Table of Contents
Signs of Failed Flea Treatment
Why Some Flea Treatments Fail
The Science Behind Flea Treatments
How to Tell If a Flea Treatment Has Worked
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What To Do If You Can't Get Rid of Fleas After Treatment
- By Sarah
-
- March 4, 2024
- 3 MIN READ
Dealing with a flea infestation can be a frustrating and exasperating experience, especially when you've tried everything but the fleas just won't seem to go away. It's a common scenario: you've diligently applied flea treatments, cleaned your home, and taken all necessary precautions, yet those persistent pests continue to bother your pets and invade your living space. If you find yourself in this situation, don't lose hope. Here we'll delve into the reasons behind failed flea treatments, how to identify signs of treatment resistance, and explore effective solutions to finally bid those relentless fleas farewell.
Signs of Failed Flea Treatment
It can be disheartening when you're unable to get rid of fleas despite your best efforts. The majority of failed flea treatments is down to incorrect application… so that’s down to us humans! It’s super important that you follow the instructions carefully to give your pets the best protection. We’ve got two detailed posts here for how to correctly apply Itch flea treatment to your dog or cat.
Also bear in mind it can take many months to get on top of an infestation, sadly, one treatment isn’t always the silver bullet we hope for! In order to keep ahead of that crazy flea life cycle (read a bit more on that here), the number one, most important thing you can do, is to treat monthly with an effective flea treatment that both protects and prevents infestation.
Why Some Flea Treatments Fail
Understanding why flea treatments might fail is essential for nailing the right approach to address the issue. Several things can add to up to create treatment resistance:
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Incomplete Treatment
Flea infestations require a committed and comprehensive approach. Treating only your pets without taking other steps like addressing your home environment, can lead to reinfestation. Treatments also need to be applied monthly, all year round, to prevent and protect against infestation.
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Environmental Factors
Humidity and temperature can seriously impact the effectiveness of flea treatments. Fleas thrive in warm and humid conditions (like us humans on holiday!), and if these factors aren't mitigated or controlled, the infestation might persist.
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Inaccurate Application
Applying flea treatments incorrectly or inconsistently can lead to treatment failure. Carefully following the instructions and applying treatments as directed is absolutely crucial for success. This is the number one issue in ongoing infestations. Click here for guides on how to correctly apply Itch Flea to your cat and dog.
The Science Behind Flea Treatments
To effectively combat fleas, it's important to understand the science behind flea treatments. Flea treatments work in different ways, but most target the fleas' nervous system or reproductive cycle. Itch Flea Treatment has active ingredients that attack the central nervous system to kills fleas within 24 hours and also penetrates flea eggshells - so long suckers!
How to Tell If a Flea Treatment Has Worked
Determining whether a flea treatment has worked might take a bit of time, depending on various factors, including the type of treatment used and the severity of the infestation. Here are some indicators that your flea treatment is effective:
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Decreased Scratching - One of the first signs of a successful flea treatment is a noticeable decrease in your pets' scratching and discomfort - YAY!
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Reduced Flea Activity - Over time, you should see fewer live fleas on your pets and in your home. Very satisfying! However, the active ingredients in Itch Flea cause hyperactivity in the dying fleas shortly after treatment, so don't be surprised if you're aware of more flea activity, before it reduces.
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Visible Signs of Dying Fleas - Fleas might not drop off immediately after treatment, but you may notice dying fleas with impaired movement.
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No New Bites - If you and your pets are no longer getting new flea bites, it's a super positive sign that the treatment is working.
Itch Flea Treatment - Why It Works
Itch Flea’s double action, spot-on treatment uses a combination of vet-approved, active ingredients kills adult fleas within 24 hours, halts all other flea life stages in their tracks and stops any new fleas joining the party, protecting your pet until their next monthly treatment. Plus it kills ticks and lice!Using Itch Flea every month (as recommended) is the most effective way to kill any live fleas on your pet and keep those blighters at bay in future. Sign up to Itch’s monthly subscription for automatic monthly deliveries of your pet’s tailored Itch Flea subscription right through your letterbox, exactly when you need it, so you never forget.
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Dealing with a stubborn flea infestation can be incredibly frustrating, but don't lose hope. If you can't get rid of fleas despite treating repeatedly for several months, it's important to identify the signs of treatment resistance and understand the reasons behind it. Factors such as poor application, incomplete treatment, and environmental conditions can contribute to the persistence of fleas.
By understanding the science behind flea treatments and choosing effective options, you can finally say goodbye to those persistent pests and create a comfortable and flea-free environment for your pets and family.
If you’ve got any questions or queries, we’ve got a team of flea fanatics specially trained in veterinary medicines advice who help Itch members tackle fleas ALL DAY LONG. Get in touch for questions or advice, we’re always happy to help.
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Flea
General
What is the flea life cycle and how can you break it?
Fleas can turn into a massive headache for us, pet owners. Understanding the flea life cycle is crucial to effectively fighting off infestations and keeping your pets as well as your home flea-free. Scroll to see the flea life cycle, all four stages - egg, larvae, pupae and adult - and explore how you can break it to eliminate the pests.
Flea
Treatment
How to Apply Itch Flea Treatment to your Cat
Great news! When applied correctly, Itch Flea treatment for cats is 100% fast and effective at killing fleas on cats and kittens!
However, the 'when applied correctly' bit is quite important…
We know it's not always that easy, so we've put together a quick guide on the best way to apply Spot-On Flea treatment to your cat or kitten.
Flea
Treatment
How to Apply Itch Flea Treatment to your Dog
Amazing news! When applied correctly, Itch Flea Treatment for dogs is 100% fast and effective at killing fleas on dogs and puppies!
However, the 'when applied correctly' bit is pretty important.
We know it's not always that easy, so we've put together a quick guide on the best way to apply Spot-On Flea treatment to your dog or puppy.