Fleas

[Linz]

Has anyone else around SE15/SE22 had issues with fleas of late? I've spent weeks of constant cleaning and putting ineffective chemicals around our house to get rid of them, but they keep coming back. I spoke to a guy in the hardware shop on Lordship Lane the other day when buying some powder and he said that he'd sold more of it in the last month than he ever has before. Does this sound like a familiar problem?

My cat is thankfully flea free (Advocate does work) and looking very pleased with himself - the little bugger.

[Bluerevolution]

They've been a nightmare over the past 6 weeks or so, I've been bitten to hell, cat refuses to come in the house despite the whole place being cleaned, mopped and fumigated. Just glad to know it's not just us (Ie me being a lazy sod and not cleaning properly !!)

[Linz]

Phew - I'm not alone. I'm guessing it's something to do with the weather. I know foxes spread them too. Did you have your place professionally fumigated then? It would be good to rule out any more useless treatments.

I keep telling myself that they're just a minor pest (which they are) but just the knowledge of them being there makes me itch.

[Bluerevolution]

No we didn't get professionals in just flea spray from local shop. But the way the cat has run as quickly as possible over the floor suggests they are still around.

[Linz]

I just had a chat with the vets (which I should have done ages ago) and like most flea treatments, they can build up an immunity to the sprays that you buy from local shops e.g. the doc martin's stuff you can buy in supermarkets.

I'm going to swing past later on and buy some of their death spray. I'll let you know how I get on.

[Bluerevolution]

That would be good, cheers.

[bonniebird]

I use R.I.P fleas for the house and Advantage for the dogs, don't waste your money with petshop products, you can get the housepray online a bit cheaper. I think fox fleas are not the same as our cat flea which is the little red/brown buggers that bite our dogs/cats and your ankles if infested. The only problem is, R.I.P kills everything like spiders :(

[LUVED]

I use Indorex which seems to work for me. Make sure you get it in all the nooks and cranny's. Amazon always seems to be the cheapest.

[Linz]

Cheers folks. I just read some reviews on Indorex and it sounds like the best on the market. I'll give it a try

[Mrs TP]

There was just a feature on You and Yours on radio 4 this lunchtime about how prevalent they are this year.

The best stuff for the house is from a Vets can't remember it's name but big aerosol can. I think it is licensed so only the vet can sell it and better than any off the shelf remedies in supermarkets etc. Do speak to a Vet they are used to it and not embarrassed / judgemental.

Nightmare.

[DJKillaQueen]

Go to the vet and buy a can of STAYKILL. It's the only household flea spray that works. You can spray soft furnishings and carpets and each spraying will last for up to a year.

[muffins78]

Slightly off topic, but may help. I remember my old neighbour putting Tiger Balm on his windows. I asked him why, and he said it deterred mossie's getting in - I don't know if it would help with flies though.

[bonniebird]

Staykill and Indorex are also good

[Salsaboy]

@muffins - Fleas not flies.

[Saffron]

Diatomaceous earth: http://www.fleacontrolbook.com/naturalfleacontrol/diatomaceous-earth-the-a-miracle-cure-for-flea-control/

[Gidget]

Saffron Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Diatomaceous earth:

> http://www.fleacontrolbook.com/naturalfleacontrol/

> diatomaceous-earth-the-a-miracle-cure-for-flea-con

> trol/

Don't think you can buy it here, only in the States.

[Gidget]

Saw some Staykill in chemist on Northcross Road. They have a pet section with drops on the back of the neck stuff. Used to use it when I had cats. Sprayed flat just before I went out, put cats out, and left it for a few hours.

Cats seem to be the worst for fleas. When I had cats they were rampant. Now, no cats and no fleas!

[DJKillaQueen]

I agree that cats do tend to be worse for fleas but if they are regularly treated with frontline and staykill is used in the home then fleas are never an issue.

[Linz]

Frontline no longer works sadly - fleas have grown immune to it. I use Advocate now and it's brilliant. Despite having a house full of the wee *******, not a single flea is living on my cat.

[joom]

I'm just about to take my poor cat to get injected. I've been combing him to get them off him but he goes back out into the garden and they just re-colonise him. I've had trouble with fleas in the garden because of the foxes... Every morning I go out and spy one on my foot!. Good to hear for better sprays for the house!

[EDforME]

Avoid Peckham

[Linz]

EDforME Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Avoid Peckham

For fleas, or just in general?

[EDforME]

well looking at state of Peckham these days, i'd say both !

[Linz]

Having lived in Peckham for the past 5 years I can't say I agree with the sentiment; but keep avoiding Peckham - I'm sure it won't miss you.

[pinkhalf]

Yes huge problem with the cat for the first time. Indorex does the job but gave up on frontline and went to the vet. She confirmed that there is a problem with them around here.