Critters 101: Fleas Build Immunity to Topical Treatments
I have been using Frontline monthly topical flea treatment for years. Recently I found fleas on my
pets. I rushed to the vet and was told that this is becoming a common story and I was advised to
switch to Advantage or the new one, ProMeris. It may even be a good idea to switch through all
the brands throughout the year to prevent the fleas from building immunities. Flea bites are
annoying to your pet and to you, but they can also cause serious disease and health problems. If
you have fleas jumping on you straight off the furniture or carpet you have an infestation and you
need to immediately treat your pets, your house and your yard.
De-Flea Your Pet – 1. Use a flea comb. Comb through your pet’s fur and drop the fleas in a bowl of
soapy water. Flush this down the toilet when finished. 2. Keep your pet clean. Fleas prefer dirty
animals, so you can prevent their presence by keeping your pet clean. 3. Use a flea repellant like
topicals, powders or sprays. 4. Keep your pet healthy. Fleas are drawn to animals that are sick or
weak.
De-Flea Your House – 1. Get flea bombs or call in a professional. 2. Bake fleas out of your house.
Fleas prefer temperatures between 65 – 80 degrees. Remove children, plants and pets, close up
the house and turn up the heat. Go on an outing for the day. 3. Use a dehumidifier. Get the
humidity down to less than 70 percent and the fleas will leave. 4. Vacuum several times each
week. Seal the vacuum bag in a plastic bag immediately and discard away from the house.
De-Flea Your Garden – 1. Spray beneficial nematodes. Look for beneficial nematode products that
will specifically control flea larvae. 2. Block entrances to the house. Make sure that any doors and
windows that are usually left open have secure screens.