Flea infestations are relatively common, although the human flea is the least common, as it is now almost extinct in this country. While dog and cat fleas occur on our pets, in addition to these two, chicken fleas are also important for humans. Fleas are small parasites that repeatedly suck blood. The saliva of these bloodsuckers causes severe itching in humans and animals and, depending on the severity of the infestation, severe skin reactions. In addition to thorough combating, continuous flea prophylaxis is particularly recommended.
Getting rid of fleas on humans
If the pet is no longer sufficient as a host animal due to a too high flea population, humans are no longer immune to flea bites. If you want to get rid of fleas as quickly as possible, pets, their sleeping and cuddling places and the entire apartment must be meticulously cleaned.
After you have showered thoroughly, treat your dog and cat with appropriate products. Next, clothing, bed linen and other textiles must be washed at at least 60 degrees. You can put sensitive textiles in the freezer for around 24 hours; this will kill the animals.
Since around 95% of fleas are not directly on the animal, but in the surrounding area, it is important to vacuum carpets thoroughly. Cracks and joints in floors should not be forgotten, as the majority of larvae, pupae or adult fleas are located right there. All floors that can tolerate it are best cleaned with a steam cleaner. This meticulous cleaning applies to every room in the apartment and for several days in a row. It's best to vacuum twice a day.
Tip:
Delicate items of clothing can also be chemically cleaned after storage in the freezer, as there may still be larvae or pupae of fleas in the textiles.
It's better to avoid poison sprays in the apartment
Poison sprays should be avoided in the home, especially those that contain pyrethroids, pyrethrum or chrysanthemum active ingredients. These active ingredients are neurotoxins that enter the body through the skin or lungs and can cause he alth damage. Insect powders also do not kill fleas and are dangerous to the he alth of both the pet and its owners. A better alternative for the apartment are so-called 'foggers'. These are misting sprays in self-emptying spray cans. They are intended to kill eggs, larvae and adults and last up to 6 months. These foggers are environmental sprays only and are not suitable for treating animals.
Removing fleas from dogs and cats
With spot-on preparations
These so-called spot-on preparations, for example Frontline or Advantage, are a very good alternative to combating fleas in dogs and cats. However, when choosing the right spot-on preparation and dosage, the body weight and size of the animal in question must be taken into account. These products should not be used on puppies under 8 weeks of age and kittens under 12 weeks of age. However, there is no age limit when using Frontline Spray.
The combination preparation Frontline Combo consisting of Fibronil, a long-acting insecticide, and (S)-methoprene, an active ingredient against eggs, larvae and pupae of fleas and other insect pests. It can be used preventatively and for control purposes. This antiparasitic is approved for dogs and cats and can be applied using a pipette.
The easiest way is to apply the drops directly to the skin on the neck of the pet, between the shoulder blades, from where the active ingredients are distributed over the surface of the body. The fleas are killed within 24 hours. The effect of these remedies lasts up to 8 weeks in dogs and up to 4 weeks in cats. The animal in question must not be bathed for 48 hours before and after treatment. In addition, for successful treatment, all dogs and cats living in the household must be treated with it at the same time.
Tip:
To ensure that the drops reach the skin directly and do not get stuck in the fur, part the fur when applying.
With tablets
- Corresponding tablets are administered orally once a month.
- They can be dosed exactly according to body weight.
- They can be given directly into the animals' mouths or through their food.
- This is usually difficult with cats.
- If necessary, contact a veterinarian to find out about alternatives.
- These tablets are usually a combination of a flea treatment and a worm repellent.
- They therefore inhibit the development of eggs and larvae and fight worms.
- Simultaneous worm control is essential.
- Flea larvae eat eggs of a certain tapeworm, which they then pass on to the pet.
Tip:
We often talk about tea tree oil, which can be used to get rid of fleas. The use of tea tree oil on dogs and cats is generally not recommended. The essential oils it contains have a very unpleasant smell for dogs and are even toxic for cats.
With flea collars
Flea collars are particularly suitable if the animal often comes into contact with other dogs. The duration of action of flea collars is several weeks or months, with the active ingredients being released continuously. With these collars, it is important to ensure that they fit correctly and that they must be adjusted to the animal's ever-increasing neck circumference. There are collars available from the vet that require a prescription especially for puppies, which kill not only fleas but also ticks. Flea collars are only partially suitable for cats because they are not used to wearing collars. However, if you get used to them early on, they are a very good alternative to spot-on products, especially for free-roaming cats.
Identifying flea infestations in dogs and cats
Fleas are not just a problem for free-roaming cats or dogs that come into contact with other dogs. The first sign of a flea infestation in pets is frequent scratching and excessive grooming. In addition, anemia can quickly occur, especially in puppies. A possible infestation can be easily identified using a special flea comb. If you run it through the fur and small black grains appear, they could be flea feces. If you pick it up with a damp cellulose tissue, rub it between your fingers and the cellulose turns reddish-brown, it is most likely the blood pigment that fleas excrete in their feces. So there is an infestation.
Conclusion of the editors
Flea bites in humans are usually caused by cat or dog fleas that are brought into the home by animals. These fleas find a warm and soft place to spend the day and then attack people and animals at night, biting them to feed on their blood.
Detecting flea infestations in humans
- Flea bites in humans usually initially manifest themselves in extreme itching, which is caused by the bites of the fleas.
- A closer examination of the skin reveals round bite marks that are somewhat swollen and red.
- The bites are often in a line or at least close together.
- It is best not to scratch these areas because this can allow bacteria to enter and cause the bites to become infected.
- Cooling the affected areas with cold water or ice or a gel from the pharmacy will relieve the itching.
- Further treatment is usually not necessary. Instead, the cause of the flea infestation should be eliminated.
Remove flea infestations in the apartment
Fleas that also bite people are usually nesting fleas, in contrast to fur fleas, which always remain on their host animal. These types of fleas spend the day in a safe place and only become active at night when a potential victim is nearby. If necessary, they can also go without food for a long time. As a resting place and for laying eggs they prefer
- Upholstered furniture and carpets
- Dog and cat baskets
- People's Beds
- Children's stuffed animals
- other soft fabrics
There, if the conditions are good, a female lays up to 40 eggs per day, which quickly creates a huge population if countermeasures are not taken in time.
A thorough cleaning of the areas mentioned will rid the apartment of fleas and their eggs. As far as possible, fabrics should be machine washed; for carpets and upholstered furniture, thorough vacuuming or the use of a flea powder that is sprinkled on and vacuumed up again after a certain period of time helps. Furthermore, the introduction of additional fleas by pets should be prevented. Flea collars for dogs and cats protect animals that often spend time outside, and therefore also people, from flea infestation. Alternatively, a vaccination can be done at the vet or a spot-on can be used that is dripped into the pet's neck. For dogs, there is also the option of removing fleas from the entire fur with a flea comb.
