sprayed all the carpets with Mycodex-plus flea > growth inhibitor. After three days of peace we found fleas on the cats > again. We’re at wits end here. Now we are having Orkin in to spray. We > are also having the cats cleaned once again (the poor things) while > the spraying goes on, and are spraying all the upholstered furniture > with Mycodex. We are doing this all at the same time to hopefully keep > from missing anything. > Can anyone tell me whether exterminators have any better track record > than other means? If one or two fleas somehow survive the exterminator > are we right back where we started? Thanks.
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I need help with flea control for my two cats. I’ve never had fleas > before so I know almost nothing and am very worried. They are indoor > cats but got out and now have fleas. > My cats were found to have fleas about two weeks ago. One week ago > they were both treated with Frontline. They also had flea-dip and > shampoo. I was told the Frontline was supposed to kill any fleas in > 24-48 hours. After a week, more flea dirt was found on one cat and one > live flea was found in the other. How can this happen if Frontline is > supposed to be so good? > As for treating the house, I’ve vaccumed every surface as best I could > (I’m sure I missed something) and sprayed the carpets with > Mycodex-plus from my vet. I now wash their bedding almost every day. I > vaccummed the furniture and covered it with towels, which I wash every > one to two days. I vaccuum the carpets every two to three days. Then > today I found two fleas on the bed spread for my bed. I also removed > the cats’ litter and got them a new box. > I have only seen three live fleas, one on one of the cats and two on > the bed. This doesn’t seem like a major infestation, at least not > compared to some of what I’ve read. As far as I know neither my wife > nor myself has been bitten. > What am I doing wrong? Can anyone tell me when I should see some > relief and what else I can do? I’m worried about what the poor cats > must be going through. At this point the only things I can think of > are getting a professional exterminator and shaving the cats. Does > that work? Help!
Here’s more info on the problem. We went through several flea dips and baths. We vacuumed and washed clothes and linens until the cows came home. And twice we sprayed all the carpets with Mycodex-plus flea growth inhibitor. After three days of peace we found fleas on the cats again. We’re at wits end here. Now we are having Orkin in to spray. We are also having the cats cleaned once again (the poor things) while the spraying goes on, and are spraying all the upholstered furniture with Mycodex. We are doing this all at the same time to hopefully keep from missing anything. Can anyone tell me whether exterminators have any better track record than other means? If one or two fleas somehow survive the exterminator are we right back where we started? Thanks.
Response:
>Advantage kills the fleas within hours. I believe Frontline works by >not letting fleas reproduce. >Try Advantage
Advantage works for us very well. I don’t think Frontline is an insect growth regulatorr though; I believe it works by killing the adult fleas. Program is one of the brands that work by using an IGR. Sherry
Response:
I found this quite useful set of comparisons … http://www.placervillevet.com/flea_control.htm Jim
Response:
Even indoor pets can get fleas – from their owners playing with others’ pets, or just walking around outside and bringing the fleas inside on their clothing. I had two cats and a german shepherd and terrible fleas! I live in south Florida where fleas live everywhere. Even my lawn had fleas! We tried everything because even walking from one room to another, fleas would jump all over us. We tried EVERYTHING -dips, the vet, bombs etc. I finally ran across a company called RID-X or it may have been RID-A-FLEA but it was a white powder. I paid this guy 150.00 and he came with buckets of this white powder and broomed it into my carpet, under couch cushions, and basically everywhere. His instructions were not to vacuum for 7 days. It took 2 or 3 days to see major results but after a few more days there were no more fleas. NONE! That was 8 years ago and still no fleas. I no longer have the dog but I still have two cats and they have NO FLEAS. My suggestion is to find out what that powder was. It was NOT a poison but it sure worked and still is. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I need help with flea control for my two cats. I’ve never had fleas > before so I know almost nothing and am very worried. They are indoor > cats but got out and now have fleas. > My cats were found to have fleas about two weeks ago. One week ago > they were both treated with Frontline. They also had flea-dip and > shampoo. I was told the Frontline was supposed to kill any fleas in > 24-48 hours. After a week, more flea dirt was found on one cat and one > live flea was found in the other. How can this happen if Frontline is > supposed to be so good? > As for treating the house, I’ve vaccumed every surface as best I could > (I’m sure I missed something) and sprayed the carpets with > Mycodex-plus from my vet. I now wash their bedding almost every day. I > vaccummed the furniture and covered it with towels, which I wash every > one to two days. I vaccuum the carpets every two to three days. Then > today I found two fleas on the bed spread for my bed. I also removed > the cats’ litter and got them a new box. > I have only seen three live fleas, one on one of the cats and two on > the bed. This doesn’t seem like a major infestation, at least not > compared to some of what I’ve read. As far as I know neither my wife > nor myself has been bitten. > What am I doing wrong? Can anyone tell me when I should see some > relief and what else I can do? I’m worried about what the poor cats > must be going through. At this point the only things I can think of > are getting a professional exterminator and shaving the cats. Does > that work? Help!
Response:
> I need help with flea control for my two cats. I’ve never had fleas > before so I know almost nothing and am very worried. They are indoor > cats but got out and now have fleas.
Heavens, don’t panic! Fleas are a nuisance, but not the end of the world. > My cats were found to have fleas about two weeks ago. One week ago > they were both treated with Frontline. They also had flea-dip and > shampoo. I was told the Frontline was supposed to kill any fleas in > 24-48 hours. After a week, more flea dirt was found on one cat and one > live flea was found in the other. How can this happen if Frontline is > supposed to be so good?
Don’t bathe the cats right before or after treatment with Frontline. The oils on the cat’s fur allow the Frontline to be carried all over the cat’s body (from the back of the neck), as the cat moves around. Bathing the cat too soon afterward or right before can interfere with this process. > As for treating the house, I’ve vaccumed every surface as best I could > (I’m sure I missed something) and sprayed the carpets with > Mycodex-plus from my vet. I now wash their bedding almost every day. I > vaccummed the furniture and covered it with towels, which I wash every > one to two days. I vaccuum the carpets every two to three days. Then > today I found two fleas on the bed spread for my bed. I also removed > the cats’ litter and got them a new box.
Frontline doesn’t kill flea eggs, which still may hatch in your carpets and hop onto your cats. Once exposed to the Frontline on the cats, they will die-hopefully, before they can lay more eggs. The cycle will be broken, but it might take a while, especially if the infestation is severe. If you want this to go faster, ask your vet if you can give your cats Program in addition to using the Frontline. This is a product you put in your cat’s food (one dose a month, until the problem is fixed). It’s like birth control for fleas-it thwarts any fleas that survive the Frontline and who bite your cat. They still lay eggs, but the eggs don’t hatch. That breaks the cycle. Also, keep in mind that flea eggs can hatch in your vacuum cleaner bag. Replace it after every vacuuming, or put a cut-up flea collar in the bag (this is the only good use for flea collars, as far as I’m concerned). Don’t use flea bombs or any other toxic substances in your house-they aren’t very effective and they can be dangerous for humans and pets. The Frontline/Program flea collar in the vacuum bag routine should be effective. > I have only seen three live fleas, one on one of the cats and two on > the bed. This doesn’t seem like a major infestation, at least not > compared to some of what I’ve read. As far as I know neither my wife > nor myself has been bitten.
The conventional wisdom is that there may actually be 10-100 times as many fleas as you can see! I have no idea if that’s literally true, but it is likely that you aren’t seeing all of them. > What am I doing wrong? Can anyone tell me when I should see some > relief and what else I can do? I’m worried about what the poor cats > must be going through. At this point the only things I can think of > are getting a professional exterminator and shaving the cats. Does > that work? Help!
Don’t shave the cats (poor kitties), and don’t let an exterminator take your money and fill your house with toxins. Continue with the Frontline (and, optionally, Program) until the problem is fixed, or until cold weather sets in. Good luck, Marca
Response:
I don’t believe either Frontline or Advantage claim to kill 100% of fleas on the cat immediately. It’s closer to 99% of the fleas killed after a few hours or days, perhaps. Also, new fleas can hop on your cat after even if all the existing ones are killed. Both these products are good, but using them doesn’t mean you won’t find a live flea on your cat occasionally. Most people recommend you put a flea collar in your vacuum cleaner bag when you vacuum. That way, any live fleas that are taken up will be killed in the bag rather than having the opportunity to find their way out again. I’ve used a reputable professional exterminator experienced in flea control in the past with good results. If neither you nor your wife have been bitten by fleas, your flea problem really isn’t that bad. It sounds like you’ve gotten a handle on the problem before things could get out of hand. Bill
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I need help with flea control for my two cats. I’ve never had fleas > before so I know almost nothing and am very worried. They are indoor > cats but got out and now have fleas. > My cats were found to have fleas about two weeks ago. One week ago > they were both treated with Frontline. They also had flea-dip and > shampoo. I was told the Frontline was supposed to kill any fleas in > 24-48 hours. After a week, more flea dirt was found on one cat and one > live flea was found in the other. How can this happen if Frontline is > supposed to be so good? > As for treating the house, I’ve vaccumed every surface as best I could > (I’m sure I missed something) and sprayed the carpets with > Mycodex-plus from my vet. I now wash their bedding almost every day. I > vaccummed the furniture and covered it with towels, which I wash every > one to two days. I vaccuum the carpets every two to three days. Then > today I found two fleas on the bed spread for my bed. I also removed > the cats’ litter and got them a new box. > I have only seen three live fleas, one on one of the cats and two on > the bed. This doesn’t seem like a major infestation, at least not > compared to some of what I’ve read. As far as I know neither my wife > nor myself has been bitten. > What am I doing wrong? Can anyone tell me when I should see some > relief and what else I can do? I’m worried about what the poor cats > must be going through. At this point the only things I can think of > are getting a professional exterminator and shaving the cats. Does > that work? Help!
Response:
snip > The problem with inside fleas is that a female flea can go without a blood >meal for 120 days. And all it takes is one. How did your cats get fleas, >anyway? Isn’t your house clean?
well there’s a provocative and ill-founded question ….:0) Jim – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> IBen G.
Response:
>I need help with flea control for my two cats. I’ve never had fleas >before so I know almost nothing and am very worried. They are indoor >cats but got out and now have fleas. >My cats were found to have fleas about two weeks ago. One week ago >they were both treated with Frontline. They also had flea-dip and >shampoo.
Frontline last, *after* the shampoo I hope … >I was told the Frontline was supposed to kill any fleas in >24-48 hours. After a week, more flea dirt was found on one cat and one >live flea was found in the other. How can this happen if Frontline is >supposed to be so good?
Fleas in the environment will continue to get on the cats, and it takes a few hours for the frontline to kill those fleas, so you may well find evidence on the cats until the fleas in your house die out. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->As for treating the house, I’ve vaccumed every surface as best I could >(I’m sure I missed something) and sprayed the carpets with >Mycodex-plus from my vet. I now wash their bedding almost every day. I >vaccummed the furniture and covered it with towels, which I wash every >one to two days. I vaccuum the carpets every two to three days. Then >today I found two fleas on the bed spread for my bed. I also removed >the cats’ litter and got them a new box. >I have only seen three live fleas, one on one of the cats and two on >the bed. This doesn’t seem like a major infestation, at least not >compared to some of what I’ve read. As far as I know neither my wife >nor myself has been bitten. >What am I doing wrong? Can anyone tell me when I should see some >relief and what else I can do? I’m worried about what the poor cats >must be going through. At this point the only things I can think of >are getting a professional exterminator and shaving the cats. Does >that work? Help!
Don’t *panic* … they’re cat fleas, and they won’t kill you. The fleas can’t live on *you* and if you’ve treated the cats properly directly onto the *skin* on the back of their necks, the fleas can’t live on them, so just keep up normal vaccuuming the carpets and wash their bedding as often as you like. We have two outdoor cats, only use frontine and don’t have any fleas .. Jim
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I need help with flea control for my two cats. I’ve never had fleas > before so I know almost nothing and am very worried. They are indoor > cats but got out and now have fleas. > My cats were found to have fleas about two weeks ago. One week ago > they were both treated with Frontline. They also had flea-dip and > shampoo. I was told the Frontline was supposed to kill any fleas in > 24-48 hours. After a week, more flea dirt was found on one cat and one > live flea was found in the other. How can this happen if Frontline is > supposed to be so good? > As for treating the house, I’ve vaccumed every surface as best I could > (I’m sure I missed something) and sprayed the carpets with > Mycodex-plus from my vet. I now wash their bedding almost every day. I > vaccummed the furniture and covered it with towels, which I wash every > one to two days. I vaccuum the carpets every two to three days. Then > today I found two fleas on the bed spread for my bed. I also removed > the cats’ litter and got them a new box. > I have only seen three live fleas, one on one of the cats and two on > the bed. This doesn’t seem like a major infestation, at least not > compared to some of what I’ve read. As far as I know neither my wife > nor myself has been bitten. > What am I doing wrong? Can anyone tell me when I should see some > relief and what else I can do? I’m worried about what the poor cats > must be going through. At this point the only things I can think of > are getting a professional exterminator and shaving the cats. Does > that work? Help!
I have had the same experience. Frontline has not worked well for me and Advantage has. But there are people on this NG that swear by Frontline, so I guess it’s trial and error. You are working way too hard. The solution for me was to buy a flea bomb (from my vet) for every room. Follow the directions, I had to set mine in the middle of each room on a table or ladder. Board your pets for the day. Leave in the morning setting the bombs off and don’t come back until 5PM. Air out your place before you pick up your furries. This worked like a charm but I felt bad about the spiders. Later on I had my carpeting taken out. I have very mild flea problems and my cats are indoor/outdoor. Good Luck!
Response:
We went thru the same thing with our cat, and still do. He had fleas when we got him at 7 weeks old…. too young to dip, and we’ve had them ever since. We got him on that prescription Advantage stuff as soon as we could, and that seems to keep them under control. But we still can’t completely get rid of them. Near the end of the month, he starts getting them again (this probably explaines his excessive grooming problem). But as soon as it reaches 30 days, we give him the Advantage again and he’s good to go for another month or so. It seems that once you get them, you always have them. In a hot and humid climate like where I live, fleas never seem to go away. My brother-in-law had a long haired German Shepherd back in the 70’s who had fleas so bad that he needed a blood transfusion. The vet fully expected him to die, but he made it. He was an outside dog, and outside fleas are even worse than inside ones. The problem with inside fleas is that a female flea can go without a blood meal for 120 days. And all it takes is one. How did your cats get fleas, anyway? Isn’t your house clean? IBen G.
Response:
I need help with flea control for my two cats. I’ve never had fleas before so I know almost nothing and am very worried. They are indoor cats but got out and now have fleas. My cats were found to have fleas about two weeks ago. One week ago they were both treated with Frontline. They also had flea-dip and shampoo. I was told the Frontline was supposed to kill any fleas in 24-48 hours. After a week, more flea dirt was found on one cat and one live flea was found in the other. How can this happen if Frontline is supposed to be so good? As for treating the house, I’ve vaccumed every surface as best I could (I’m sure I missed something) and sprayed the carpets with Mycodex-plus from my vet. I now wash their bedding almost every day. I vaccummed the furniture and covered it with towels, which I wash every one to two days. I vaccuum the carpets every two to three days. Then today I found two fleas on the bed spread for my bed. I also removed the cats’ litter and got them a new box. I have only seen three live fleas, one on one of the cats and two on the bed. This doesn’t seem like a major infestation, at least not compared to some of what I’ve read. As far as I know neither my wife nor myself has been bitten. What am I doing wrong? Can anyone tell me when I should see some relief and what else I can do? I’m worried about what the poor cats must be going through. At this point the only things I can think of are getting a professional exterminator and shaving the cats. Does that work? Help!
Response:
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