It is commonly thought that there are no fleas in northern Nevada. While there are very few problems with fleas associated with dogs and cats, there definitely are flea species found locally. Specifically, Washoe County has flea species hosted by ground burrowing rodents. Plague, which is transmitted primarily via the bite of infected fleas, is considered endemic (continually present in the environment at low levels) in Nevada.
Flea collars are often purchased for pets at the first sign of the first flea, or even as a prophylactic. The problem is they expose both people and pets to toxic vapors 24 hours a day. The substances the collars are imbued with may be absorbed directly into the bloodstream. Your pets may develop dermatitis on their necks from the collars. Cats are especially susceptible. Humans can also get rashes.
In general, flea collars are not particularly helpful. They may kill a flea here and there in your pet’s fur, but they will not touch the masses of fleas hiding in your carpet or yard. Also, flea collars are largely ineffective on large dogs since the vapors tend not to reach the tail, where fleas gather.
Some alternatives to flea collars are flea sprays or flea bombs for use in the house (these can make people sick, though, so use with caution), or pyrethrin dusts for use on your pet. Pyrethrin dusts are not considered toxic, but they can cause rashes and allergic reactions.
Pyrethrin dusts don’t always kill fleas, but work for stunning them. The best way to use a dust is to stand your pet on newspaper while powdering him (you should wear gloves), comb the fleas onto the paper, then burn the whole thing.
Included are some ways to naturally deter your pets of fleas and ticks this summer:
The first line of defense for a flea and tick free pet is a healthy pet, a pet that is fed as natural and as nutritiously as your pet budget can afford. Try to find cat and dog foods that are as natural as possible. Look for pet foods that have no animal byproducts, no rendered meat or chicken, no antibiotic-fed protein sources, no added growth hormones and no artificial colors, flavors and preservatives. If you can’t afford pet foods that meet all of these requirements, try to satisfy most of them.
Be aware that dogs and cats have different sensitivities to foods and essential oils; be sure to follow natural pest repellent advice carefully. Adding a clove or two of garlic to your dog’s diet each week can be effective in repelling pests like ticks and fleas that feast on the blood of their hosts. The garlic actually makes the host’s blood taste bad to the pest. Brewer’s yeast appears to have a similar terrible taste for pests and can be given to dogs or cats. If you have time bake your own dog biscuits consisting of chicken broth, olive oil, cornmeal, brewers yeast and salt which are healthy and act as flea and tick deterrents.
Another way to deter fleas and ticks is to spritz your dog with one part vinegar/one part water solution every few days. Try spraying your dog’s brush, then groom your dog. Be careful to avoid the eye area. Use a flea comb to remove fleas from under your dog or cat’s neck where fleas love to gather. You will see the black flea debris on your pet’s fur.
Try using flea and tick collars infused with natural herbs instead of using toxic chemicals on your pets this year. Earthfare sells Petguard collars for dogs and cats. The collars are infused with oil of pennyroyal, oil of eucalyptus, oil of citronella, oil of rosemary and a few others.
When bathing your pet, use an all natural flea and tick shampoo or any mild soap and water. Be sure to wash your pet thoroughly under the neck and the belly where these pests love to feast and hide.
Be consistent about cleaning your pet’s bedding and carpets in your home. Fleas reproduce in cycles, adult flea, eggs, larva, then back to adults, consistent cleaning destroys fleas in every stage of this cycle. Wash all pet-related items in hot, soapy water will kill fleas, larva, and eggs. Steam cleaning carpets effectively destroy any pests living there as well.
Frequent vacuuming also removes these pests from your living areas. You need to dispose of the vacuum cleaner bag, however, or the fleas will hatch inside your vacuum. If your pet rests on a carpeted area of your home frequently, you may want to work some diatomaceous earth or powdered pyrethrum into that area of your carpet. The sharp edges of the diatomaceous earth actually pierce the tough outer coating of the fleas and cause them to dehydrate and die.
References:
- Article directly referenced from www.examiner.com/x-4390-Charleston-Green-Living-Examiner
- Article directly referenced from www.pestinformation.com
- Visit Washoe County’s website at www.co.washoe.nv.us for more information or contact the Communicable Disease Control Program in Reno, Nev. at (775) 328-2447.
