Historical May 1994 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Summer is coming and it is time for the annual flea prevention article. Recent research and product development has brought about some changes in the recommendations for combating fleas.
We now know that adult fleas spend virtually 100% of their time on the host animal. Previously it was thought the adult flea left the host after feeding to lay eggs in the surroundings, returning to the host to feed again.
The eggs are laid on the host animal and fall off into the environment when the animal shakes, scratches and jumps down of of furniture.
The eggs complete the insects life cycle passing through larval stages into a pupal stage. New adult fleas wait in the cocoons for a host to come by; sometimes the emergence of the adult is delayed waiting for more desirable temperature or humidity conditions.
The newest weapon in the battle against fleas is the insect growth regulator (IGR).
This hormone like chemical prevents the maturation of the flea eggs to adults. IGRs do not kill adult fleas.
However, if used indoors, sprayed in areas where pets are likely to leave flea eggs, the IGR will help prevent a household flea infestation. Applied by a pet owner with a hand held aerosol, the IGR will remain active for five months; one application in May will be effective for the majority of the flea season. IGRs are also present in products to apply directly on to pets; combined with insecticides, adult fleas are killed and any eggs laid are rendered infertile.
A new collar has IGRs only and can be used in combination with other products.
Another new product for flea control on dogs in the “pour on”.
An insecticide containing liquid that is applied monthly, this approximately teaspoon volume of liquid disperses over the animals body by emulsifying in the skin oil.
The fleas are affected by contact and are killed. Flea shampoos have been improved by the addition of skin and coat conditioners such as oatmeal, designed to soothe irritated skin as well as kill fleas. Because of the recent publicity about Lyme’s disease, many owners are concerned about control of ticks on their pets. Lyme’s disease is not a major concern in this part of the country, however, ticks do transmit other diseases: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Ehrlichiosis.
The “pour on” products work well for tick control.
A new monthly spray product forms a shellac like coating on the pets hair coat and is designed for tick control. Whatever the situation with a pet, it is best to begin a flea prevention program now. Application of a IGR product indoors concentrating in areas where a pet spends the most time and beginning routine treatment of your pet with your choice of products is the best defense against fleas.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, May 1994.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1994_05.pdf, printed page(s) 3; PDF page(s) 3.
