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Is it possible to have just one flea?!?

10 replies

Grumpla · 05/09/2013 14:58

Last night I saw what I am fairly sure was a flea, in my bedroom.

Today I have launched into full chemical warfare, stripped and boil-washed all bedding, steam-cleaned and hoovered the carpets & mattresses, gassed the cuddly toys, nuked the cat bed & her favourite sitting spots.

In all this kerfuffle I have not seen another flea. Or an egg. Or any flea poo.

Is this possible? Have I just spent all day and about £100 on deep-cleaning my house for nowt?!?

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frownyface · 05/09/2013 15:01

Not possible, you did the right thing!

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ShatnersBassoon · 05/09/2013 15:03

Possible. I spotted a flea jump off my cat the day I brought it back from a trip to the vet. I caught it and there were no more.

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cozietoesie · 05/09/2013 15:17

In amongst all that - you did treat the cat did you?

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EhricLovesTeamQhuay · 05/09/2013 15:23

One flea can turn into a million in 6 weeks if you don't kill them (presuming they have a food source)

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Bakingtins · 05/09/2013 15:26

The flea you see is the tip of the iceberg.

You need to treat the cat, and any other animals in the household, with something effective (advantage/advocate/stronghold)
Worm the cat for tapeworms which fleas carry.
Treat the house with a product that contains permethrin and an insect growth regulator like Smethoprene e.g. acclaim, Nuvan staykill, RIP, Idorex.

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extracrunchy · 05/09/2013 15:31

Cat! Did you remember to treat the cat??!

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Grumpla · 05/09/2013 18:15

Yes! I did the cat last night!

Nothing on her at all, except she wouldn't let me check her armpits, she is a bit odd about that, so I gave them an extra squirt of flea spray.

Do cats have armpits?

Or legpits?

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Grumpla · 05/09/2013 18:16

No way 6 million fleas can be hiding in my cat's armpit though, right ?!??

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VerySmallSqueak · 05/09/2013 18:20

Yes.

They can pick up and odd fleas from the garden - I know I've definitely come across an odd flea with no other sign,not done any further 'treatment' and had no more sightings (or bitings ).

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Grumpla · 05/09/2013 19:23

Phew. I'm really paranoid after last time but it just seems soooo unlikely. They don't seem to bite me or my DH which is how they got so out of control last time - we didn't notice until a friend came to stay and was eaten alive (the SHAME!)