[barley]

OMG we have fleas !!!

in the middle of December !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

thought they were only a summer problem

we have had a rat invasion this last couple of months and Lola my dog caught one and killed it about 2 weeks ago
you don't think it could be a rat flea do you

really worried as rats carry so many diseases

needless to say all rats are now gone and both dogs fumigated but I'm still worried 

[grinling]

their eggs can live in carpet for years and get activated when heating put on. There is a spray for carpets which is safe for pets.

[LotuSeed]

Our Saint had a terrible flea infestation last summer. Ugh 😳. Bathe your dog using a flea and tick shampoo. Start washing at the head and work towards the tail (this will keep the fleas from running for cover to your dog's head to avoid the water). If you notice the bath water turning brownish red don't panic, it's "flea dirt" ; dried blood that the fleas excrete.  If you don't already have a flea comb, I highly suggest getting one. When you use it, keep tissues or the like handy along with a bowl full of soapy water or rubbing alcohol (you'll want to kill them as soon as you see them in the tines of the comb and alcohol seems to knock them out pretty quickly). They're likely in your carpet and rugs so vacuum everyday and empty the container immediately and take it outside and dispose of it (if your vacuum has bags, change and dispose of them right away). You can spray your bedding and upholstery with a solution of water, rubbing alcohol and eucalyptus oil (they hate eucalyptus oil). A trip to the vet might be in order too. They can give a stronger flea and tick med that is oral rather than topical. If you have other animals you'll need to do similar or use a preventative treatment on them. Your best chance at getting rid of them is to stay on top of the routine of washing, flea combing, vacuuming and spraying. Hope that helps.

[Lulu]

My sympathies, Indie had them really bad this last summer.  I did everything Lotuseed has suggested. Except the oil - I used purpose made treatments.  The other thing I found out is they can be resistant to frontline so definitely a word with a vet helps.  Flea comb was the best thing to remove them from the dog.  Hope they disappear soon.

[grendel]

the best thing we ever did was replace the carpet with laminate floor, now we just have to deal with the 7 cats at once, a good vet bought flea treatment repeated after a month usually keeps things good.
Grendel

[devonbarmygardener]

Unusual for December indeed!

We had a flea issue in August/September.
Ben went mad and sprayed  everything and everywhere and hoovered like a madman!
Get a good spray and just go for it - room by room - pay special attention around the edges of skirting board etc

[LotuSeed]

OMG we have fleas !!!

in the middle of December !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

thought they were only a summer problem

we have had a rat invasion this last couple of months and Lola my dog caught one and killed it about 2 weeks ago
you don't think it could be a rat flea do you

really worried as rats carry so many diseases

needless to say all rats are now gone and both dogs fumigated but I'm still worried

Are you making any headway in getting rid of them?

[barley]

Are you making any headway in getting rid of them?

yes lotu thankyou

we seem to have no more scratching so think it was successfully treated

I used the old fashioned flea powder in the finish 

[LotuSeed]

Are you making any headway in getting rid of them?

yes lotu thankyou

we seem to have no more scratching so think it was successfully treated

I used the old fashioned flea powder in the finish 

I bet that's a relief! It can be so stressful knowing the little * are about...somewhere. 😜. Fingers crossed they don't come back!

[chrissie B]

Its the mild weather just not killing them off thought my dog had some late summer and it was only me getting bitten so after extencive fine tooth combing smothering my mats with flea powder we found that i had mmosquitos  in my green house   
and that is where i was been bitten , i get a bit    ott when these things happen .
chrissie b