Thursdays Thoughts: Felines & "Super Fleas"?

FOFF Founder B. Douglas
Nov 21, 2021
8 min read

*My apologies for the late post, it was written on Thursday. However, was interrupted by technical difficulty with my devices. Technology, got to love it.

First things first, let’s evaluate the topic of discussion. If you noticed, which I’m sure is why you’re reading this, you notice the words “Super Fleas”. Now, I know most people have at least heard the terms super lice over recent years. Have lice parasitic cousin jumped on the evolution bandwagon? Have they developed immunity to human practices of extermination? The answer to those is actually, no. Not In a scientific sense. Only the behaviors and characteristics have changed, not their physical make up. We’re about to discuss when and how these tiny jumping beans with an itchy bite, became significantly more of a burden and more resilient to typical measures of extermination. As well as what to do if you have these "super Fleas", the variations of fleas and how to adjust your arsenal to rid of the pet eating pests .

Lets face it, the past 2 years have been anything but enjoyable for anyone. Due to the pandemic and the major economic impact, mass quarantines and social distancing with mask mandates. To add to the list of inconvenient and unfortunate events, in 2020 the alleged super flea reared its tiny ugly head. For some, this is no big deal. Sadly though, for pet owners, it’s a pure nightmare. Especially for those with indoor pets.

My Fight with Fleas: Until I encountered them in early fall of this year, never had I experienced a flea infestation of the magnitude or overwhelming extent it reached. I literally own and operate an animal welfare organization, I'm usually pretty up to date on these topics. But this time, I couldn't figure out what was happening. I was dumbfounded. Because typically, the topic is relatively unimportant & I had never had this severe of an issue before. I to fought fleas that did seem unusually difficult to eliminate. In news articles I read, surprisingly according to a huge amount of mistaken people, there were now “super fleas”. Clearly it was all hype and media driven hysteria. But given the experience I and tons of others were facing, I can certainly understand why they were convinced of these parasites being super.. It had me convinced, almost.

If your pets have acquired fleas, your efforts seem unsuccessful and the infestation is unusually difficult to manage, you may have a serious problem on your hands. A severe infestation of normal fleas. NOT Super mutant fleas. Therefore, there is no threat from the flea that hasn’t already existed for centuries. Fleas are literally everywhere in the world, aside from the Artic. They’re physical make up or life cycle has not been proven to have changed whatsoever. Despite recent media claiming otherwise. Why are they being called “Super” & how did it happen? Especially if they're not? Like a lot of phenomenon occurring in history, could biological evolution be the culprit here ? Not likely. as no scientific research, statement, or evidence suggests any physical mutation in cat fleas, dog fleas human or rat fleas. Those are among the most common types of fleas we see and battle with. All of them bite humans. As well as cat fleas will bite dogs, but not the reverse and rat fleas, are the ones that carry the disease known as the bubonic plague. All species of fleas carry nasty diseases, so super or not, it’s not a house guest you want sticking around. Also ensure your pets vaccinated to help protect against terminal diseases.

Several factors played a role in these parasites seemingly new ambush, making them appear tougher than ever before. Most available flea treatment, medications and poisons out there still work if used as directed and possibly in larger amount. Just like lice and the infamous bed bug in the past decade;people are thinking the fleas have caught up with this immunity to poisons and pesticides. As They are wreaking havoc on their hosts (pets/animals). Owners are severely frustrated and inconvenienced, however, the fleas are the same as they’ve always been.

No scientific research has backed that any physical adaptations have occurred. It seems odd, because if no fleas are super, why do they appear to be?Fleas are worse seeming now due to the fact they’re now year round.

We as humans are particularly to blame in retrospect. We've provided the perfect living conditions within our homes. Thus we have these healthy, very stubborn fleas l, if not properly handled, It may come to the point when you would consider a professional exterminator.

If you use Effipro, Hartz, Seargans or advantage and recently it justdon’t seem to quite cover it. Be sure you properly read usage and directions and follow them thoroughly. Being negligent or only half way doing what’s directed, defeats the purpose of even purchasing the product. It's like drying off with a towel in the pouring rain.It's useless and doesn't make sense to purchase the items needed just to not be used, or wasted.

One of the main factors is definitely environment related. Usually, with average fleas, their life cycle ends when the weather turns cold. They thrive in warm, dark and damp areas. As they can’t survive the temperature or environment during winter, summer was the norm for fleas life cycles. But the past couple of years, the number of indoor pets has multiplied at an all time high rate. During winter, with most pets ,now being inside rather than out, having our heat set to 72+ temperatures, gives the flea an all year round survivable habitat. Right in your pets cozily warm bed, among other spaces, is a high performance breeding ground for these guys.

Another aspect of how they’re so super seeming is their developed high tolerance to common sprays and treatment, NOT immunity. Like when we humans take a medication frequently and it gradually takes more to be effective, our bodies tolerance rose. That’s exactly what these critters bodies have done as well. To the point of them, seemingly "evolving" into these stronger healthier versions. What we used to exterminate before is not completely ineffective, not yet anyway. However the fleas aren't necessarily “super” , they’re just thriving, healthier beings. Given the circumstances of sustainable food sources and year round perfect environment.

Most available solutions or our go-to remedies from the store or home made work completely fine. It just requires more thorough, proper use and persistent maintenance of your pets flea prevention on time. The root cause of unsuccessful treatment is at the hands of lazy owners. Not properly using the product or thoroughly following through with directions. You're really just wasting money if you aren't correctly completing all steps. The fleas will be back, that's common sense. How can I prevent my pet from becoming infested?

If your pets don’t already have fleas, the first strong recommendation is avoid the outdoors and other animals. Especially typically outdoor animals if your pet is an indoor pet. As that’s naturally the most common place they pick these things up.

We understand, that’s sometimes borderline impossible, especially for dog owners. Just be aware, wild animals who may have traveled through your yard, the neighbors cat, your cousins puppy he brought to show you last week etc. You get the idea, any of them could have been a host to several fleas. It only takes one to jump onto your pet, then a week later your house is full of microscopic jumping parasites, seemingly out of nowhere. It can get quite nightmarish.

Direct contact with another animal or it's bedding is the MoSt C known way for fleas to spread. Although, contact is not required to catch them. Fleas outside will lay in dark & damp areas awaiting a host to pass (your pet). They then, while your pet walks by them, jump into the air , onto the animal and grip down for a ride. As they can jump up to 14 inches high, due to their strong lengthened back legs They’re known hitch hikers of the parasite world.

Thankfully, there are a lot of prevention treatment options out there for pets. Using one of them is an excellent way to help your fur babies stay flea free. Here’s some good brand suggestions: Hartz Sergeans Advantage II Sentry Frontline+ Capstar Pet Armor

EFFIPRO (Author's choice)

Whichever you prefer, they do a world of difference. Also you may try these sites for some savings on your flea survival:

https://www.chewy.com

https://www.tractorsupply.com https://www.allivet.com https://www.walmart.com https://www.amazon.com

my personal recommendation, trying fuzzy.com , as they usually offer a special of some sort and carry top brands. I’ll let you in on a little secret use code: FREEMEDS10 on http://www.fuzzy.com and get 2 per household of my personal favorite, Effipro plus flea& tick prevention. AN a three month dose. It always works wonders and with their current promo, only pay $2.95 shipping.

Another key prevention tool is a good strong flea collar. I use the Hartz Ultraguard pro+ flea collars for my cats. Found at every Walmart. They’re affordable, last 7+ months & have a reflective strip made into them so they may be seen at night. To help avoid your pets being hit by vehicles if they got out, easier to find them & the scent is not a flea fan favorite. Only about $7 each.

Your furr babies already infested?

Once the flea has infiltrated your pet, it’s not likely to stay literally on the animal. Roughly, about 95% of fleas spend more time off of your pet than on. They prefer waiting in the bed for your kitty to take it’s cat nap, or in the darker places of your home. For example, corners, under furniture & deep down into long carpet or shag rugs. It is why when treating your home, vacuuming, spraying, washing & bombing thoroughly & diligently. Thru are crucial to success in eliminating them .

First step is always, flea shampoo and treat your pet. Pictured is my Own photo of what I specifically use. Shampoo and bath first, using a flea comb to help in removing the fleas during The bath.The combing aLso greatly helps this process. (See my article “how to safely bathe your cat” on my amino community here: http://aminoapps.com/invite/78Z8BW0XQMocess )With a good thorough vacuuming, especially in corners and crevices, Washing all bedding, yours and your pets then Flea bomb your house 1 fogger per room, (thoroughly FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS) be flea free in a jiffy.

*Never set off a flea fogger with your pet inside. It’s been known to kill cats just being brought back inside too soon, so definitely not while the foggers are just starting. **

You can also buy effective flea sprays both for elimination & adults .

Always make sure, food and water bowls, bags of food and litter boxes are stored away and covered, or thoroughly washed after, avoiding any possible toxicity to you or your pets. Properly dispose of the containers and put any remaining spray out of pets and children’s reach. The poison control center number is listed here as well as the link to their online help in the event of an emergency situation like your pet licking or swallowing flea poison.

For treating your pet or home my personal recommendation is HARRIS. I can honestly say it's hands down the best bug killer/treatment for any pest period. Look for the products pictured below, you won't be dissappointed. Find them here ➡️https://pfharris.com/collections/bed-bug

*Also available at most Walmarts, Home depot, Lowes, Tractor supply and Amazon.

📍In the event of an emergency, please seek online assistance or call the poison control center. For any concerns, questions or instructions on what to do in the scenario of poison ingestion by you or your pet. Contact them here:

https://www.poison.org/18002221Poison control

phone: +1 800) 222 1222

Okay, after you’re finished bathing, bombing, washing & spraying, continue your flea prevention. Continue the monthly or trimonthly prevention medicine & flea collars. The key is to stay persistent. Doing this should ensure you don’t have to have anymore flea fights.

Summary Turns out there are no legitimate super fleas. You can rest easy knowing, they’re just average fleas who have gained an advantage. Mostly from us providing the habitat and nature creating the perfectly humid summer & warm winter the last . But with a thorough treatment & ongoing prevention plan, these pests won't be a prevailing problem for your pets. Thanks for reading guys.

•This article is not intended to substitute or be used as any type of legitimate veterinary or medical advice. It is not written by any veterinary clinic, hospital or veterinarian. Please seek your vets assistance with medical conditions or for parasite treatment•

Sources:

▪️https://www.rover.com/blog/super-flea-ca

▪️https://www.google.com/amp/s/theconversation.com/amp/reality-bites-the-mutant-giant-penised-fleas-in

▪️https://projects.ncsu.edu/cals/course/ent425/library/compendium/siphonaptera.html