Flea prevention - a year round effort

Don't be fooled into thinking fleas are only a summer problem. As is article suggests, fleas can be an issue year-round, and it usually during spring that flea problems get established.

Make flea prevention part of your spring plans
http://www.kpvi.com/feed.php?id=17053&storyid=8055520102

It may come as a surprise to many, but fleas are active the entire year.

(via Instapaper)

A Natural Flea Trap - Good Sentinel foor Flea Infestations

I wouldn't trust this flea trap to keep my pets flea free, but as an early indicator of infestation I think this has some benefit. 

http://food-and-family.blogspot.com/2011/02/natural-flea-trap.html

This high tech and very sophisticated flea trap consists of a white bowl of water, with a drop of soap in it to break the surface tension. The lamp is left on all night shining on the water. Fleas obligingly hop towards the light and drown in the water. Diligently applied night after night in several strategic places, I’m sure it is making a dent in the flea population inside the house at least.

The Cost of NOT Using Flea Control

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/the-cost-of-not-using-flea-control.html

It's no big secret: flea control costs money. And it is not particularly cheap, with most quality products coming in at around $15-$25 per month for the average pet. In an attempt to reduce that cost, many pet owners use inferior flea control products (such as collars, dips or sprays), or sometimes no flea control at all.
But in the long run, are they really saving money? What they aren't considering the the costs involved when your flea control doesn't work and you need to eradicate a flea infestation from your house. Think flea prevention is expensive? Treating an infestation can be a lot more!

People often think of the up-front costs of health care. In the long run, prevention tends to be a lot cheaper than cure. This is true for flea treatment as well as vaccinations, blood tests, and heartworm prevention.

Some interesting new flea control products

Greenfield-based Elanco unveils flea treatments for dogs and cats - Indiana Economic Digest - Indiana
http://www.indianaeconomicdigest.net/main.asp?SectionID=31&SubSectionID=135&ArticleID=58004

    GREENFIELD — With the introduction of two products, Elanco Companion Animal Health has doubled its product portfolio. 

    Elanco announced the launch this week of Trifexis, a flea-killing medicine for dogs, and Assurity, a topical flea treatment for cats. 

(via Instapaper)

Preventing Skin Problems in Dogs and Cats

Want healthy skin - don't forget the flea control.

Treatment of Dogs and Cats with Food Allergy

Itchy pet? It's not always due to flea control issues. Food allergies are a common problem in dogs and cats as well. 

Fleas: What They Are, What To Do

This post has a great overview of the flea, its lifecycle, and what flea control to use.