Unusually warm weather is affecting us and our pets in Northern California, mostly in a positive way, but one negative aspect of this great weather is that fleas are on the rise earlier than normal. Even homes without pets can become infested with fleas.
The most common indicator of fleas is the irritating red bumps they leave when they bite our skin, usually around the ankles and arms. More often than not the effects are limited to just a bite with an irritating bump, but fleas can transmit tapeworm to pets, and some people experience severe allergic reactions.
Simple things such as vacuuming the house are a big part of controlling fleas, along with mowing the lawn and keeping wildlife to a minimum around your house.
Recently it has been found that topical flea treatments are not as effective as oral treatments for your pet, due to increased activity and the topical treatment washing off.