Fleas, anxiety and I can't take it any more

I have had this "little" flea problem for almost a year now. I can't take it anymore, I can't even think about going into my house without being crippled by anxiety. We have been bombing and treating the cats with the cheap flea treatments and bathing them but that's the best I can do under my circumstances. My new thought to save myself and my cats (I have 2) is too get my carpets professionally cleaned and clean and wash anything I can think of in the house including the cats. Please someone give me some helpful tips and advice! I really really can't deal with this anymore!!!

Welcome to the site

Sorry you are having this problem

The cheap over the counter flea products don't work. You are just wasting your money as they are not strong enough at all.
You really need a prescription flea product from a vets get get rid of the problem. The reason they are prescription only is because they are much stronger than the shop brought ones.

Rather than pay to have the carpets professionally cleaned, you would be better spending that money on the more expensive prescription flea products for your cats and your home to get rid of them once and for all

I agree. While the flea products from the vet seem expensive, it is the cheapest alternative over the long run.

Vron- its now over a month and I am losing it too. The fleas bite me more than my cat. I vacuum daily w/ Romba. I have sprayed carpet multiple times. Fogged a few weeks ago. Laundered with Borox all the time. Advantage 11 did not work. Did Frontline Vet med today. All my bed linens are washed every other day and put in plastic bags for over 2 weeks. I am at my wits end. My indoor cat started to go out on patio this spring. I thought out west was not hot enough-wrong. Pro bug killers next or have carpets ripped out.

I hope Frontline works for you. In some places the fleas have become immune to Frontline. If it doesn't work, ask your vet about Comfortis. That should really do the trick. There are a couple other vet spot-ons to try if you think your cat wouldn't do well with an oral medication.

In the meantime: flea comb the cats every day, knock the fleas into a cup of boiling water (or soapy water if you're afraid they'll spill the hot water). Sprinkle borax (or salt or diatomaceous earth) on the carpet a couple hours before vacuuming. Be sure to empty the vacuum outside right away so any surviving fleas don't come back out. Wash all bedding in hot water.

Hiring a professional exterminator can definitely work. I prefer less pesticide-y options but they do good work. Find one with a guarantee so that they do a follow-up if the first time doesn't work.

I will be trying the frontline and I will try combing the cats everyday. Also vacuuming and washing of everything so hopefully this will knock them out.

I have a few bites today on my Boob- ouch. Layla gets combed every day and today had only a few tiny white specs- no fleas.I think my car got infested when I fogged a few weeks ago and took kitty in my car to my son's house- left her in crate in there for a couple of hours . I felt itchy when I drive to the grocery store yesterday. Other than that alternative would mean my closet-OMG. I sprayed all again today.I must be so allergic to these darned things. I think I should buy stock in Calamine lotion-ha.

diatomaceous earth is inexpensive and will do the trick. Willowy is right. Sprinkle it and let it sit for awhile.

I think it the old RN in me that does not like mess. The thought of throwing stuff on my carpet feels so ikky and I am scared of beathing all this stuff in. My health is not to great to start with. Anyway one day at a time. I will have to see who sells the right type of DE. Years ago I had a severe reaction to fire ant killer granules w/trip to ER.

yeah-wear a mask if it might irritate your lungs. you can get it at any feed store.

I have asthma and it doesn't bother me. If you sprinkle it carefully it doesn't poof up in your face. It's a natural mineral dust, kind of like talc---you don't want to breathe it in but it's not toxic, just irritating.

You can buy DE at feed stores, I found it at Tractor Supply Co. It was in the chicken section but most recently I found it in the goat section. So I'm not really sure where its normal place is :lol3:.

This is off topic but I just saw your tag at the bottom of your post Willowy. I have a friend and coworker that declawed his cat yesterday. I spent so much time talking to him about not doing it and how horrible it is. I thought he had come around. He even bought those claw covers. I found out that he not only declawed the cat, he had all of his claws removed. Either way is horrible but all four is extra awful. I felt instantly sick to my stomach. I wish I had those websites to send him before he did it.

Vron, I could have written your post myself...Oh, such stress dealing with fleas.

I have two former feral - indoor/outdoor brothers.  I've tried several of the topicals, and although they may work...the stress of application has done me in.

Both boys react to the sting or stink and run hysterically when they know it's coming.

Just today I got a prescription from my Vet for Comfortis to give this a try.  It's a tablet that has the flavor of meat.   It IS expensive...$91 for six tablets and is effective for just a month.  I don't know if it will work, but it's my last resort.

Hope you have some success.  ~ Joyce