FLEAS
Biology
Physical Development
– After each blood meal, females lay four to eight eggs at a time (but 400 to 800 total within her lifetime) on the host animal and/or its bedding.
– Eggs hatch in about 10 days, and the developing larvae feed on the adult flea feces, which contain bits of dried blood.
– Fleas seek a blood meal within two days of becoming an adult
Control Methods
– The pet needs to get onto a flea program arranged by a Veterinarian
– All clothing and linen should be washed at the same time the treatment is done
– The house should be thoroughly vacuumed to remove larvae, pupae, and food materials. The vacuum bag should be sealed and discarded immediately after vacuuming.
– The inside should be treated (all rooms to provide the most success) – cracks and crevices as well as carpets and furniture
– Pet bedding should be discarded or washed in hot, soapy water.
– Some believe that an aerosol spray will effectively kill the insects – but it won’t because it only kills on contact. – – A residual spray needs to be used in the cracks and crevices as well as an aerosol for the fabric furnishings.
IF CUSTOMERS WANT TO TREAT THE SITUATION THEMSELVES
Residual Sprays
– Apply the product to all baseboards (apply to the top to allow it to seep behind the baseboards), cracks, and crevices
– The fleas will die as they come in contact with the spray
– They spray will stay effective for six to eight weeks
– Everyone (including animals) must stay out of the premises for at least four (4) hours (windows can be left open or fans can be on to air out the rooms) – this allows the spray enough time to dry
– If the cracks and crevices in the kitchen cupboards have been treated, it is recommended to cover the shelves with lining to protect their items from the chemical (they can thoroughly wash out the cupboards either BEFORE they apply the spray or AFTER two months when the spray is no longer effective
– The spray may stain the carpet and other materials – so they should always do a test first
Flea Information
HEAD LICE
Head Lice are very small (about the size of a sesame seed), but do vary in size, wingless and vary in color from dirty white to grayish black. They move quickly so they are difficult to spot.
Habits
Contrary to popular belief, poor hygiene does not cause head lice. Head lice cannot jump or fly so they are most commonly spread through head-to-head contact. Lice are spread by sharing personal objects such as pillows, bedding, hairbrushes, combs, scarves, caps, barrettes, hair ribbons, etc. Head lice occur on the head. They are most commonly found above the ears and on the back of the scalp, less often on the scalp; rarely are found on other body hair. Head lice cannot be spread to pets. Lice can only survive for up to 48 hours without being on a host.
Control Methods
Check and treat all household members at the same time. Prescribed or over the counter shampoo treatments are typical therapy. Read instructions on labels before using. Two or more treatments may be required. Because of secondary infestations of the skin caused from scratching, an antibiotic therapy may also be required. Use a fine-tooth comb after regular shampooing every 2-3 days for 2 weeks. Wetting the hair beforehand is recommended because it temporarily immobilizes the lice and they are easier to comb out. Wash all bed linens, clothing and plush toys in very hot water then put them in the very hottest dryer cycle for at least 20 mins. Items that can’t be washed have dry cleaned or put into airtight bags for 2 weeks. Vacuum carpets and any upholstered furniture in the home and car. Soak hair-care items (brushes, combs, head bands, hair ties, etc…) in rubbing alcohol or medicated shampoo for 1 hour. You can also wash them in hot water or just throw them away.
Head Lice Information
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