The world flea population includes about 2000 species found on over
1600 different mammals and 540 birds. The wingless little bloodsuckers
are excellent jumpers, leaping up 7 inches and across 13 inches. A
similar human hop would be 250 up and 450 feet across.
There are 4 stages of the flea life cycle-the egg, larva, cocoon
and the adult. Adults account for only 1% of a typical flea infestation.
Larvae make up more than half. One adult flea can lay 50-60 eggs each
day. Ten female fleas can produce a quarter million in a month.
Killing fleas in the pre-adult stages breaks the flea lifecycle and
eliminates adult fleas.
Although there are shampoos, dips, sprays, collars and other formulations,
the most effective pet treatments are available through licensed veterinarians.
Dr. Sarah Stephenson of the Good Shepherd Veterinary Hospital in
Charleston advises flea control from April through October. She says,
"West Virginia has a great climate for fleas. Every year here
is a good year for fleas." She recommends pet treatment with
either Advantage or Frontline.
"Advantage kills adult fleas on contact before they can lay
eggs, breaking the flea life cycle. A single dose works for at least
4 weeks and kills 98% of adult fleas within 24 hours." She says
Advantage doesn't kill ticks, but "It's fine for cats since they
groom themselves and get ticks off before they attach." She doesn't
recommend a new product Advantix for cats since it contains a mosquito
repellent that can harmful them.
For flea and tick control, she recommends Frontline. "It kills
adult fleas up to 3 months on dogs and a month on cats. Ticks are
killed for a month or more on both."
If the pet spends time inside and out, owners should treat the pet,
yard and home. Dr. Stephenson says, "With fleas, an ounce of
prevention goes a long way."
