The Year of the Flea

According to the Chinese calendar, 2008 is the Year of the Rat - a good year, according to custom, to get married or start a new job - a "good luck" year. But here in San Diego, it is shaping up to be the Year of the Flea - a good year to clear your yard of rodent harborage and treat your pets against these blood sucking pests. Fleas have been problem pests in Southern California for as long as there have been people or animals around for them to feed on. These pests multiply and thrive in our mild climate. Nevertheless, reports of flea infestations were on the decline a few years ago. Part of the reason was the development of new topical applications for use in controlling fleas on dogs and cats. Much more effective than flea collars or dips, these products helped cut flea infestations nearly in half and almost convinced us fleas were on their way out. So why have they returned with a vengeance? Here are a couple of theories.

First, we need to consider where the fleas that torment our pets come from. Usually, dogs and cats pick up fleas when they are outdoors, either in a yard or on a walk. As you can see in the highly magnified picture above, fleas have tiny, velcro-like spines on their legs that help them hitch a ride on Fido or Fluffy. Although dog and cat fleas prefer these animals, they are also carried by rodents, raccoons, opossums and other urban wildlife. If the increase in our flea population is due to an increase in wildlife hosts, the best protection for homeowners is an inspection of yard areas for possible harborage. Keep grass areas well-trimmed, clear out that unattended corner of the yard where weeds grow, remove or trim back overgrown bushes and vines. Look around the yard and determine where rats and squirrels may want to hang out - and clear those areas. Ironically, the Year of the Rat may be the cause of the Year of the Flea.

Another possible explanation for the increase in local flea populations is the question of the effectiveness of those flea treatments we have come to rely on. If you found the application your vet recommended did the trick last year, you  may be using old product or need to revisit the issue with your vet. Have fleas grown resistant to your regular control method? Ask the vet to recommend a product that is appropriate for your pet. Then  be careful to apply the medication according to label directions for best results. These flea controllers can be very effective, but don't always solve the whole problem. Because fleas can lay up to 40 eggs per day, and those eggs easily fall off the host animal, frequent vacuuming is also essential to flea control. If the problem persists, contact your pest professional. Tomorrow we will continue with a discussion of the life cycle of the flea and how different chemicals work to combat these pesky invaders.