Pets (dogs, cats) should be checked frequently for fleas (especially on the abdomen, neck and around the tail), as well as application of specific anti-flea preventive or therapeutic treatment (collars, topical treatment in the form of spray, powder, foam, shampoo, liquid – spot application, oral treatment), depending on the type of animal and always in accordance with the instructions of veterinarians and the instructions for use of the preparations. It is also reported by some that brushing the animal with a special brush and bathing it regularly helps to remove fleas. Measures to combat fleas in the environment:
1.Thorough cleaning of the resting place of pets, at regular intervals, in order to remove the immature stages of fleas.
To remove fleas from the animals’ sleeping quarters, to remove fleas from their sleeping quarters and to remove fleas from their clothing.
• Cleaning of the living and resting area of pets should be carried out at the same time as flea control measures on the animals themselves to prevent re-infestation (ideally on the same day).
2.Regular and thorough cleaning of surfaces, especially where fleas, larvae or eggs may be present, in cracks and crevices in the floor and along walls.
3.Thorough vacuuming (daily for at least a week), with particular attention to areas where pets rest and roam, on floors, carpets, rugs, all covered furniture such as sofas (and under cushions), in cracks and crevices in the floor and along walls, skirting boards and wardrobes, behind and under furniture (e.g. (e.g. chairs, beds), pillows, along walls, behind doors, to remove eggs, larvae and adult fleas.
- Carpets may contain fleas in various stages. Vacuuming kills larvae in carpets, removes adult fleas and other stages, and stimulates the emergence of adult fleas from the – insecticide-resistant – cocoons. o Immediately after vacuuming, safe disposal of the bag or contents of the vacuum cleaner bucket, in a tightly sealed plastic bag, in an outside trash can is recommended.
- Steam cleaning of carpets will kill many adult fleas and nymphs, but some of the eggs will survive and hatch afterwards.
- After vacuuming, appropriate approved topical anti-flea preparations may be applied in the environment, in the form of spray, liquid or powder, to surfaces and places where fleas may be hiding, indoors, in areas that may harbor adult fleas or larvae, with special care and diligence in areas where pets rest or spend time, such as in the house. e.g. on carpets, animal resting areas, areas under and behind beds and other furniture, skirting boards, windowsills, furniture covers.
- During application, the relevant instructions and safety precautions on the label of the product should be strictly observed (e.g. keep animals and people away until surfaces are completely dry).
- Before applying insecticides, good environmental cleaning, vacuuming and/or steam cleaning should be carried out.
- After application, fleas may still be present for 2 weeks or more, as topical antifungal insecticide formulations do not usually kill the larvae in the cocoons from which new adult fleas emerge (weeks or even months after application). Therefore, vacuuming should be continued (to stimulate the emergence of new adult fleas from the cocoons so that they can be removed or come into contact with the insecticides). It may also be necessary to repeat insecticide applications (and flea control in pets). The number and frequency of additional applications of anti-flea preparations in the environment that may be needed will be determined by the type of preparation used and its residual activity, as well as the appearance of adult fleas (usually after 2-4 weeks) after application.
5. If pets spend most of their time outdoors, control measures may also need to be taken in areas where animals rest, feed or exercise (dog houses, under sheds, along fences, next to the house), although it is rarely necessary to apply these measures to the whole yard or open areas exposed to the sun. Outdoor cleaning should include garden tidying, with grass cutting and removal of organic debris from flower beds and under shrubs.
6. Special flea traps are commercially available and can always be used according to the instructions for use, near pet rest areas, in conjunction with other methods (they are not expected to eliminate fleas alone).
Finally, there are specialised and appropriately certified fumigation companies that can be contacted, particularly in cases of severe or persistent nuisance.
Πηγή: Εθνικός Οργανισμός Δημόσιας Υγείας https://eody.gov.gr/disease/psylloi-prostasia-apo/
