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I just skimmed, but I don't think diatomaceous earth was mentioned? There's a food grade version of it, and it really helped me when I had an old cat who was more susceptible to flea infestation.
I am aware of food-grade DE, but have chosen not to try it for the following reasons.I just skimmed, but I don't think diatomaceous earth was mentioned? There's a food grade version of it, and it really helped me when I had an old cat who was more susceptible to flea infestation.
I was looking at the sulphur powder or liquid for outside my patio but be darned if there isn't a warning about it being harmful to certain plants. Now looking to see if it could be harmful to boxwoods as that is what surrounds my patio area. Still not clear if there could be an issue to the squirrels, as some of the data said it kills all kinds of insects - and even rodents. Last I knew a squirrel is a rodent. Didn't mention birds, but I have tons of them that hang out in and under the boxwoods.I'm sure you've done tons of Googling, but here's something that sounded interesting. Spread cedar chips on the areas where your pet likes to lie down, under the bushes, and on flower beds. Fleas hate the smell! Sulphur (powder or liquid) is also known to repel fleas and prevent hatching.
How to Get Rid of Fleas in Your House, in Your Yard, and More
Is this a significant risk though? Stronghold is the most used flea med for cats in Turkey and if I'm not mistaken in Europe in general. At least for the summers. If the risk of a neurological disorder or seizure was high I doubt it would be this popular. I hear about flea-related health problems far, faaaaar more than any side effect Stronghold has. For a senior cat too. Obviously you know Feeby better than any of us but if you have already tried the other options it might be a good idea to do another risk calculation.The main problem is that all the vets around here want to prescribe Revolution Plus - not the original Revolution (and both require a prescription). The Plus version, as is also true of Stronghold, contains an isoxazoline class of pesticides that has been tied to neurological disorders and seizures. I am not willing to risk the odds of this in a 17+ yo cat - I just can't do it.
Yes, I get what you are saying. But note - if you are using Stronghold (NOT the Plus version), then it does not contain the pesticide I was talking about. As I said, ditto for the 'regular' Revolution - which is also prescription - but all vets around me want to push the Revolution Plus instead. I started wondering if Revolution was being phased out - but I see it for sale online. It apparently is just because these vets must think Revolution Plus is better. I even agreed to get a tube of Revolution based on a conversation with one vet, and when I went to pay the invoice, they handed me the Plus version.Stronghold is the most used flea med for cats in Turkey and if I'm not mistaken in Europe in general. At least for the summers...Obviously you know Feeby better than any of us but if you have already tried the other options it might be a good idea to do another risk calculation.
Oh I see. Is there a way to get Stronghold from a different country? In Turkey for example you could just walk in to a vet clinic and get Stronghold just by paying. No prescription is needed. In case anyone you know is going to a different country and/or in case there is an app that you could order something small from someone who goes overseas (there are apps like that I know but not sure about the USA.)Yes, I get what you are saying. But note - if you are using Stronghold (NOT the Plus version), then it does not contain the pesticide I was talking about. As I said, ditto for the 'regular' Revolution - which is also prescription - but all vets around me want to push the Revolution Plus instead. I started wondering if Revolution was being phased out - but I see it for sale online. It apparently is just because these vets must think Revolution Plus is better. I even agreed to get a tube of Revolution based on a conversation with one vet, and when I went to pay the invoice, they handed me the Plus version.
Or - I suppose - I could submit an order to one of the online pet stores, who would then send a prescription request to the vet, and maybe they wouldn't 'notice' the request was for just the regular Revolution???Is there a way to get Stronghold from a different country?
You think they would send the regular Revolution if you specifically asked? I would assume Revolution Plus is more expensive so maybe they could even benefit from itOr - I suppose - I could submit an order to one of the online pet stores, who would then send a prescription request to the vet, and maybe they wouldn't 'notice' the request was for just the regular Revolution???
Thanks. We comb her and find fleas. Not doing DE due to the 'dust'.Have you seen fleas recently?...Either way I'll make the suggestion of Food Grade diatomaceous earth....Second recommendation would be to ensure your vacuum has a HEPA filter. Many pests can crawl out of a vacuum without a HEPA filter if they are not killed by blowing debris...Fleas can cause anemia in cats over time. It's likely that bed bugs can too. I would have the vet apply something topical again.
Bagless with a HEPA will still help they could jump out while dumping or spraying.Thanks. We comb her and find fleas. Not doing DE due to the 'dust'.
The vacuum may have a HEPA filter, not sure. But it is bagless, so, after each vacuum session, the container gets dumped into a plastic bag and sprayed with home & premise flea treatment and then sealed.
Fortunately, for as long as this has been going on Feeby is not anemic (gets blood testing at least every 6 months), so we must be keeping them at a minimum.
I think there is a strong likelihood that many of the fleas do come in from the screened in patio we have - even though I do spray the back yard with pesticides, but only per the instructions to reduce risks to all kinds of wildlife. I can't even use DE out there since it rains here nearly every day. I have started looking into nematodes but haven't made a final decision yet on whether or not to try them.If you're still uncomfortable with it, I would really recommend moving forward with a pest inspector/specialist....The final recommendation would be to limit/reduce wild animals in your yard that are tracking in fleas.