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From: ericksen@unc.UUCP (James P. Ericksen)
Newsgroups: net.pets
Subject: Re: exterminating fleas/mites
Message-ID: <178@unc.UUCP>
Date: Sun, 10-Mar-85 20:59:04 EST
Article-I.D.: unc.178
Posted: Sun Mar 10 20:59:04 1985
Date-Received: Tue, 12-Mar-85 21:18:12 EST
References: <179@mhuxn.UUCP>
Organization: CS Dept., U. of N. Carolina at Chapel Hill
Lines: 40

fleas

We've had the same problem with fleas and our three cats.  I'm allergic
to flea bites, and we've had limited success in ridding our cats of fleas
in this part of the country (the warm weather is conducive to flea
propagation, I guess).  Anyway, there's a product on the market called
"75 day carpet spray" put out by Zodiac.  Last spring, we used it on 
our carpets, sheets and blankets (the fleas were hopping all over the
bed) and found that it kept the fleas at bay for a couple of months per
application.  Apparently this spray contains a synthetic hormone that
acts as a growth regulator and keeps young fleas from reproducing.
The can does list some warnings about contact with skin, but the pet
store salesman where we bought the spray assured me that the warnings
applied only to the wet product, before it dried from exposure to the
air.  As long as normal precautions are followed (removing food from
the area to be treated, keeping pets away from the treated area until
the spray has dried, etc.) it seems that the spray is harmless.  The
only drawback that I know of is the cost--about $11.00 or so for one
can, which will treat a medium-sized apartment.  DON'T USE THIS SPRAY
ON YOUR PETS!

While I'm on the subject, we've tried several methods of flea control
on our cats and have yet to be satisfied.  In North Carolina, the flea
season is more or less year-round and flea collars (or tags) are of 
little value.  We've used 5% carbaryl powder (standard flea powder or
purchased more cheaply as Sevin dust) with some success, but it requires
two treatments a week to be successful.  The spray we purchased at the
vet (Sectrol) only needs to be applied once a week, but the cats HATE
it!  It takes two of us to apply the spray, and I don't blame the cats
for objecting to the smell or the wetness.  I'd like to find something
better.  Yes, we've tried Mother Nature's flea preventative, brewer's
yeast.  One cat loves it, the other two won't take it.  It seems to 
help a little (the cat that happens to love it also is allergic to
flea bites and we have to be extra conscientious in controlling his
fleas) but it certainly isn't the preventative it's reputed to be.
Any sure-fire solutions?

Thanks for any suggestions . . .