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Archive for the ‘Fleas’ Category
Tuesday, July 20th, 2010
 Did you know that fleas could jump 100 times their own height? Also, a female flea can produce 20,000 eggs in 3 months! And these eggs could hatch in three to six weeks. Talk about skin crawling trivia. Fleas are tiny brown wingless insects which feed on the blood of our pets. And the dreadful thing about them is that, like most parasites, once they find their food source they can be very difficult to get rid of. They can also easily spread to your other pets and throughout your entire home. If you tried to deal with fleas before, you know how frustrating it can be.
There are several home remedies to prevent flea problems for our pets. Adding garlic to a dog’s meals may help them keep free of fleas. The same can also be said if we add sulphur to their diet once a week. Brewers Yeast is available in many health food stores and it may also help repel ticks and mosquitoes. These are not overnight solutions though, and can take about four to six weeks before they can be effective, if at all.
To know if your pet has a flea infestation, examine the animal closely by separating the hair on the animal’s back or belly area. Try to inspect the skin as thoroughly as possible. You might see a flea scuttling by but you will more likely see their traces in the form of small black pebbles. To make sure it is flea dirt (feces), take some wet paper towel and wipe it over areas where the dirt is most prominent. When it dissolves into red blood, you are indeed having a flea problem. You may also see small white specs that look like salt, which are the flea eggs that feed off of the flea dirt once hatched.
Another natural flea control remedy for keeping your pet flea free is by bathing them. Look for an herbal shampoo which contains a combination of cedar, bergamot, rosemary, lavender, eucalyptus, citronella, juniper or geranium. Here’s another trick when bathing your dog. Fleas tend to run to the higher and drier area, in this case, the dog’s head. Don’t soak your dog’s hair with water; instead, pour a thick layer of shampoo all around its head and neck area. Pour only small amounts of water on the soapy area and begin building a thick soapy barrier that will kill the fleas which attempt to pass through it. You can then wet and lather the rest of your pet’s body but always return to massage and lather the neck area. As fleas can be difficult to eliminate, leave the shampoo on your pet for around 15 minutes while continuing to massage the soap deep into the pet’s fur. After this, rinse the animal very well and dry it fully. Once properly bathed and dried, Wondercide Evolv Pet Spray should be used to eliminate any remaining fleas and protect them from picking up more.
 If your house is infested with fleas, one solution is to use food grade Diatomaceous Earth. Don’t use pool grade DE. You can purchase Diatomaceous Earth from your local garden, pet or feed store. The diatomaceous earth contains tiny particles which have sharp spines, which puncture the flea and kills it. You may try sprinkling the solution on your carpets and allow it to sit for only a couple of days or so. It may not be safe for your pet to breathe it continually so make sure that you get rid of it as soon as possible. Therefore, you may have to repeat the process several times depending on the severity of the infestation. DE can also be useful in Dog runs or large yards that have constant wild animals like deer, squirrels, and opossums.
More often than not, BioDefense is the best remedy for indoor flea infestations. It can give complete coverage of the home environment in a short period of time and there won’t be powder (or chemicals) all over your home. The most important fact to remember is ALL INSECTS COME FROM THE OUTSIDE. Therefore, it is imperative that the outdoor environment be treated and maintained to avoid a re-infestation or future problems. Wondercide’s Eco Treat Pro lawn sprayer successfully eliminates all stages of the flea life cycle (egg, larvae, and pupae) which will in turn prevent adults from hitching a ride on your pet.
Posted in Fleas, Natural Insect Repellents |
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Thursday, July 8th, 2010
I got a call today from a man named Frank. Retired, he lives in rural Ohio with his wife and 4 dogs. He wanted to talk about spot flea treatment. They live on a large property where the dogs can run free, but Max is usually with Frank. A few months ago Frank was injured. Through a series of tests, it was determined he would have to go into the hospital for surgery. He was there for weeks and hated the food. When Frank arrived home he was not mobile. He spent most of his days stuck in bed on pain killers he hated taking and Max was right beside him. A few weeks ago, Frank realized Max was acting strange. He was dragging his left rear leg and he looked like he was in pain. Frank asked his wife to take Max to the vet. He wanted to know what was going on with his 5 year young Doberman. He knew it couldn’t wait.
 Photo courtesy ilovedogs.com When Frank woke up from his groggy nap a few days ago, his wife stood before him in tears. She said, “there is nothing they could do”. Frank explained to me exactly as she explained to him, and in his voice I could hear him living it all over again. “They put Max through a series of tests. They did an MRI because they didn’t see anything on the X Ray. They found a tumor on his neck between his shoulder blades.” As Frank cried, he told me that it was his fault. Frank thinks he killed his best friend Max, who didn’t get to live long enough. Frank told me how he called the vet and cussed him out for selling him chemical flea treatment to put on his dog. Frank said the tumor was in the exact location where he applied spot flea treatment on Max’s neck for 5 years. The vet stood firm that there was no proof of that claim. The vet didn’t appreciate it or offer his condolences. The call ended and Frank is officially looking for a new vet. Frank ponders the notion that vets must love animals, but something is wrong if they can’t admit these pesticides are harmful. Sobbing, he asks how they can keep doing this to dogs like Max? He was so young. I told Frank that I didn’t know, but I was very sorry and very sad for him.
Frank said, “I just called to tell you what happened to Max. I knew you would understand. I talked to you a few months ago before my surgery.” After a pause, “I’m sorry. I just needed to tell someone who cares as much as I do… that my Max is gone. I had to share his story… because I can’t bare to think of… other animals… being poisoned.” Frank told me he came across Wondercide last fall. He recalled being hesitant to “go green” at his age, but was tired of all the pesticides and thought it “just makes sense”. After our first conversation, Frank started using Wondercide on his property and 4 dogs. Now, Frank will use Wondercide on his 3 dogs.
Our thoughts and hearts are with you. Max the Doby & Frank the Man.
contributed by Wondercide Founder, Stephanie Boone
Posted in Fleas, Pet Health, Wondercide |
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Thursday, July 8th, 2010
Q. Just did the eco-friendly flea bomb and must have resistant fleas. Anyhow, do you have any info regarding your system with pet rabbits? Since they are such sensitive small animals am cautious about using anything that may be harmful to the bunny in the house. Secondly any information regarding pregnant women? I have my pregant daughter- in-law living at home. Thanks. p.s live in town home so inside is primary concern. I have used “heavy chemical” insecticide bombs before but the afterward cleanup is a chore.
A. What eco friendly flea bomb did you do? I’m not aware of any! Wondercide™ products are not harmful to rabbits or pregnant women. All Wondercide™ products are 100% Non toxic to pets, people and property. Not just natural and organic, non toxic. Here’s the scoop on pregnant women. It’s great that you ask because women who are exposed to pesticides while pregnant have an increased risk of multiple neurological and developmental issues for their child. Even if the mother isn’t present while pesticides are sprayed, the residues linger in the home and lawn for 6 months up to several years. The pesticides are absorbed through the skin like hands and bare feet, inhaled by breathing air circulating in the home, or ingested from counter tops and food stuffs. If the product doesn’t say non toxic, be very careful. “Safe” is not a regulated term for pesticide products or pest control service companies who spray permethrins (and tell you it is natural and safe because it comes from a flower).
Rabbits are sensitive and it can be difficult to find products to use on or around them. Fortunately, Wondercide EVOLV™ can be used directly on the rabbit for fleas, while our other products are completely safe to use in the home and living environment. Wondercide™ products contain cedar, and while many cedar products are toxic to small animals like cats and rabbits becuase of phenols that affect their liver, Wondercide™ is specially formulated with zero phenols. Their is no toxicity to small animals.
If you have a flea infestation, we recommend treating the entire home with Wondercide BioDefense™ organic pesticide in one of two ways. BioDefense™ should be applied to all flooring, furniture, surfaces, etc by pump-up hand sprayer or you can use an ultra low volume, non thermal fogger machine that we both rent or sell. 1 Gallon BioDefense™ will cover 1500 sqft in a sprayer or up to 2000 sqft in a fogger. There is a video and more info on the BioDefense™ product page here.
All insects come from outside. You may also consider treating your outdoor areas like lawn and landscaping with EcoTreat Outdoor pest control, which is also 100% non toxic to humans, pets, and the environment. If you decide to treat everything, we offer package deals with the products you need to have complete elimination. Of course, you can start with just one quart of Biodefense™ to spray around the home and you will see how fast and effective it is.
We hope this helps! Please let us know if you have additional questions! And thank you for asking questions in an effort to protect your family from toxic pesticides!
Posted in Fleas, QUESTION OF THE DAY?!, pesticides |
1 Comment »
Friday, May 7th, 2010
#1) FICTION: A healthy pet doesn’t get fleas
FACT: Though healthy pets are much less attractive as hosts to fleas, this doesn’t ensure a pet won’t be affected. One of the many reasons to feed a natural, quality diet and use a natural flea repellent on at-risk pets, especially in heavily infested areas.
#2) FICTION: Fleas don’t live in the house, only on my pet
FACT: Pets are merely the transporters of fleas in the house. Once inside, a flea can take refuge in all areas of a home. Bedding, carpet, pet bedding, furniture, even cracks and crevices can house hundreds of egg, larval, and pupal stages of fleas. Quick action is needed to eradicate the population, and treating the pet, the home, and the yard will ensure successful flea elimination.
#3) FICTION: I only see a few fleas on my pet, there’s no need to worry
FACT: The fleas you SEE are only 5% of the population! Over 90% are in egg, larvae, and pupae form and live in/around the home, off the pet! That means in pet bedding, furniture, carpet, and shady areas of the yard where pets hang out. Certainly if you see a few fleas on the pet there are hundreds more in egg and other forms present in the environment. There is no quick fix to getting rid of infestations, as an adult flea can take weeks to mature, but diligence and perseverance will ensure that you can remedy even the most stubborn infestations.
#4) FICTION: Clean houses prevent fleas
FACT: Even the cleanliest of homes gets fleas. Though they usually hitch a ride on pets, fleas can get onto clothing or even jump into the house themselves. As noted above, fleas can get into all areas of a home, even cracks of hardwood floors and tiles. Therefore in areas affected by fleas, it is important to keep the pet treated at all times. Equally important is treating the yard with a natural insecticide to create a “flea-free” buffer zone around the entire house and prevent an infestation. Vacuum carpet and wash pet beds often.
#5) FICTION: The fleas are gone, my problems are solved
FACT: Fully solving the flea problem requires determination and attentiveness. Prevention is the best measure to keep fleas from affecting your life. A multi-step approach of treating the pet (before going to dog parks, dog  daycare), the home, and the yard (shady areas, under bushes and trees, under decks) is the best way to ensure a flea-free environment.
#6) FICTION: Fleas aren’t a problem during the winter
FACT: Although fleas may not survive the cold temperatures well, they can live quite comfortably in the home throughout the colder months. They also live on wildlife, so pets that have contact with squirrels, birds, or other animals may be exposed to fleas. More than likely, if you or your pet had fleas during the warmer months, you probably have them through the winter. And obviously people in warmer climates have a year-round battle, since fleas love warm tropical climates. Remember, the vacuum is your friend!
#7) FICTION: My vet has the best resources for treating fleas
FACT: Though it is important to consult your veterinarian about flea control, many prescription flea and tick products are harmful chemicals and substances. And veterinarians do not often know the best method for treating the environment. Holistic veterinarians are a good resource for finding the best natural flea control product.
#8) FICTION: SPOT-DROPS and flea dips are a safe and easy way to control fleas
FACT: Yes these methods are easy, but they are not safe. In fact, recently the EPA completed an in-depth assessment of the affects of these products in response to the thousands of reports of illness and death among household pets. In every one of the products tested, the EPA reported adverse effects and is now working to increase restrictions on their use.
#9) FICTION: Flea collars are a safe and easy way to prevent fleas
FACT: This is the least effective way to control fleas. Flea collars use harsh chemicals and may contain harmful residues that are transferred to pets’ fur, and then to pet owners who handle them (especially children who are at an increased risk). Some collars have been shown to contain cancer causing agents and poisons that persist on fur for weeks. And since fleas spend most of their time off the animal, they have very short lived results.
#10) FICTION: Natural products for flea control don’t work
FACT: While many organic pesticide products don’t have to go through EPA mandated testing because they are exempt from registration, it doesn’t mean they don’t work. People everywhere have found the natural approach to be effective in controlling fleas, and with the innovative technology of Wondercide it takes less time, costs less than pest control companies and you can rest easy knowing you are using a safe, effective product for the pet, home, and family.
Posted in Dogs & Cats, Fleas, Pet Health, epa |
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Tuesday, April 6th, 2010
 To be successful, natural flea control involves eliminating fleas from your dog and controlling the flea life cycle in your living environment. Dogs and cats share the same fleas. Fleas on the couch, carpet, and even hardwood floors need to be eliminated. It’s important that all pets have a flea control like Wondercide EVOLV. Treating your pet for fleas and ticks has never been easier. With Wondercide, you can also treat the source of the problem, not the symptom. Fleas on your pet are a symptom of fleas in your living environment, indside and outside your home.
When it comes to environmental control, we must first understand the 4 stages of the flea life cycle.
1. Flea eggs are white and about 0.5 mm (1/32”) in length. Eggs are laid by the adult flea after taking a blood meal. The eggs are laid on the dog’s skin and in the environment where their life cycle continues. Flea eggs represent approximately 50% of the total flea population. Eggs may hatch in as little as 14 to 28 days, depending on environmental conditions. High humidity and temperature are perfect hatching conditions.
2. Flea larvae are about 2-5 mm (1/8 to ¼”) in length. They feed on organic debris found in their environment and on adult flea feces. They dislike strong light and move deep into carpet fibers or under furniture, grass, branches, leaves, soil, etc. Flea larvae prefer warm, dark and moist areas. Outdoor larval development typically occurs in shaded, moist areas where pets with fleas spend time. Our homes, which most of use keep climate-controlled, offer an ideal environment for the flea life cycle to thrive.
3. Flea pupae produce a protective silk like cocoon. It quickly becomes coated with grime and debris, which acts as camouflage. With warmth and humidity, pupae become adult fleas in 5-10 days. The adults emerge from the cocoon when stimulated by physical pressure, carbon dioxide or heat. Unless they are able to feed, fleas can only exist for a few days once they emerge from the cocoon. Pre-emerged adult fleas can survive up to 9 months. During this time they are resistant to most insecticides applied to the environment. Wondercide is the exception because it eliminates the entire life cycle and other pesticides don’t. This is important to understand because adult fleas will eventually emerge into the environment months after you apply traditional or synthetic insecticides in your home.
4. Unlike the larvae, the emerged adult flea is attracted to light and comes to the surface to find a passing host to feed upon. Two days after the first blood meal, female fleas begin egg production.
In normal circumstances the adult female will live up to three weeks, laying approximately 40 eggs per day. The entire life cycle, from egg to adult flea can be completed in 14-28 days depending on the environment and conditions.
Posted in Dogs & Cats, Fleas |
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Thursday, March 18th, 2010
“Due to a significant increase in adverse incidents, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is taking a series of actions to increase the safety of spot-on pesticide products for flea and tick control for cats and dogs. Immediately, EPA will begin reviewing labels to determine which ones need stronger and clearer labeling statements. Next, EPA will develop more stringent testing and evaluation requirements for both existing and new products. EPA expects these steps will help prevent adverse reactions in dogs and cats that can include skin effects, such as irritation, redness, or gastrointestinal problems that include vomiting or diarrhea, or effects to the nervous system, such as trembling, appearing depressed or seizures—from pet spot-on products.” Alternatively, STOP USING PESTICIDES and use non toxic, effective WONDERCIDE.
EPA to Increase Restrictions on Flea and Tick Products Cautions consumers to use products with extra care – News release 3/17/2010
The EPA has said it is committed to monitoring the labels of these products to ensure they are used properly. They also state,”these are toxic pesticides that should be used with caution”. We pose the question..why use them at all?
“Following the 2008 increase in incident reports, EPA received additional information from the pet spot-on pesticide registrants and others and began an intensive evaluation of these products. Today, EPA is reporting the results of this evaluation, and taking steps to address the spike in reported incidents.
Among immediate actions that EPA will pursue are:
· Requiring manufacturers of spot-on pesticide products to improve labeling.
· Requiring more precise label instructions to ensure proper dosage per pet weight.
· Requiring clear markings to differentiate between dog and cat products, and disallowing similar brand names for dog and cat products. Similar names may have led to misuse.
· Requiring additional changes for specific products, as needed, based on product-specific evaluations.
· When new products are registered, granting only conditional, time-limited registrations to allow for post-marketing product surveillance. If there are incidents of concern associated with the product, EPA will take appropriate regulatory action.
· Restricting the use of certain inert ingredients that EPA finds may contribute to the incidents.
· Launching a consumer information campaign to explain new label directions and to help users avoid making medication errors.
In addition, to improve the regulatory oversight of pet products, EPA will require more standardized post-market surveillance reporting on adverse effects, require submission of more sales information so the agency can better evaluate incident rates, and bring up-to-date the scientific data requirements on pre- and post-market testing so they are more in line with the Food and Drug Administration’s requirements.”
The EPA argues that “Flea and tick products can be appropriate treatments for protecting pets and public health because fleas and ticks can transmit disease to animals and humans.” While this is true, TOXIC products are not the answer.
The EPA also warns not to use pesticides “on weak, aged, young, medicated, sick, pregnant or nursing pets, or on pets that have previously shown signs of sensitivity to pesticide products” which seems to be most of the pet population doesn’t it?
“The agency is inviting public comment on how best to implement these new measures. A Federal Register notice announcing the opening of a docket will be published on March 19, 2010. The docket number is EPA-HQ-OPP-2010-0229.” We encourage our readers and customers to share their experiences! You may also report incidents at http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/health/petproductseval.html
Source: EPA News Release 3/17/10
Posted in Dogs & Cats, Fleas, Pet Health |
1 Comment »
Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009
Q. I am fogging my home with BioDefense and treating my pets with Evolv, but I have friends who come over with their dogs. Should they bring in any fleas will the product have enough residual effect to kill these?
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Posted in Dogs & Cats, Fleas, QUESTION OF THE DAY?! |
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009
We get many questions from our customers and potential customers. Here is a common cat question:
Question: I am very interested in your natural flea product for cats, however I have been researching this and cedar oil is harmful to cats because their liver cannot detoxify it. Do you use a different type of cedar oil? How do you know it is safe for cats and kittens?
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Posted in Dogs & Cats, Fleas, QUESTION OF THE DAY?! |
3 Comments »
Thursday, August 13th, 2009
Wondercide: Irrigation Systems Can Now Provide the Ultimate in Mosquito, Flea, Chigger, Tick, Grub Worm, and Brown Patch Control
Clear Lake, TX- Wondercide LLC recently announced the introduction of the Pestigator Insect Control System as a delivery method for hands free, natural pest control. Wondercide now offers a Non Toxic Pest control substance that delivers Cedar Oil into a water stream with nano technology. The Pestigator is a water driven injection pump that is instrumental in delivery of Wondercides’ EcoTreat Pro concentrate into the water stream of irrigation and sprinkler heads, providing disbursement to all subject areas. The Pestigator is adjustable in ranges of 1000:1 to 4000:1 providing a delivery rate of the Cedar Oil Concentrate in variable amounts dictated by the landscape and insect control objective.
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Posted in Dogs & Cats, Fleas, Organic Lawn & Garden |
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Saturday, August 1st, 2009
Hello San Diego! You are looking for non toxic flea control for your dogs and cats, and you keep finding it! San Diego wins the Summer 2009 Award for the most Wondercide used in a local area. You’ve provided the most Wondercide Reviews and product feedback too! If you live in San Diego, California, consider yourself fortunate to be among so many people who truly care about their environment, their pets, and their children!
It’s amazing to talk to all of the “converted” users about the differences between traditional pest control products and Wondercide. Folks from San Diego seem to really grasp the concept of treating the environment (your property) and spraying your pets down as needed…as opposed to putting drops on the kneck of your pets that resulted in one or both of the following: crazy side effects, ineffective results.
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Posted in Dogs & Cats, Fleas |
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