DEAR JOAN: We're affected by a flea invasion, and we don’t even have any pets.
The cat subsequent door spends a great deal of his time on our terrace sleeping, however we don’t let him into our home. We're questioning if there's a “season” for fleas and whether or not we should always simply endure the bites till time passes.
We’re utilizing flea powder in the home and aren’t positive how lengthy that takes to eradicate the fleas. Are you able to truly even hope for that? Ought to we even be spraying outdoors?
Julie and Rudi, Richmond
DEAR JULIE AND RUDI: How inventive of you to get the fleas earlier than you get a pet. There's a flea season in California: It begins Jan. 1 and runs by way of Dec. 31. The draw back of getting an exquisite local weather, whichallows us to develop all method of issues for many of the yr, is it's by no means not tick and flea season. Whereas fleas a lot desire the blood of our pets, they are going to chunk people, if we’re accessible to them. A small flea downside can in a short time grow to be an enormous downside, with fleas shifting from egg to grownup in two to a few weeks.
Controlling them requires you to behave rapidly, and it's worthwhile to sort out the within of your own home and the yard on the similar time.You’re going to wish to hoover your own home — carpets and rugs, upholstery and mattresses. Take note of any nooks and crannies in your house, resembling forgotten corners and areas underneath furnishings. Utilizing a steam cleaner is also really helpful. You’ll want to scrub your mattress linens in sizzling water and dry on the hottest setting in your dryer.
Make sure that to empty the vacuum, putting the bag or contents from the gathering bin inside a plastic bag and disposing of it within the outside trash bin. Then wash the washable components of the vacuum and clear the filter.
For those who really feel the necessity to use pesticides, at all times comply with the directions on the labels, which regularly requires you to vacate the home for a bit after use. Sprays are preferable over foggers. Getting a few lighted traps — bugs are attracted by the sunshine and heat, and get caught on a sticky tray inside — might help you inform for those who’ve gotten rid of the fleas and offer you advance warning of a brand new invasion, in case you’ve missed any eggs.
Outside, you’re most definitely to search out fleas in shady, cooler, damp locations. For those who use pesticides or food-grade diatomaceous earth, use sparingly and focus therapy on these areas. In any other case, maintain your garden mowed, unfold cedar chips in downside areas and keep away from overwatering.
Let your neighbor know that the cat has fleas and must be handled, in any other case the issue will proceed.
DEAR JOAN: We just lately seen a squirrel in our orange tree headed to the fig tree, and his enamel are extraordinarily overgrown. His high enamel are rising down previous his chin and his decrease ones are up. Clearly he by no means realized to file his enamel down.
Is there something we are able to do for this poor critter? He was gazing us like he wanted assist.
Mona, Oakland
DEAR MONA: Give him one thing to gnaw on resembling beef bones, deer antlers or a salt block. Then it’s as much as him to get busy.
Contact Joan Morris at jmorris@bayareanewsgroup.com.
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