what do people think about fleas? Have you ever seen a flea?
Electron Micgrograph photo (courtesty Bayer) of a flea biting a pet
There is an interesting discussion on a pet/veterinary forum here, where a member of the public asks if “flea control is just a big scam” or if its really needed.
What do you think? As a vet, I must say its essential against some different diseases (the posts on the forum above explain it well).
Anyway- I hope you like these images! Fleas are so small but they can jump about 30x higher than their body length…amazing eh… thats how they can jump quickly from one pet to another!!
6 comments
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April 18, 2009 at 4:27 pm
paul martin
we have a problem with fleas weave found a couple and have been getting bitten. my little girl seems to be there favourite meel .we hoovered and sprayed all seatting and beding areas but problem persists. we do not have any pets and wonder where they could of come from?.we have a 2 day old baby now and would apretiate any advice.
April 18, 2009 at 6:00 pm
portraitxpress
is it a new flat you have moved into?
often fleas eggs can live there for years and hatch out when new people come in.
Any pets?
I suggest get an insecticide ‘bomb’ for your house, but be very careful to read the label with regard to your baby.
Perhaps post further details on the forum here
November 7, 2009 at 5:37 am
Oriana
If you’re worried about chemicals around your infant, you can use penny royal or lavender to chase away fleas. I understand they are less effective than chemicals and are best used for prevention… but I’ve had a great deal of luck keeping my daughter from being bitten (while I’m treating the infestation) by spraying her with lavender oil diluted in a little water. I’ve planted several bushes of lavender in my yard and encourage my dog to roll in it every day… and it works.
Did you remove the vacuum bag immediately after vacuuming? Fleas are INCREDIBLY resilient… they’ll survive being sucked into a vacuum. If you do not remove the bag, they’ll simply escape back into the environment. The problem with simply vacuuming, is that you won’t get everything… you’ll still have to treat your carpet, in addition to bedding and seating. It’s easiest at that point to simply “bomb” your entire home with an airborne chemical spray.
May 12, 2009 at 12:26 pm
Delilah
My dog has big fleas&& he bleeds a lot!
He has 3 big cuts bcuz of them.
And were not sure what medicine can we put him
to cure him.
We bought him a flea collar but it dosen’t really work,,
What can we use?
May 12, 2009 at 12:37 pm
portraitxpress
i would suggest frontline or advantage, from your vet, these are the only things that work.
Please post your questions on http://www.petdoctorforum.com and more vets and animal experts can comment more!!
January 26, 2010 at 11:48 pm
blake dunaway
ew