Infosheet: Fleas! A Natural Approach

It is so important to understand the ‘Life Cycle of the Flea’ if we want to eradicate this pest from our environment.

There are four stages – the egg -> larva -> pupa -> adult.
Depending on different environmental conditions the whole life cycle can take ONLY a COUPLE of weeks to many months.
Each female flea generally lives from two to three months and in this time she can lay about 40 eggs per day. Multiply that by 90 days and we get 3600 eggs from ONE flea!!!!
​
We can experience a FLEA APOCALYPSE!!!!!!!!!

How can we stage a WAR ON FLEAS?

The adult flea mainly lives on our pets.  The eggs either drop off the coat into the environment or are laid in warm dark places, such as the carpet. The eggs develop into larvae and then form a cocoon; if the conditions are not right for hatching the pupae can remain in the cocoon for months and even years.  The emerging adult will hatch from the cocoon when stimulated by vibrations, rising carbon dioxide and heat from the hosts/pets bodies.
The cocoon is the most resistant stage to most of our chemical weaponry or our WAR on fleas.
The adult flea itself generally represents less than 5% of the total flea population in your environment – that is concerning!!!

HOW TO ERADICATE FLEAS NATURALLY:

• A pet that has a good quality diet will generally be healthier and less affected by fleas.
• Animal Control: 

1. Regular grooming of the animal with a flea comb to remove fleas.  
2. Bathing weekly with gentle shampoos.  
3. Natural treatments with certain organic non-synthetic essential oils can help to repel fleas (owner prescribing is cautioned, certain essential oils can be toxic to animals).  For example Lemon and Tea-tree oils are toxic in cats. Limonene has been associated with serious toxicity in dogs and cats. 
4. Diatomaceous earth can be used topically, but must be used regularly.  Caution with dust inhalation and coat drying.  
5. Topical patch testing is always advised with any new product on animals.

• Environmental control is vital.  Regular vacuuming, the use of Borax salts (environmental ONLY) or Diatomaceous earth on the carpet (care with dust inhalation!).  BORAX SALTS can last up to one year in your carpet or upholstery. 
• Repellent Herbs such as lavender around the bedding, or planting fennel or sage near a kennel or cattery.
• Wash bedding in a ‘HOT’ cycle in the washing machine, rinse in cold water with 10 drops of natural eucalyptus or lavender oil.
• Pyrethrum derived from the chrysanthemum flower is one of the safest insecticides. These compounds are found in many of the veterinary control products. CARE WITH CATS, PYRETHRINS CAN CAUSE TOXICITY IN CATS.
• A humidifier plus warmer temperatures, will hasten pupae hatching. 
• Outdoor control can be difficult. Some natural treatments that can be utilised in areas that are frequented include diatomaceous earth and ‘beneficial nematodes’ such as Nemastar. (https://www.bioforce.co.nz/shop/products/nemastar/x_sku/nemastar.html)

The main secret to controlling the FLEAS is in the FREQUENCY of treatments and maintaining a coordinated attack on all areas of the life cycle.
I believe your companion animal’s health is well worth the extra time involved in maintaining a flea free environment the natural way! This information is available as a fact sheet attached, you are welcome to download it.

Disclaimer:

The information contained in this document is not intended to replace guidance from your veterinarian. The above remedies can be safely used alongside veterinary treatment. In the case of an emergency you should consult your veterinarian.

- Dr Jacqui Snell, Veterinary Holistic Healthcare

natural_alternatives_for_flea_control.pdf
File Size:	179 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

---