Facts And Fallacies Of Killing Dog Fleas
As rampant as flea problems are, there are bound to be misconceptions on how to get rid of them. But some of these misconceptions on treating dog fleas are so wrong, they're downright dangerous! Here are 5 of the biggest fallacies of killing dog fleas, and the facts that set the record straight.
Fallacy: If I just focus on killing dog fleas, I'll eventually get rid of them.
Fact: Your dog and home will never be flea-free if you base your success on the number of fleas you kill. Success can't be measured by a crude body count.
To do away with fleas for good, you should eliminate the possibility of reinforcements instead of mindlessly firing at the troops that are currently on the battlefield. Using Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs) on the fleas you're fighting will render them incapable of reproduction, allowing you to carry on the war without worrying the cavalry will arrive.
Fallacy: Natural remedies aren't up to snuff. Chemical warfare is always the way to go.
Fact: As effective as chemical-based products are in treating dog fleas, natural remedies also have their merits. Not only can they be as effective as most commercial flea-killers, they can even offer some benefits chemical weapons can't: economy and safety.
Fallacy: My dog is finally flea-free. I can stop worrying now.
Fact: You can't relax just because your dog is free from fleas. Unless you've taken the necessary steps to get rid of the fleas in your dog's immediate environment, then he's still in the danger zone. If there are still fleas in the house and yard, then your dog will be flea-ridden again sooner than you know it.
Fallacy: I can rest easy knowing I've gotten rid of most of the fleas.
Fact: One flea can start an entire infestation by itself. Keep in mind that fleas reproduce at an insanely fast pace. If a flea lays 20-50 eggs a day and those eggs hatch within a week or two, you've already got a veritable army on your hands. If those offspring lay their own eggs and those eggs hatch as well, you're faced with an entire legion, and so on. Need I continue?
When killing dog fleas, you have to make sure you get every last one, otherwise risk another infestation. And using IGRs couldn't hurt.
Fallacy: Fleas only prey on my pets.
Fact: They could also prey on you. All the more reason to be vigilant and keep your dog and home flea-free.
As you can see, even the most minor misconceptions on killing dog fleas can lead to massive repercussions. So get your facts straight.