If you’re sick and tired of fleas on your dog or cat and in your home, give yourself a head start. Flea-killing products are a great addition to your flea control regimen (such as vacuuming and washing pet bedding). Just be sure to read the directions on the product label and follow them closely.
Some brand name products, such as Frontline flea control, Advantage Flea Killer, and K-9 Advantix (for dog fleas) are commonly used by veterinarians and other pet owners. You may want to talk to your vet about which one is right for you.
Many users prefer Advantage flea products because they have fewer active ingredients, and some pet owners find it better for pets with sensitive skin, a concern that is especially relevant for cats.
Buy in bulk if you want to have an advantage. The flea killer is cheap, it’s around $10-$12/month if you buy online and buy in bulk. In fact, you probably want to save as much as you can, since flea meds need to be applied every month during flea season. (Year-round if you live in a warm part of the country or are concerned that your pet has already brought fleas and ticks into the house.
If you think you may already have flea eggs inside your home, be sure to vacuum regularly and wash your pet’s bedding regularly. Here’s an extra trick: Place a flea collar inside the vacuum bag so any flea eggs that are sucked in don’t hatch a small army of fleas that can crawl out of your vacuum. Also, since flea killers are primarily focused on killing adult fleas that bite your dog or cat, you’ll want to keep your pet under ongoing treatment so these adults don’t live to feed and reproduce. Flea eggs can live for up to 2 years, so this is the best way to give your pet a head start and break the flea and tick life cycle inside your home.
Although it may seem annoying, killing fleas and ticks is important. They can reproduce and affect both people and other animals in your home, and they transmit diseases that can be serious and deadly.
Flea and tick infestations are definitely a problem best nipped in the bud. Veterinarian-approved flea and tick control products like Advantage flea killer, Frontline, and canine Advantix (if you have a dog) are an important part of an overall flea control program.