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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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

A. For the friends that come over with pets that may have fleas, that’s a tough one. They either need to be flea free or allow you to spray them down.  Both Evolv and BioDefense are contact kill solutions, meaning that the solution must come in contact with the parasite to kill it. BioDefense has a lengthy residual in roofed structures for common pest insects, but nothing “repels” parasites or has enough residual power to kill on an ongoing basis (even traditional pesticides don’t do that). If fleas are re-introduced into your home, it is likely you will need to spot treat as a follow up. You could also let the dogs play outside, not inside,  and continue to do routine lawn control with EcoTreat which should eliminate the problem all the way around.

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?

Answer: To answer your question, one we get all the time, yes our Cedar Oil is different. It is a modified cedar oil mixed with silicic acid (melted quarts) and it is not harmful to cats or kittens. There are many types of cedar and several of them are not only harmful to animals, but humans as well. There is a lot of info on the Internet but most of the information isn’t specific on the type of cedar.  For example, western red cedar is toxic to animals and humans, yet playscapes are routinely made from it.  We use only certified organic, texas red cedar and eastern red cedar, and then modify it through a patented extraction and fractionation process. It it certified human food grade by the FDA.

Silane fluid (silicic acid) is a low viscosity carrier that delivers the oil to the skin or anywhere else you spray it. It is not considered a topical control like aqueous and petroleum distillate carriers that enter the bloodstream of the animal or human.  Becuase it does not enter the bloodstream, their is nothing for the cat’s liver to detoxify. Oh yeah, did we also mention it isn’t toxic?

What if my cat licks himself after I spray him?

Again, Wondercide Cedar Oil is not like other cedar oils. All soap is not alike. All essential oils are not the same grade. All chemicals in spot on flea control are not the same percentages.  To make it a bit clearer, the toxins in other types of cedar relating to cats and small animals are phenols and terpines, chemical components in the oil (there are over 180 components in cedar oil). There are very low to zero toxins left in our oil once it is processed to remove specific components.  Our products fall under the GRAS (generally recognised as safe) system under the FDA and are EPA EXEMPT.  (Trust, your vet can’t say that about prescription and OTC topical treatments.)  If your cat ingests substantially large amounts, it may cause loose stool becuase it is an oil. They may eliminate hair balls easier too.  We’ve also received feedback that cats and dogs become calmer or mello, like an aromatherapy for animals effect. No other side effects have ever been reported.

With cats, we always recommend treating the environment (indoor/outdoor property) and misting the cats/kittens as needed. Cats are more sensitive by nature, no doubt.

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.

Manufactured with a 5 year warranty by Cedarcide Industries, this water stream injection technology is the ultimate in Insect Control for Residential, Commercial, Governmental and Agricultural industries.

The Pestigator is instrumental in control of Mosquitoes, Flies, Fleas, No-See-Um, Chiggers, Ticks, Chinch Bugs, Grub Worms, Mites, Mole Crickets, Earwigs, Slugs, Snails, Caterpillars, Beetles, June Bugs, May Bugs, Root Maggots, Army Worms, Weevils, Wire Worms, Ants and Termites. It will eliminate Powdery Mildew and Scale as well as Aphids and numerous other plant pests. As an Anti-Microbial it will trigger the demise of lawn fungal organisms causing Brown Patch and Take All Patch. The high carbon component of Cedar Oil will promote microbial activity in the soil that stimulates grass and plant growth.

The lingering aroma of Cedar Oil is a pheromone interruption agent that impairs the mental capacity of non-beneficial arthropod. Penetration of substance and plant life by Cedar Oil is instrumental in masking the kairomone of all matter, making it undetectable by the insects sensing device better known as the Octopomine Neuro Receptor. EcoTreat Pro applied with the Pestigator will dissolve all insect egg and larvae that comes in contact with the solution. Next Generation insects are eliminated by disruption of the Egg Layer Cycle. The aroma of Cedar Oil subsequently creates a Barrier of Entry making treated areas off limits to pests.

By interruption of the Grub Worm food chain, EcoTreat Pro will eliminate Moles, Armadillo, Wild Hogs and other insect scavengers from destroying golf course and homeowners property. The aroma of Cedar Oil is a Snake deterrent and EcoTreat Pro treated areas will be designated off limits for Pheromone driven and Heat Seeking Venomous Snakes. The exodus of insects from the treated area will deter Spiders and Garden Variety Snakes from the area by interruption of their food chain.

Pestigator nano technology is an inexpensive and sensible alternative to Misting Systems and other insect control devices. Misting System Technology using Pyrethroids is acknowledged as an unsafe and a publicly incorrect insect control protocol by the EPA.

Using Pestigator technology, Installation of piping and nozzles throughout the treatment area is not necessary as delivery of the solution is predetermined by location and type of sprinkler head. Total coverage is obtained where Misting System and other technology provides limited coverage. Unlike the estrogen mirroring and carcinogenic Pyrethroid Toxins used in Misting Systems, EcoTreat Pro is a Cedar Oil and Ethyl Lactate formulated concentrate that is classified as a Minimum Risk Pesticide by the EPA. It is safe to use around Children and Pets and poses no threat to Human or Animal life. Repeat usage enhances soil conditions rather than depleting them. Phytotoxic plant burn and structure yellowing is not possible. Periodic over usage is recommended for control of soil borne insects and the eradication of insect egg and larvae.

Liquid Fertilizers can also be delivered with the Pestigator system.

The Pestigator utilizes the existing control panel and Zone Selector of multi station new or existing irrigation systems. The Pestigator is located forward of the water delivery stream dedicated to each area. It can be activated automatically or with a manual control. Water is diverted through the Pestigator injection pump which meters and injects the EcoTreat Pro Concentrate into the water steam. A one to two minute delivery time is sufficient to satisfy the necessary delivery of the EcoTreat Pro Cedar Oil Control Solution. Subsequent 1 – 2 minute treatments are predicated on the residual and can vary from 1 to 7 days. There are no physical acreage limitations to the Pestigator and its application to Residential, Agricultural and Golf Course areas.

The Pestigator can also be used as a stationery or wall mount unit supplied with an auxiliary water supply from the local spigot. Water streams in route via garden hose to spray nozzles or movable sprinklers can be used to deliver the EcoTreat Pro to any areas desired.

Pestigator Injection System packages are available in price ranges of 1995.00 installed for manual systems and 2495.00 installed for fully automatic systems. Uninstalled prices range from $1300 dollars to $1900 dollars can be purchased directly from Wondercide by Homeowners or installers. Units can easily be installed by the property owner or a local Irrigation or plumbing company. Complete installation instructions and how to video are included.

For more information on the PESTIGATOR go to www.Wondercide.com or call 877-TX-ORGANIC.
Contact Wondercide for an installer nearest you.

EcoTreat Pro Concentrate is sold in quarts, 1 gallon containers, in case lots of 4, and 55 gallon drums. EcoTreat Pro can be used in all Misting Systems as an inexpensive alternative to toxic Pyrethrum and Pyrethrin additives. EcoTreat Pro is compatible with all water stream Injection Systems. No applicators license is required due to the EPA exemption status. Wholesale inquiries are welcome.

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.

Thank you for your support San Diego!  If you live in the local area, go by and visit A Pets Best Friend.  They are avid users of many Wondercide products and offer it locally.  On their site, you can also take the Dog Food Analysis Test to make sure you are feeding your pets quality pet food, not big box food.  Tell Diane we sent you!