Some pet owners go for years without ever having a flea problem. For others, fleas are a seasonal worry. Still others, living in warm, humid climates -- must wage constant war on fleas to protect their pets (and homes!) from infestation.

    Until you have actually experienced flea infestation in your home, it's hard to imagine how this tiny insect can bring such havoc into your life. Yet historians recall the flea-borne "Black Death" (bubonic plague) that swept across Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Europe in the 14th century, killing (by some estimates!) as much as 1/3 of the world's population!

    A flea is a small (1 to 4 mm in length), wingless, "jumping" insect -- a parasite -- that lives off the blood of a host which can be either human or animal. About 1600 species of fleas have been identified. Fleas are found throughout the world. About 95% of these species live on mammals and 50% on birds. Fleas have the ability to jump about 6 inches vertically and up to 13 inches horizontally and can attach themselves to both skin and clothing.

    Human flea concerns are twofold. Fleas bite and, for some pets and people, these bites are highly irritating to the point of causing allergies. Of even more importance, flea-borne diseases can sicken and (rare in the United States) kill both pets and their owners.

    Plague -- Although no longer a major health threat, plague, which is transmitted by fleas, has not been eradicated and can still be found worldwide. Between 1970 and 1997, 350 cases were reported in the United States; 80% in the southwest (New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado), 9% in California and small numbers in 9 other western states.

    Deaths included two in 1996, one in 1997 and in at least one case, the diagnosis was "postmortem," meaning the correct diagnosis was not made until after the victim had died.

    In the United States, plague is not considered a major health concern but its continued existence should make us aware of the need for continuing vigilance.

    Murine Typhus -- This is not the more serious epedemic typhus (which has caused the death of millions!) but, worldwide, murine typhus kills about 2% of its victims. In the United States, since 1945, the combined effects of rat control and insecticide dusting have reduced the incidence of murine typhus dramatically and no deaths have been reported in recent years.

    Outbreaks of murine typhus have, however, occurred in Southern California and Texas. Health officials have directly associated these outbreaks to the presence of fleas on dogs, cats, opossums, skunks and rats.

    Again, through preventative measures, this disease has been controlled but not eradicated.

    Tapeworms -- It is hard to picture a 20 inch long tapeworm living inside a 4mm long flea. Yet fleas transmit tapeworms. This is how it happens.

    Flea larva (the immature flea) feed upon tapeworm eggs. These eggs continue to live and develop inside the flea larva. When the flea matures and, perhaps, irritates a dog or cat, the animal eats it! Now the tapeworm egg -- still living inside the flea - comes to maturity inside the dog or cat's intestines where it is free to grow and reproduce.

    Flea Allergy Dermatitis (Flea Bite Hypersensitivity) -- Flea saliva is known to contain over 15 different antigens, each capable of causing an allergic reaction in a sensitive dog, cat or human. Children under age 10 have been found to be particularly vulnerable.

    Repeated flea bites may produce a generalized rash in both animals and humans. A small red spot usually appears where the flea's mandibles have penetrated the skin. Fleas generally attack humans around the legs and ankles and leave a pattern of two or three bites in a row.

    Claims have been made that in some parts of the country, up to 40% of all dogs will test positive for flea bite allergies. Dogs who suffer from flea allergies may bite at the base of their tail and scratch frequently. In extreme cases a single flea bite can cause an animal hours, or even days, of intense itching.

    Dogs infested with fleas may show thinning or loss of hair above the tail. Severely afflicted dogs may itch all over their bodies and exhibit generalized hair loss and red inflamed skin.

Anyone who has ever experienced a flea problem will tell you that it is far easier to prevent the occurrence of a flea infestation than it is to get rid of it. Total flea control involves preventative measures for your pets, your home and your yard.

    "Flea Proofing" Your Pet -- 95% of the fleas your pet encounters are immature fleas: eggs, larvae and pupa. Recent developments in veterinary science make it possible to treat your pet with a chewable pill (Novartis' "Program") that will break the flea's life cycle and prevent immature fleas from maturing.

    Cleaning Your Home -- If you have a dog or cat, it is essential that you maintain a high standard of cleanliness within your home. Lint and dust can contain flea eggs, larva and pupae. These can be removed, in part, from rugs, sofas and upholstered chairs by regular vacuuming.

    Bedding -- both yours and your pets -- should be washed weekly.

    The presence of an animal in your home may attract other animals -- who may have fleas -- and thus measures should be taken to prevent their entrance through attics, wall voids, basements and crawl spaces.

    Cleaning Your Yard -- Fleas are attracted to moist, warm, shaded areas, particularly where they find decomposing organic debris.

    Fleas also may be found in grassy areas where your dog exercises.

    Insect regulating chemicals can be used to control fleas in outdoor areas but before purchasing or using a yard spray, consult with your veterinarian.

    Chemical sprays are important for insect control but must be used in accordance with the manufacturer's warning and instructions. Warnings must be read in full and fully understood. Sprays must be used exactly as directed.

    Runoff from chemical sprays should not be allowed to find their way into lakes, rivers or streams or into a household water supply (yours or your neighbors!)

    After a yard has been sprayed, it might be necessary to ban both pets and people -- especially children -- for a certain number of hours. Read the product's directions!

    If you see fleas on your dog, you are seeing adult fleas for which a product such as "Program" is ineffective. At this point you will need to use one of the many commercially available sprays, dips, powers or spot-ons. For advice on which product may be appropriate for your pet, consult your veterinarian.

    You will also need to exterminate fleas in your home, to prevent your pet's re-infestation. This may require burning all of your pets bedding, washing your own bedding very carefully, chemically cleaning your rug and sofa and "bombing" your home with a chemical fog.

    In extreme cases you will need the help of a licensed professional exterminator who will exterminate your home using EPA-approved chemicals. Ask your veterinarian for advice.    ##