Fleas
Fighting fleas
by Ann Brightman

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The powder can either be applied professionally by a Fleabusters technician or purchased in a three-pound canister that will cover about five average-sized rooms. “Fleas like access to darkness and quiet, so they’ll be in one of three places in your home: carpets, upholstered furniture, and baseboard areas,” explains Robert. “A single treatment will last in the house for one year as long as you don’t shampoo your carpets.” Vacuuming won’t reduce the product’s effectiveness because the powder is designed to cling to carpet fibers.

Fleas also need to be eliminated from outdoor areas. “Our Biobusters outdoor flea spray uses beneficial nematodes, which are microscopic worms that seek out and feed on flea larvae,” says Robert. Millions of the tiny worms are contained in pellets that are mixed with water and then sprayed on your lawn. “Nematodes are great,” says Robert. “They just keep feeding until they extinguish all the fleas in the yard. They’re good for about 90 days and are very environmentally friendly.”

Topical treatments

However bad the flea problem you’re dealing with, try to avoid the commercial flea powders and sprays available at many pet stores. Most contain toxic substances, while overuse can result in the fleas building up an immunity to the chemicals, rendering the products ineffective. If your animal’s flea problem is a serious one, ask your veterinarian for advice. He or she might recommend a topical product like Advantage or Frontline, although these are usually regarded as a last resort by holistic practitioners.

Both Frontline and Advantage involve applying a drop of liquid directly to the animal, usually between the shoulder blades where he can’t reach it to lick it off.

Frontline’s active ingredient is a substance called fipronil, which dissolves into the animal’s coat and is stored in the oil glands under his skin. Advantage works by spreading over the surface of the body, but doesn’t absorb into the skin the way Frontline does. While both products offer convenient, effective, long-term protection against fleas, they are nevertheless powerful chemicals and should be used with caution.

Essentials oils can also be used as a topical treatment for fleas, although it’s best to buy products specially formulated for animals rather than use a homemade blend. Many people assume that because essential oils are natural substances, they’re safe to use neat without taking precautions. In fact, they can be toxic in high doses and are hazardous to cats unless used in hydrosol form.
One of the most effective essential oils for flea control is tea tree. It will kill fleas when used as a spot-on, and can also be rubbed over the animal’s coat. Again, look for a product specifically formulated for animals, or ask a holistic vet for advice in using this oil.

Developing a holistic, all-round battle strategy against fleas may entail a bit of work and foresight, but it’s the safest way to ensure that your animal companion enjoys the lazy, hazy dog days of summer in comfort and good health.

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Published in the June/July 2003 issue of Animal Wellness Magazine