I Need Your Help: Some Unanswered Flea Questions

Hi Y'All!

I've been doing a lot of reading on how all fleas in one's house have to be destroyed through repeated treatments, whether by spraying, bombing, powders, etc. But, how can one's house/apartment stay flea free permanently?

We ourselves can unwittingly bring them back in when going in and out of our houses! And since fleas live in dirt every time you walk through or by a garden there is a strong possibility of fleas clinging to one's socks, pant legs, etc. So next thing you know, the blasted fleas are back! So in reality, it's almost impossible to completely get rid of them!

However, and this is my burning question, since our kitties have been treated with Advantage or Frontline etc. Advantage is supposed to stop biting fleas in three to five minutes and starts to kill adult fleas within an hour after application. Within 12 hours of application, 98-100 percent of fleas are dead. Also Advantage is supposed to kills fleas before they lay eggs, so their life cycle is broken at multiple stages. It also supposed to kill flea larvae within 20 minutes of contact. Now ok I admit, I may be a wee bit paranoid here, but is this 100% accurate? Do the flea's eggs really die as well? I feel rather foolish for asking this, but I really need some reassurance!

Also if Advantage practically kills the fleas on contact, why the need to do repeated spraying / bombing treatments to kill the fleas in carpetting, etc.?

Please help!
Shanynne
Extreme Kitty Lover

"The best way to avoid flea infestation is through prevention" Here's a good article.

Thanks for that link! Very helpful.

Although I had read quite a few articles concerning the flea problem, and I did learn that the Advantage/Frontline, etc. did indeed kill the fleas on the pet, none confirmed the fact that the dying flea stopped laying eggs. So this is a big relief!

My cats have been treated with Advantage, and I have intensively vacuumed/cleaned the house, bedding, etc. (and I have a Dyson Animal so that thing really sucks up everything!

I am seriously considering getting that Diatomaceous Earth for ongoing anti-flea treatment, as it can also be rubbed into the pet's fur.

Thanks again!
Shanynne
Extreme Kitty Lover

When I discovered fleas on my two girls, I got really worked up about it. I sprayed the carpets, flea combed the girls and treated them with Frontline. I also have a Dyson Animal and hubby and I use it to thoroughly vaccuum the house and the cat furniture every week. But then I realized that, short of spending my every waking moment worrying about fleas being tracked in from the lawn, that I was basically going to have to "chill out" about it. I flea comb the girls every week just to make sure and I Frontline them about every 1.5 - 2 months (they are indoor only cats) and besides that, I don't worry about it. I don't think that it is possible to get rid of every single flea and flea egg in a house that is being lived in. You would constantly have to be moving all of the furniture, treating the carpet, sofa, recliners, etc. and I have come to the realization that it just isn't possible to do all that. For me, anyhow. If the cats don't have fleas on them, and I don't have fleas on me, and I don't see visable evidence of fleas anywhere, then I am satisfied.

I take it that this is your first time using Advantage? If so give it 2 days, you will be suprised! I use it and LOVE it! Works better than anything I have tried!