Our first question asks about non-toxic flea control methods. There is a wealth of information available on the subject, but to be brief:
Common methods of flea control and prevention include the use of pesticides, particularly DDVP (dimethyl dichlorovinyl phosphate) and Sevin (carbaryl) which work by attacking the nervous system. Unfortunately these chemicals may attack your pets as well as the fleas. Additionally, exposure to these chemicals may build up a tolerance in the fleas, resulting in a need for even nastier pesticides in the future. We strongly recommend avoiding these products.
If your pet has fleas, the first step is to vacuum thouroughly. Vacuum the floors, corners, upholstery, sofa cushions, under the couch, anywhere a flea might be hiding. Immediately burn the vacuum bag or at least seal it securely to prevent the captured fleas from escaping. Repeat this process frequently. Be sure to wash all throw rugs, bedding and other materials that your pets may sit/sleep on in hot water. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth on the carpet—as well as outside on your lawn, under bushes and in shady areas—to kill any remaining fleas on the ground. Finish up by bathing your pet followed by a thourough flea combing.
There are several options for maintaining a flea-free zone:
- Feed your pet one clove of garlic a day
- Add a touch of vinegar to your pet's water (may also help control mange)
- Saltwater baths may discourage fleas
- Flea traps also have been known to work well. A flea trap is a light held about 6 inches from a dish of water with a small amount of detergent mixed in. The flea is attracted to the light, fall into the bowl and drown. Flea traps are also available for purchase at many locations that use a "capture" pad instead of a bowl of water if you prefer.
Flea infestations should be taken seriously. Besides the risk of allergic reaction, fleas also carry the bacterium that causes bubonic plague and can carry tape worms.
CATs
- CATs
- Californians for Alternatives to Toxics (CATs) was founded in 1982 by community groups from throughout northern California who wanted a regional resource center for information and action about hazardous chemicals, especially pesticides, and to promote alternatives to toxic chemicals. Our mission is to enable our members and the public to gain control over the use of pesticides and other toxic chemicals within California in ways that will provide an example for people around the world. CATs currently works on pesticide issues in the following areas: forests & public lands, wildlife, agriculture, schools & public places, and home & garden.
1 comment:
Hello cats,
Since I have done much research on flea control methods as well as chemical research, I went to your site and would like to point out a few things about this particular advice:
Garlic was once approved by some vets as a flea solution. Now they say it is toxic and can even kill cats.
Vinegar is also bad because it destroys both good and bad bacteria in the GI tract. After all, we
can use it to clean disposals, garbage cans, and other hard surfaces in order to kill bacteria there. We also use it to pickle veggies, because it kills the bacteria and preserves them. Pets deserve a
healthy diet free from toxins, and they need safe, clean, pure water, and it is unkind to give them water that does not taste good.
Saltwater baths dry out the pets skin and make itching worse. We cure meat with salt because it dehydrates it.
I hope that you will visit my site: www.KeepFleasOff.com
My booklet, KEEP FLEAS OFF, published in 1993, but available only through an environment group's hardcopy directory for many years is now on the internet, and it is being used globally.
Nel Liquorman
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