Saturday, September 10, 2011

Exterminating Dog Fleas

Fleas are a serious matter that every dog owner ultimately has to cope with. Everybody who owns a dog has almost certainly dealt with the unpleasant task of exterminating dog fleas, a battle which has time and again proved to be easier said than done.

Fleas aren't just a concern because they bother and instigate hours of aggravating scratching for your pet, but they might also trigger additional dangerous issues including tapeworm infestations, flea allergies and in serious instances, anemia.

Because of their amazing resilience, a flea problem can be inordinately challenging to deal with. A female may lay over 2,000 eggs during her lifetime, this suggests that an infection can arise quickly and the eggs that she laid can exist for quite a few months in the environment while merely awaiting a timely victim. Therefore it is integral to kill dog fleas on the animal in addition to those residing in the pet's living area. The best spots to find fleas include rugs, sand, carpeting and bed linens.

The Best Methods of Exterminating Dog Fleas

To successfully exterminate fleas on your dog and in his environment, it's pertinent to comprehend the flea's life span. There are four stages that makeup the lifecycle of the flea. As with most insects, the fleas commences from the egg stage, transforms into larva, then matures to the pupa stage before lastly making it to the adult stage.

The Flea Egg Stage

The fleas eggs are pale in color and are so minute that they're hard to see without the use of a magnifying glass. Although the eggs are originally laid on the pet's skin, many will in time fall onto the ground to continue their journey to adulthood. About 50 percent of the overall flea count is comprised of eggs. Dependant upon the surrounding conditions, the eggs hatch in somewhere between a couple of weeks to a month. The greater the heat and moisture in the environment, the quicker the eggs will hatch.

The Flea Larva Stage

Once the flea egg hatches, it passes into the larvae stage where it grows to roughly 1/4 inch in length. The flea larva survive on natural waste matter and on the adult flea's feces. They're uncomfortable in intense lighting and are inclined to go underground deep inside their current environment, preferably in a balmy and humid area. Climate controlled houses are the preferred habitat for the flea lifecycle to flourish. Outside, larva maturity will only take place in damp, shaded areas.

The Flea Pupa Stage

After going into the pupa stage, the flea pupae develop a velvety and gummy protecting chrysalis. This chrysalis quickly forms a valuable hiding spot as it gets encased by waste and soil. If stimulated by temperature, carbon dioxide or by physical influence, like that in a balmy and wet environment, an adult flea might come out from the cocoon in as little as five to ten days. When the adult flea surfaces from its cocoon, it could live for just a few days if it is not able to find a host. Pre-emerged adult fleas may stay alive in the chrysalis for up to 9 months. This is meaningful for the reason that adult fleas that still live within the cocoon are resilient to insect repellents sprayed in the environment and can appear a considerable time after you apply insecticides in your residence.

The Flea Adult Stage

As soon as the adult flea comes out from its shell, it will have to swiftly locate a host as it requires blood if it is to continue to exist. Two days subsequent to finding a suitable host, the female flea will start to lay roughly 40 eggs every day. Adult fleas ordinarily live up to 3 weeks. The full lifecycle of the flea may perhaps be brought to a close in as little as 2 to 4 weeks, or up to 10 months dependent upon environmental climate.

Treating A Dog For Fleas

There are many powders, shampoos, sprays and spot on measures offered for getting rid of fleas on dogs. Be certain to confer with your vet to pick the truly effective and trustworthy flea insecticides for your household and pets.

Exterminating Dog Fleas in Indoor Environments

The majority of pesticides are simply effective against the adult flea, but environmental pesticides are becoming more complex. Your vet can offer you with flea pesticides that are comprised of insect growth regulators that will help destroy the flea eggs and larvae. Before using any indoor pesticide, it's a good idea vacuum your rugs and carpeting to persuade the pre-adult fleas to emerge from their protective cocoon. Be sure to throw out the vacuum bag afterwards. You should also wash all bedding the pet has rested on.

Exterminating Dog Fleas in Outdoor Environments

Concentrate on dim, sheltered areas. Spray a pesticide made of an insect growth regulator and do this again every two to three weeks for three to five applications. The newer topical and oral flea formulas ought to significantly help you resolve the flea problem. With dedication and patience, you and your pet will be free of fleas in a flash!

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