I havent been able to get rid of the fleas on my dogs and cats. People have suggested Capstar so I gave them some. How do I know its working? Any advice?
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Capstar is very fast acting but is not a solution to your problem. It kills only adult fleas, and acts for only about 1 day. Unfortunately there are no easy fixes for this issue: you'll need to control fleas in the yard by keeping it mowed, dry, and free of debris to allow in sunlight. Control them in the house (carpet, bedding, etc.) by vacuuming and hot water washing at least every other day. Control them on your pets by bathing them and combing twice a day on a sheet that you then wash in hot water.
Please understand that any advice or suggestions offered by members are just that; you have to read all instructions and decide what is best for your pets and your household. Pets can be different so always use caution.
Capstar does usually work but it only kills adult fleas so you have to use it every 3 days for at least 4 -5 times. I have not read where Capstar caused harm when used as directed.
My son had a similar problem last year and although we do not like using chemicals, he used Adam's Flea & Tick for pets as well as their brand for the home and he was able to clear his house in 2 weeks. This brand has several types of spray so if you decide to try it, you should use it only as directed.
My son's problem was not a serious problem so he used Capstar on his dog and only used Adam's spray for the home and yard.
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You have a few options. For my 9 y.o. furbaby (large breed), I've combined the below (you can use whichever you're comfortable with) things I've researched and used for years which are probably in your house already too so you don't have to buy anything extra:
* [Total cost: $6 or $0 cash outta pocket if you get food stamps/SNAP] Get Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) with the Mother (idk what stores are by you but my Kroger here normally has it on sale for between $4.99 & $5.99 and bottle lasts months-year don't need to refrigerate either). Dollar Tree has their brand too for a buck ($1) of course. Start off with only a capful in their water bowl (b/f filling water b/c smell will be too strong and off-putting if put in at the end). This actually helps with a lot of ailments for humans and pets.
* [Total cost: $3 for non-food items] Give teaspoon of minced garlic ($1 jar) in your baby's food container (I've got my baby on homemade/raw food since commercial crap is expensive and has way too many controversial ingredients for my liking). It was much easier for me to buy one of those big Tupperware containers from Dollar Tree ($1) then mix in veggies/some kind of meat, dairy, fruit and seeds. I also use a small bowl (probably holds around a few oz) from Dollar Tree ($1) as the scooper. He gets one of those, in his bowl 2x/day (breakfast and lunch). Dinner is given something else like livers. Basically the garlic smell comes out the pores which repels fleas.
* [Total cost: max $4] equal parts white vinegar, Dawn dish soap (can buy @ Dollar Tree too or get the smallest size at any store since it doesn't take much) in a spray bottle (can get at Dollar Tree too or just clean out a spray bottle you've got laying around) and spray on them (COVER THEIR EYES WITH YOUR HAND to make sure doesn't get in their eyes).
* I wanted some kind of all-in-one for the house for whatever insects not to come anywhere near (I don't mess around with them. Shoot, how I see it is, if they're not paying rent or invited, they don't need to be in my house lbvvs!) so I've got another spray bottle also labeled (quick labels: blue painter's tape/chalk marker, permanent marker or if just using a torn piece of paper cover it with strips of clear tape to laminate/liquid-proof label).
- [Total cost: $0.50] I sprinkle baking soda (box $0.50 @ Dollar General) on carpet/bedding... anything with fabric (dries out whatever critter that thought it was a good idea to be chilling in there), leave on however long you want (I do like 20mins & up) then just vacuum it up.
- [Total cost: $5] I've also, for the past 3yrs, made a concoction I & even my teenager uses, I've termed "Miracle Everything" (thought about selling it but thought otherwise since I just rather help out the next person for free as it should be...my Apt complex even added it in the newsletter to help other residents maintain their homes) and it literally disinfects, kills bugs/flies/spiders whatever (on contact), cleans...everything... even helps with hand/eye coordination & fine motor skills during target practice with the spray bottle AND you most likely have these 3 ingredients around the house too but never thought to mix em. Put in White Vinegar (big plastic jug @ Walmart/Dollar General for under $3 and lasts for awhile instead of keep having to buy the little bottles), Rubbing Alcohol (I use 70%) (around $1) and Lemon Juice (any kind in the green bottle... I've gotten @ Dollar Tree, Dollar General, ALDI, Walmart, Save-a-lot, Family Dollar for around $1).
Hope this helps! ~ Nicki
I would consult the vet. You also need to make sure carpets and all upholstered pieces are treated. Dont forget your car
This is a question for a professionals, because this has been with you a little longer, leaves a question on is there more to be done, to make your living better. Eliminate with a Vet, insect specialist , for care.
I use Frontline Plus on my cats. It's a once a month treatment that you squeeze out the contents on the back of their neck. It works GREAT against fleas AND ticks. My cats have been flea-free for more than 8 years. If you decide to use Frontline Plus, make sure you also thoroughly vacuum the whole house and any upholstered furniture, getting down next to and under the cushions. Then empty the dirt cup or change the bag OUTDOORS to keep the fleas from escaping back into the house. If fleas are a problem IN the house, use a good spray for fleas. You should also wash any pet bedding in hot water.
1 gal of vinegar 1/3 cup lemon juice in spray bottle on animals carpet furniture repeat daily for 3 or 4 days then do it again when see fleas it works fast don't stain furniture makes dogs or cats soft won't hurt them
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