Washing Away Those Fleas

We have hot, humid summers and, with such a mild winter, this has become one of  the worst flea seasons in Mississippi since as long as I can remember.  My first attempt to eradicate these ferocious biters was with diatomaceous dirt.  It was slowly working but I found I had to rub it into Kirby’s fur almost daily. He was still scratching but somewhat less.  What I hated almost as much as the fleas was how it made my house look so filthy and Kirby looking like he hadn’t had a bath in a very long time.

In my search for another natural way to combat this flea infestation, I discovered an amazing and safe product.  I wasn't the first since there are numerous testimonies across the internet praising this inexpensive, household item prompting me to give it a try.  

DAWN DISH DETERGENT

Original Blue Formula Dawn is the same product used to clean wildlife in the Gulf Coast after the oil spill.  It is safer than any chemicals and has been recommended by veterinarians.  Following are the steps I'm using to eradicate the flea invasion in my home.

Directions for your pet:

• Fill a bathtub with warm water. Do not use extremely hot water while bathing your pet. The amount of time the dish washing detergent stays on your dog's fur, not the water's temperature, is what kills fleas.
• Wash your hands and arms up to about the elbow with the soap. This will prevent fleas from jumping on you during the bath, biting you, and then re-infesting the pet.
• Place your dog into the bathtub and fully soak him or her.   I am washing our large current foster dog in the kiddie pool in the backyard.
• Squirt dish washing detergent onto the fur and massage. Add enough dish washing detergent to create a full lather on your dog's body. You will need to spend several minutes scrubbing him or her, more depending on the severity of the fleas. Be gently while scrubbing but you will need to scrub well to get to the skin where the fleas will hide. Having a pet brush on hand can be helpful when getting deep in the hair.
• Pay special attention to the head, ears, face and neck areas as fleas migrate to these undisturbed points when their habitats are disrupted. This means you will probably have to add a tiny drop of detergent and rinse. You can pick them off the face as you see them so you don't get soap and water in the eyes.
• Be very cautious when washing around the eyes. If contact with the eyes occurs, rinse with cool water and dry with a towel.
• Let the soap sit on your pet's fur for about 15 minutes while it kills the active fleas.  I just keep massaging the detergent into the fur so he thinks we aren’t done.
• Rinse when you see dead fleas. When you start to see fleas fall off into the tub, you will need to rinse the pet to get rid of the dead fleas and get to the live ones. Scrub until you see no fleas in the tub when you rinse which can take a few minutes.  The soap residue may irritate your pet's skin so rinse the fur thoroughly.
• Comb the fur with a flea comb allowing the fleas to drop into the soapy water.
• When finished let the fur dry naturally.
• Slather a fur or skin conditioner for dogs on your pet so that its naturally occurring body oils are balanced again.
• Rinse the bathtub out to get rid of dead fleas.
• Do this at least once a week or when flea problems arise.

For pets that cannot be bathed, such as cats:

• Take a bowl and mix 2-3 teaspoons of detergent and fill the rest a little over half full with water.
• Use a spoon or fork to mix well until it's bubbly.
• Use a flea comb and dip the fleas in the bowl of water and detergent. This kills them instantaneously. This can take quite a while, but it's worth it.
• Scrub deep into the fur, but be very careful not to scrub too hard. If the pet cries, you're scrubbing too roughly.
• Continue combing until you see no more fleas.
• If you notice more fleas within a couple of days after bathing, simply repeat the process every couple of days.

Directions for your home

• Vacuum often being sure to empty the bag or bin into a sealable garbage bag and placing in your outside garbage container.
• Steam clean your floors and upholstery with a few squirts of the dish detergent added to the hot water compartment. If you don’t have a steam cleaner then mop your floors and lightly sponge clean your upholstery.  My tile floors are clean and shiny with no sticky residue.
• Wash all pet bedding, toys, etc. in hot water using a small amount of the dish detergent.
• Mix a few drops of dish detergent with water in a spray bottle and spray on problem areas such as carpets, pet bedding, and toys.
• Make sure you are not using Dawn with bleach which could cause discoloration.
• If you notice you are leaving a soapy residue then use less soap.
• Do this once a week when you do your normal cleaning.

Directions for your Yard

 Don’t forget your yard because each time your pet ventures into the yard a new crop of fleas will infest your pet

• Mow your lawn to a height of 1-1/2 to 2 inches. This allows sunlight to heat the ground killing flea eggs and allows the spray to reach the ground where fleas and their eggs live.
• Fill a lawn sprayer with water and add 1 oz. of Dawn dish soap.  I use an empty Miracle Grow feeder bottle that snaps into a thing on my water hose. Remove the top, squirt some soap in and re-attach it to the water hose.  Using the feeder option I “fed” some fleas!
• Spray your entire yard with the Dawn dish soap and water mixture in the late evening so the detergent has several hours before the sun rises and dries the soapy water reducing its effectiveness.  It’s soap so I further spray down my deck and patio furniture letting the spray drip down the cracks to the ground under the deck.  I also spray all of my flower beds and I haven’t seen any problems arise for my flowers or vegetables.  Basically, I am spraying everything!
• Repeat this for two or three days in a row and again approximately 10 to 12 days after the first spraying. This will allow flea eggs that were present during your first spraying to hatch and allow you to kill the next batch of fleas.
• Continue to spray with Dawn every few weeks to maintain a flea-free yard.  I really focus on the back fenced area Kirby plays in.  I also spray my flower and vegetable beds and have not found any detrimental effects.
• I've also noticed less problems with mosquitoes around my deck which could be a coincidence or another added benefit.

I started this process last weekend.  Seven days later Kirby started scratching again which told me the flea eggs had hatched.  I again went through the entire process.  It was time consuming taking a full day but was well worth the effort.  My house is shining like a copper penny and the Kirbster is back to his old self.  Relief and comfort is everything.  Not having to use chemicals on his little body is a further comfort becuase I don't have to worry about poisons slowly seeping into his skin causing irreparable harm.   

I have also begun adding small amounts of garlic powder to his meals which is supposed to make his skin give off a slight garlic odor insects hate.  It's only June so I plan to be diligent throughout the summer months ahead.  

Have you tried Dawn?  I would love to hear about your experiences and what worked for you.

The Vengeance of Fleas

Anyone who knows me knows I don't use the commercial topical flea solutions.  Just read my post The Flea War and you'll understand why we use the most natural products we can find to be safe.  For quite some time now we have been using a neem oil shampoo and botanical spray. Kirby very much disliked the spray because of the strong cinnamon smell but it worked so he was forced to suffer through it.  It did dissipate after ten minutes or so. He is three years old and we have never had a flea problem until this year.

Kirby has been itching and biting almost constantly for the past few weeks driving me crazy!  If I can't take the constant scratching and itching I can only imagine how miserable Kirby must be!  

First, I came across this natural flea dip. I have a large rosemary shrub growing in my backyard (doesn't everyone?) so I gave it a try.

Rosemary Dip 

• Steep 2 cups fresh rosemary in boiling water for 30 minutes

 

• Strain the liquid and discard the leaves

• Add up to a gallon of warm water depending on size of dog
• Let cool until tepid

• Pour over dog being sure to soak every inch avoiding eyes
• Allow dog to air dry naturally

This worked temporarily.  Kirby found relief for almost a full night so it's a keeper in my book! One batch was enough for two dips for a dog Kirby's size.

Table Salt

This was another remedy I came across so I sprinkled salt (it's cheap) on all of my rugs, then vacuumed a few days later. I don't think this worked at all.  Maybe at best it will bring me good luck - that throw some salt over your shoulder myth.

Botanical Oils

I did consider a lemon spray recipe I found but citrus oils can be toxic to dogs. Another remedy I discovered is placing a few drops of oil (lavender - also repels ticks and Mosquitoes, peppermint, lemongrass - repels ticks and Mosquitoes, citronella, rosemary) on a bandana, rope collar, or between the dog's shoulder blades.  The spray I had been using had a mixture of oils so I didn't think this would really help.

Finally, after reading several positive reviews, I purchased Ark Naturals Neem Protect Shampoo and Ark Naturals Neem Protect spray. The shampoo lathered up very nicely and didn't bother Kirby's eyes. He didn't mind the 5 minute wait before rinsing as long as I was massaging his back. Looked like doggie heaven to me! Once he had naturally dried I could honestly say he had a nice scent and his coat was soft and shiny. Next I applied the spray which had a light citronella smell Kirby didn't seem to mind. What I liked most was that the spray says it repels for up to seven days. Again Kirby had relief for a few days. Then the itching started back.  I started using the spray every day with little to no results.  Can fleas become immune to these oils?  Is Mississippi just the perfect humid habitat for fleas? 

Over this time period I removed several fleas from him with a flea comb.  Tiny little black bugs that were having a feast on my miserable little guy. Sunday came around again and, out of desperation, I broke down and purchased a flea collar.  Kirby showed his dissatisfaction by constantly laying his head on the floor.  Monday morning I went to work where I worried all day about the poison from the flea collar spreading over his body slowly killing him.  I rushed home to remove and throw that horrid collar in the garbage. 

More googling brought me to diatomaceous earth which consists of the skeletons of microscopic algae. The food grade kind was recommended with a warning not to purchase the glassified type which is used in swimming pool filters. Instructions said to apply it weekly during flea season being sure to put it in the cracks and crevices, then vacuuming 3 days after applying.  I also read that not only do many people eat it ??? but that it was perfectly safe to dust your dog or cat with it.  I purchased a large container for $14.00 at the co-op.  I rubbed the dirt all through Kirby's coat and liberally spread it throughout my house.  I washed all of the rugs save the large one in the living room in hot water and changed my linens.  

I also purchased a bottle of Nutri-Vet chewable Brewer's Yeast with Garlic for dogs.  It has only been helpful to some dogs but it's chock full of B vitamins, minerals and antioxidants so I don't think it can hurt. 

Poor Kirbs must have thought I lost my mind!  He gets a bath every week and here I was rubbing dirt all over him.  I'm holding my breath but it seems to be working.  He's scratching much less and I see signs of his skin healing from all the scratching.  I have to wait a few days to vacuum up the dirt and then dust the house again with the diatomaceous earth.  It has a chalky smell and feel. Kirby's coat isn't quite as shiny as usual. My house looks like I haven't swept or vacuumed in years. Yet if it rids us of the fleas I will be a very happy pawparent and homeowner! 

I really have reached my wit's end!  If anyone has a remedy that works without pesticides or chemicals please tell me what it is!

Counterfeit Pesticide Products for Dogs and Cats

WARNING TO PET OWNERS!!!!!!!!!!!!    

I rarely, if ever, publish two posts in one day.  The following EPA Warning is too important to ignore.  Dogs and cats are dying from these products which are being purchased by unsuspecting consumers so please read this article in full to keep your furbabies safe!!!!!

What action is EPA announcing?

EPA, in cooperation with its state and regional regulatory partners, is announcing the issuance of stop sale, use, and removal orders to retailers and other distributors of certain counterfeit pesticide products for control of fleas and ticks on dogs and cats. The stop sale, use, and removal orders are intended to disrupt an effort to distribute counterfeit pet pesticides. The counterfeit pesticides appear to have been unlawfully imported and were packaged in cartons designed to look like legitimately registered pesticides available in the U.S. under the trade names "Advantage" and "Frontline." The orders prohibit retailers and other distributors from distributing or selling the counterfeit pesticide products and require their proper disposal.

Why is EPA taking this action?

EPA is responsible for assuring that all pesticides sold in the United States do not cause adverse effects under EPA-approved label use conditions. The counterfeiters have placed foreign labeled applicator package inserts in counterfeited Advantage and Frontline retail cartons printed to resemble the U.S. -registered products. Frontline products, among other things, may be missing instruction leaflets bearing directions for use required under U.S. law. Further, the Frontline applicators may not be in the required child-resistant packaging. In addition to the inadequate labeling and packaging, consumers cannot be assured that the counterfeiters inserted the appropriate size applicator for the animal pictured or otherwise indicated on the retail carton of either the Advantage or Frontline products. So, use of the counterfeit products may put the treated pet at risk.

Are all of the Frontline and Advantage brands of pesticides counterfeit?

Consumers should be aware that the Frontline and Advantage brands of pesticides are registered by EPA. The manufacturers of these two product lines are not implicated in the enforcement actions EPA is announcing. However, product inventory that may be available at the retail level at this time could include both counterfeit and legitimately registered and marketed pesticides. Therefore, EPA is advising you about this problem and recommending that you determine whether the product you are considering or have purchased appears to be a counterfeit of the EPA-registered pesticides.

What products are affected by this action?

The following are brand names and EPA registration numbers of legitimate products. The counterfeit products may use these same names and numbers.

Frontline Top Spot for Cats (EPA Reg. No. 65331-2)

Frontline Top Spot for Dogs (EPA Reg. No. 65331-3)

Frontline Plus for Cats (EPA Reg. No. 65331-4)

Frontline Plus for Dogs (EPA Reg. No. 65331-5)

Advantage 10 for Dogs (EPA Reg. No. 11556-117)

Advantage 20 for Dogs (EPA Reg. No. 11556-119)

Advantage 55 for Dogs (EPA Reg. No. 11556-120)

Advantage 100 for Dogs (EPA Reg. No. 11556-122)

Advantage 9 for Cats (EPA Reg. No. 11556-116)

Advantage 18 for Cats (EPA Reg. No. 11556-118)


How can I determine if I have purchased the legitimate products?

The pesticide products are sold in a carton. It is difficult to distinguish counterfeit products from EPA-registered products because they look very much alike. To determine if the product you have purchased is legitimate, check to see if it meets the following criteria. If the product fails any one of these criteria, it most likely is an illegitimate product and should be disposed of properly.

Frontline products

1. The lot number on the retail carton matches the lot number on the applicator package and/or the individual applicators.

2. The instruction leaflet is included. It provides the following information: first-aid statements, including emergency U.S. telephone numbers; precautionary statements for humans and pets; directions for use; and storage and disposal statements.

3. The pesticide is contained in an applicator package, which is child-resistant. The directions for opening the child- resistant applicator package include an illustration that actually looks like the applicator package. The directions include "To remove applicator, use scissors or lift and remove plastic tab to expose foil, then pull down."

4. The legitimate applicator package looks like this; note the notch between the individual applicator packages, which generally are absent on counterfeit products. Text on the package is in English only.

5. Frontline Applicator Packages

Frontline Applicator Package (Front)

Frontline Applicator Package (Back)

6. Once you open the applicator package, each individual applicator has a label that includes the registrant's name "Merial;" the product name; the EPA registration number (see list above); the net contents in fluid ounces (fl. oz.) (not in metric measure, i.e., ml); percentage (%) of active ingredient(s) (fipronil for Frontline Top Spot products; and fipronil and (S)-methoprene for Frontline Plus products); and the statements "CAUTION," "Keep out of reach of children," and "See full label for additional directions." Text is in English only.

7. The applicator label for the dog products includes the size of the dog in pounds on which the product is to be used.

Advantage products

1. The only way to determine a legitimate Advantage product from a counterfeit product is by examining the actual applicator tubes that are inside the carton. Since the directions for use on the retail carton (outer box) and instruction leaflet of the legitimate product and the counterfeit product are identical, check the language that is printed on the applicator tubes. The legitimate Advantage products all contain applicator tubes that are printed in English. The most obvious sign of a counterfeit product is that the applicator tubes are printed in a foreign language (most likely French or German).

2. The legitimate applicator tubes include the EPA Registration Number, the signal word WARNING, and the child hazard warning (Keep Out of Reach of Children). Counterfeit applicator tubes may lack this information.

Advantage applicator tube

3. Legitimate applicator tubes will also include a reference statement that refers users to the main labeling for directions for use and will include the manufacturing company's name (Bayer). Counterfeit applicator tubes may lack this information.

4. Legitimate applicator tubes will contain an active ingredient statement that agrees with the active ingredient statement on the retail carton (9.1% imidacloprid). A counterfeit product may have an active ingredient statement that differs (such as 10%).

Is there a penalty for purchasing the counterfeit products?

For individual consumers, there is no penalty for purchasing a counterfeit product. Penalties only apply to persons who distribute or sell counterfeit products. However, purchasing a counterfeit pesticide may place you and your family at risk. For example, first-aid treatment directions may not be immediately available in case of an emergency. Further, a child may be harmed if he or she is able to open a package that is not child-resistant. Thus, EPA is recommending that consumers dispose of product that has been discovered to be counterfeit.

I discovered that a dog product was contained in a package intended for use on cats. Will my cat be harmed if I apply the product to it?

If you discover inconsistencies like this, do not use it. EPA encourages consumers to dispose of counterfeit pesticides they may have inadvertently purchased.

How should I dispose of a counterfeit product?

If you discover that you have one of the counterfeit products, you should contact your local solid waste agency* for information on proper disposal in your community. Your local government may recommend that you take the product to a household hazardous waste collection program. If allowed by your local government, you may put the counterfeit product in your trash. You may also contact an organization named Earth 911 at 1-800-CLEANUP or http://www.earth911.org/ to obtain community disposal information.

To identify your local solid waste agency, look in the government section of your phone book under categories such as solid waste, public works, or garbage, trash or refuse collection.

Who should I contact if I discover the counterfeit products in a store?

You should notify the store staff. You may also alert EPA to counterfeit products by visiting the Agency's Web site at www.epa.gov/compliance/complaints/index.html for enforcement matters or by contacting the Agency's regional office serving your state. See http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/local/index.htm to determine which office serves your state.

Who can I contact if I suspect that my pet has been harmed by one of these counterfeit products?

First, contact your veterinarian for medical assistance and advice. In addition, the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) is an EPA-sanctioned toll-free helpline designed to assist in providing answers to most questions regarding pesticides and pesticide poisonings. You can reach NPIC at 1-800-858-7378, daily from 6:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. (PT). NPIC also has a Web site with comprehensive pesticide information at http://npic.orst.edu/.

Will EPA's action mean that these counterfeit products will no longer be available?

EPA is continuing to pursue this issue. Unfortunately, it is likely that counterfeit and other illegal products may still be available. You should be careful when purchasing products such as these to look for the indicators described above. In addition to the counterfeited products described above, other illegal versions of these products may be available, including the following:

foreign labeled product with stickers containing some U.S. information

foreign-labeled products.

These illegal products pose potential risks related to units of measure that are unfamiliar to U.S. consumers, lack of child-resistant packaging, lack of precautionary statements, and the potential for the pesticide itself to be other than what is indicated on the carton.

For more information

For more information and answers to your questions, go to EPA's Q&A database and select "Fleas and Ticks" in the drop-down topic menu.