Five Flea Control Myths To Flee From

There are more than 1,900 flea species in the world and almost as many myths on the best way to get rid of them. Here are five of the most common flea control myths and the truth about how to get rid of them:

Myth #1. During cold weather, you don’t have to worry about fleas.
Unfortunately, it has to be pretty cold to rule out the threat of fleas and it never gets that cold in some parts of the country. Also, since most pets live indoors, the temperature is ideal for fleas year-round, even if you can’t see them.

Humidity is an important factor in a flea’s survival. Worm-like flea larvae prefer dark, moist locations, such as carpet fibers. Fleas can increase their numbers during warmer, wetter months and survive to pester pets and humans during the cooler months.

Myth #2. Dogs get their fleas from wild animals.
No. Rats, rabbits and squirrels carry their own species of fleas and even if they infest dogs, they are unable to reproduce. Raccoons and opossums may share fleas with dogs and cats, but as a general rule, if you’re pet has fleas, they are most likely in your home environment.

Myth #3. Fleas are just a harmless nuisance.
Unfortunately, it’s not true. Many pet owners do not know that a flea’s bloodsucking habits can cause life threatening conditions in pets. Fleas can cause allergic dermatitis, flea anemia, cat scratch fever and common tapeworm infection.

Myth #4. My dog or cat cannot have fleas because a) he lives indoors, b) if he had them, other family members would have bites, c) we have hardwood floors, d) I would see them, e) all of the above.
All of the above are not true. Fleas thrive in the well-regulated temperatures of a home. Humans are the last choice of fleas and will only be bitten more than once if the flea population is high. Fleas love the cracks between the boards of hardwood floors. It’s not always easy to see fleas.

Myth #5. Garlic prevents fleas.
There’s no proof that garlic helps. And flea control products that kill only adult fleas are not the most effective way to treat the problem. Products that kill only adult fleas but not flea eggs and worm-like larvae allow more fleas to emerge. One of the most effective solutions is a convenient, oral preventive that targets flea eggs and larvae, and even works when dogs go outside. These once-a-month tabs protect against common intestinal parasites, and heartworms and fleas.


Dogs must be tested for heartworm prior to use. In a small percentage of treated dogs, digestive, neurological and skin side effects may occur. In a 90 day safety study, the combination of SENTINEL Flavor Tabs and CAPSTAR (nitenpyram) Tablets was well tolerated.