Preventing fleas

[pollysproggle]

Apart from the usual- regular flea treatment and hoovering daily is there anything else you do to prevent fleas?

I have two outdoor cats regularly treated (I'm using itch pet at the moment) and they're normally clear of fleas but there has been a huge influx of cats in my area and I've started to notice the presence of fleas.

My DH and I have spotted 8 new young cats this year.

Haven't seen a flea yet but I have a couple of ankle bites and some mild flea behaviour in the cats.
I have 3 kids, one of which is a new baby and I dread a full on de flea of the house with all the chemicals and washing.

My cats hate being brushed so that's not really an option but I'd spend any money to prevent an infestation!

Is there anything else I can buy/do?

Itch pet uses fipronil which is what is in frontline. Frontline isn't always effective any more. Maybe try a different flea treatment.

Is it feral cats you are seeing?

I spray the house regularly with RIP flea its meant to last 12 months but I dont trust it would so once every couple of months I do all the rooms and the animals beds and wash all covers and there covers at 60. They both get frontline plus on as it treats the home and the pets..if you think you have fleas but arent sure leave a couple of bowls or Tupperware tubs with a little water and washing up liquid in them (overnight if need be) around the place or under the couch etc somewhere the kids wont get them and the fleas jump in and cant get out and that will let you know if you have them or not.

I have never had to spray my house in the 4 years I have had my cats. I have stayed away from frontline though as I've heard it doesn't work effectively. I get a vet flea treatment (have used advocate and now stronghold plus) and they've never had fleas.

Not feral cats @dementedpixie
Just the increase in pet ownership during lockdown I think.
There used to be about 7 familiar cats including my own but now there's at least double that now.
More cats = more fleas I'm thinking, who knows?
One of my cats plays with a fox so could be from that but that odd relationship has been going on a few years and never had a problem before.

@Scbchl
I'll try that thanks and get som RIP.

I used to get flea treatment from the vet but they were very strict about seeing the cats every 3 months. I had to take them in before they'd give me a prescription. One of my cats gets so stressed going in the carrier she wees so thought itch pet was a good solution but maybe you're right and it's not as effective.

My vet doesn't ask me to bring mine in more than annually when they get their boosters. I just phone to order and then go in and collect flea/wormer. Cant imagine my cats would want to be taken to the vet regularly either.

Advantage is a flea treatment that is effective and available online/over the counter

Indorex is supposed to be good for spraying in the house