Needing Help with Fleas!

[Saeka]

Hello!

First, before I start. My dog and two cats ARE treated for fleas. I have used Advantage, Frontline Plus, Advantage II and Capstar (to kickstart the flea-killing process). Advice on other products is welcome, but it's not my main issue.

Okay, so about two months ago we had a flea issue in my parents' house. They went away on vacation and since I'd bring my yorkie over with me while house-sitting, the few fleas that got in freaking multiplied and they were everywhere. We treated the cats, fogged the house, kept my yorkie at my apartment until they were gone. We got rid of them all, or so it seemed.

I moved back in with my parents about a month ago and it is even worse now. We have been spraying the carpet and furniture down with a flea spray, vaccuuming like mad, everything. We keep treating the dog and cats, too. Last week we had our outside lawn spray people come in and spray the house. They sprayed everywhere and we kept EVERYONE out of the house for a good 4+ hours until we could re-enter the house. Washed bedding, clothing, blankets. We use Haskell, if that's of any use.

So, this big spray of the house was last Tuesday. The fleas ARE BACK. I seriously walked into my parents room and had five on my legs when I walked out. I found them all over Rhia yesterday, and even a few on her after treating her with Advantage again.

I'm sorry this is long and I'd give you lots of cookies and hugs if you've made it this far. I just need HELP. I'm at my wit's end of what to do about this problem. Rhia is scratching, even though she's been treated. One of my cats is also allergic to fleas, so one touch of a flea sends her scratching.

Any advice on what to do would be incredibly appreciated. We're supposed to wait 10 days after the spray to vacuum, but I'm wondering if I should go ahead and do it. Thanks so much all!

[Maximo]

I've heard fleas in Florida are bad. Can't imagine. From what I have read here, vacuuming every single day for a long time is important in battling fleas. I think this is to get the eggs that produce more fleas later. The eggs are hard to kill, if I understand correctly. Vacuum every single nook and cranny, under furniture and along baseboards. When finished each day, throw away the vacuum cleaner bag outside, or if you have a bagless type, empty it right away. Don't let it sit in your house.

I worry about how much flea medication your pets are getting. Be sure to follow the directions on the package and consult your vet to make sure you are not overdoing it.

[Saeka]

Originally Posted by Maximo

I've heard fleas in Florida are bad. Can't imagine. From what I have read here, vacuuming every single day for a long time is important in battling fleas. I think this is to get the eggs that produce more fleas later. The eggs are hard to kill, if I understand correctly. Vacuum every single nook and cranny, under furniture and along baseboards. When finished each day, throw away the vacuum cleaner bag outside, or if you have a bagless type, empty it right away. Don't let it sit in your house.

I worry about how much flea medication your pets are getting. Be sure to follow the directions on the package and consult your vet to make sure you are not overdoing it.

Thanks for the advice!
The fleas have been just awful this year. I can't get rid of them for the life of me.

And my pets are actually okay on their medications. I don't give them all of that! It was just a list of what they have had in the past, which was all done at the correct times.