Fleas are jumping: what should I do? - briefly
Apply a veterinarian‑approved flea treatment regimen, including topical or oral insecticides and thorough cleaning of bedding and environment. Repeat applications as directed and inspect pets regularly for signs of irritation.
Fleas are jumping: what should I do? - in detail
Fleas are small, wing‑less insects capable of leaping up to 150 times their body length. Their ability to move quickly between hosts makes infestations spread rapidly in homes, yards, and on animals.
The first step in control involves confirming the presence of fleas. Look for tiny, dark specks on pets’ fur, bite marks on skin, or flea dirt (black specks resembling pepper). Use a fine‑toothed comb on pets to collect specimens for identification.
Effective management consists of three coordinated actions:
- Treat all animals in the environment with an approved adulticide and, if necessary, an insect growth regulator (IGR) to interrupt the life cycle.
- Apply a targeted insecticide to indoor areas where pets rest, focusing on carpets, upholstery, and cracks in flooring; follow label instructions precisely.
- Wash bedding, curtains, and pet accessories at temperatures above 60 °C, then vacuum thoroughly, discarding the vacuum bag or cleaning the canister immediately.
Preventive measures reduce the risk of recurrence:
- Maintain a regular grooming schedule, using flea‑preventive collars or topical treatments as recommended by a veterinarian.
- Keep lawns trimmed and remove debris that shelters flea larvae; consider applying a pet‑safe outdoor larvicide in heavily infested zones.
- Seal entry points such as cracks around doors and windows to limit wildlife intrusion, which can introduce fleas.
Monitoring after treatment is essential. Inspect pets weekly for several weeks, and repeat environmental applications according to product guidelines, typically every 2–4 weeks during peak flea season. Persistent problems may require professional pest‑control services to address hidden infestations in wall voids or under flooring.