FLEAS HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[peachesmommy]

alright i can't take anymore, WE HAVE FLEAS BAD!!! i have done everything i can think of to combat these nasty things but i have no luck at all and i am getting sick of it! they are on advantage and i bombed the house and swept everything, changed teh bag of the sweeper, i sprayed the windows, doors and openings with bug spray, i have given them baths (mulitple baths) with a flea and tick shampoo, i have used a flea comb and i haven't gotten rid of them! the thing that gets me the most is they are indoor cats and you would think that they are outside as many fleas as i have seen! and it isn't like my house is dirty or anything although i feel like it is with all these darn fleas! i found one climbing on my daughters neck today and YUCK, i freaked, we both jumped in teh shower after that! so i am begging for some help, i can't take anymore, this is just nasty, and i am at a loss!!! PLEASE HELP!

[Traci]

The flea are entering your home somehow and from somewhere, you need to find out where and close off those areas. (cracks, crevices, open doors, screens, etc)

The Advantage should be working for the cats, but you also have to concentrate on the environment. Vacuum daily, vacuum all rugs and furniture, wash your bedding frequently. Wash all throws and blankets on a frequent basis.

Do NOT use flea and tick shampoo when you are already using Advantage. Using multiple products is deadly for pets! Advantage or Frontline only require one application each month, do NOT use any other flea products, no matter what they are! And NEVER use any over-the-counter products!

Did you purchase the Advantage only from your vet or elsewhere? Purchasing other than your vet may put you at risk for counterfeit or expired or adulterated products, which could render them ineffective or dangerous. Buy only from your vet to ensure you're getting a quality product that is backed by the specific gaurantee. Also ask your vet about Frontline, in the event the Advantage isn't targeting the fleas in your situation. But, remember, NEVER apply more than one application of either Advantage or Frontline within one month.

You do not need to use bug sprays around your home for fleas. This is overkill and the exposure is dangerous for your pets as well as your child. You need to find where the fleas are getting in, and close off those areas in order to control them....and be diligent about vacuuming. No heavy cleaners necessary, no bug sprays,... instead, caulk any open cracks and crevices with a suitable caulking (keep away from pets).

[peachesmommy]

i purchased the advantage from my vet, i put it on both cats and i have some stray cats that basically live right outside my house and i put it on them too, hoping it would help keep them away! i haven't given them a flea bath while using the advantage because i didn't want to harm my kitties! i don't have much carpet in my house, the bedrooms are the only areas and i sweep them and have disposed of my sweeper bag! I really swept the heck out of my couch and change bedding a lot in the last month or so! i can't stand it anymore, i just feel so gross, it is really starting to stress me out a lot! they are due for more advantage so i will call my vet and ask them about the frontline, somethings gotta give! i feel like my house is being taken over by these disgusting bugs! i know that it is from the lack of winter we have had, heck it has been summer here in florida, so i know that is why they are coming in. at this point i am willing to try just about anything to get rid of them, I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!

[Tambrey]

I have heard from a woman on anohter forum I frequent, plus ummm...I cannot remember who lives in Florida here on this forum...they both said they had to change to Advantix from their vet and that seems to be working...
it is as if the fleas have become immune to Advantage and Frontline...

good luck....I can sure empathize with you!

[peachesmommy]

oh yeah they are immune to them that is for sure! the bugs down here in florida right now are outrageous, they are everywhere, and they just love coming in the house to stay out of the moisture and humidity! i am calling my vet as soon as they open today, i am sure they can help me with something as far as frontline or advantix, they will point me in the right direction! as for the house today is going to be a huge spring cleaning process, i am taking everything out and cleaning, sweeping, you name it, even though i did a lot of this 2 days ago i am doing it again for sure! i will keep you all posted on the progress, but in the mean time if you have anymore good ideas that are safe for kitties and family i am willing to try it!! thanks tracie and tambrey for your advice!!

[Tambrey]

be sure to let the vet know when you last applied the frontline...you do not want to overload their systems with chemicals...

be sure to vacuum crevices...furniture as well as wallboards and such...

and vacuum EVERY day...
get a flea collar and put it in the vacuum bag or canister, then dump the entire contents into a sealed plastic bag each time after you vacuum...

you can cut the flea collar into 2 or 3 pieces so it is not so expensive...but doing this will actually kill whatever fleas and eggs get sucked into the vacuum, and they will be confined in a sealed plastic bag outside in your covered garbage bin with that bit of flea collar...

just be sure to keep the collar away from pets and wash your hands after handling it...

[Traci]

Advantix is for DOGS, NOT CATS! Do NOT use Advantix on cats, Frontline or Advantage are the only products you should use.

Peachesmommy, what type of "sweeper" are you using? In order to rid any fleas from carpets, rugs and furniture, you need to use a vacuum that has good suction power. Lightweight floor sweepers will not do the job.

[Tambrey]

aaahhhh.....MY MISTAKE....
I thought they made it for dogs and cats, like Advantage and Frontline do...

[Traci]

Nope, Advantix for dogs only.

If you do see this touted on the net anywhere (someone stating to use it for cats), make sure you set the record straight with them. You know there is all sorts of misinformation being spread around!

[Marty]

I'm glad I chose not to comment, as I have heard people are having better luck with Advantix also. Thanks for educating us, Traci!