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NATURAL FLEA CONTROL
When your pet has fleas, controlling this little insect is not an easy task. One should accept that complete eradication may not be possible, but getting control is possible even through natural means. If your pet has fleas the first step is to vacuum your house thoroughly, including the floors, corners, upholstery, sofa cushions, and under the couch, and repeat often. Immediately burn the vacuum bag or seal it securely and dispose of it so the fleas captured do not jump out. This activity has probably removed hundred of fleas, eggs and larvae. Wash all throw rugs, and your pets bedding in hot water. Sprinkling diatomaceous earth in the carpet will kill fleas on the ground floor. Bathing your pet is also helpful, followed by a thorough flea combing. A flea comb can be found at a pet store. Regular use of a flea comb is the best method for flea control. Fleas and eggs are caught in the fine comb, and can be rinsed off in a bowl of soapy water where they drown.

To control fleas outside of the home, sprinkle diatomaceous earth over the lawn, under bushes and in shady areas. Diatomaceous earth is made from the shells of tiny sea creatures called diatoms. The tiny shells scratch the fleas exoskeleton, causing the insect to dehydrate and die.

POPULAR REMEDIES FOR NON-TOXIC FLEA CONTROL
Feed your dog or cat one clove of garlic a day.
A touch of vinegar in your pet’s water is sometimes used to control both fleas and mange.
A saltwater dip may discourage fleas. If you live near the ocean have your dog swim in the sea water.
Some people will place a light six inches over a bowl of water containing a small amount of dish washing detergent. Fleas attracted by the light will fall into the bowl and drown. (be careful not to create a fire hazard)

TOXIC FLEA-CONTROL PRODUCTS
Common methods of flea control include the use of pesticides. Chemicals found in flea collars, and powders sometimes cause skin irritations. Pets may be harmed when they breath vapors from the product or lick the chemicals from their fur when grooming. Many flea collars contain the chemical DDVP (dimethyl dichlorovinyl phosphate), which affects the insects nervous system and may have the same effect on the pet. Another chemical commonly found in flea control products is carbaryl (Sevin), which is also toxic to the central nervous system.

FLEA LIFE CYCLE
The flea life cycle includes four stages of development: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Fleas prefer warm, moist conditions (65-80 F and 70 percent relative humidity). Females lay up to 800 eggs in a lifetime, which are laid both on and off of a pet. The eggs hatch in 2 to 12 days into worm like larvae. The larval state generally last 1 to 3 weeks, but in unfavorable conditions this stage may last 200 days. The larvae spin a cocoon and transform into pupae. Pupae remain in a dormant stage until they detect a host, by warmth or vibration, then emerge as adult fleas. Adult fleas immediately seek a blood meal. They can live 1 to 2 months without a meal and can survive 7 to 8 months with just one meal.


ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS CAUSED BY FLEAS
Fleas can be more than just a nuisance. Fleas can carry the bacterium that causes bubonic plague.

Some humans and pets have more severe allergies to fleas. There is great variability in reactions to the saliva secreted by fleas when feeding. A person allergic to flea bites may develop a variety of skin lesions, and itching. It is often common among members of a household to disagree as to the severity of a flea infestation. Some family members swear they have not noticed, and have not been bitten, while others may be suffering from many flea bites.

Cats and sometimes dogs are likely to develop the intestinal parasite, tape worms, as a result of ingesting a flea carrying the parasite. If a pet does become infested by a worm it is in no immediate danger but should be treated. The signs of tapeworm infestation is easy for the owner to see. Broken segments of the worm pass through the anus of the animal and resemble grains of rice. These segments can be found in places the pet sleeps and in it’s feces. A veterinarian can examine the stool specimen and confirm the diagnosis and prescribe a medication that kills the worm.


REFERENCES
Daar, S., Olkowski, H., Olkowski, H. Least-Toxic Pest Management for Fleas. Common Sense Pest Control. 1990

Long, B. Least-toxic Control of Fleas. Journal of Pesticide Reform Vo. 13, No. 2. 1993.

Downs, D. Natural Flea Control. Pet Concerns. July/August 1987.

Dickey, P., Managing Fleas in Your Home. Alternatives. Washington Toxics Coalition. 1995.