Are Fleas More Active After Treatment?
Despite the application of flea treatments, fleas may still remain active in your home. The fleas’ cocoon is impervious to insecticides and may persist for weeks even after treatment. The best way to combat this problem is to keep your home clean and dry. Regular vacuuming is also an effective method. Vacuum the carpeting and rugs regularly and dispose of them in sealed containers. Steam cleaning of carpeting can also help get rid of any remaining fleas.
Fleas reproduce by laying eggs. These eggs hatch into larvae that live in hiding places. These larvae feed on the feces expelled by the adult fleas and accumulate in places where your pets rest. Once the larvae mature, they emerge as pupae and live in silken cocoons for a period of one to four weeks. This period may be extended if the fleas are in an environment that is unfavorable.
If you have an infestation of fleas, you may need to treat both your indoor and outdoor areas. For indoors, you can purchase a systemic or spot-on flea treatment from your veterinarian. These treatments will work for up to 2 weeks, but outdoor treatments will often be needed if fleas persist for more than four weeks.
Vacuuming your home regularly will help to kill flea larvae and eggs, as well as reduce the irritation caused by flea bites. Vacuuming can also help to remove cocoons, which may have been abandoned by fleas. Vacuuming also helps to raise the carpet nap, which will help the insecticide penetrate the fabric and kill the fleas. Whether your pet uses a dog, cat, or fish, make sure to vacuum all areas of the house.