A flea question

[Middydd]

We're supposed to go stay with friends. They told us today that they are having a problem with a flea infestation. They're having to get a flea bomb done.

If we go stay with them, and they still have the flea problem, can we bring the fleas home in our possessions eg. suitcases, clothing etc.?

I've got two longhaired cats and definitely don't want to bring fleas home to them. Especially since one has a liver problem and I wouldn't want to have to use flea chemicals on him, his liver probably couldn't handle it.

Any opinions on whether we should even go or not? Would you risk bringing fleas home with you?

They're dear friends we haven't seen for a year, or I would just cancel without a second thought. I'm severely allergic to flea bites.

[sesame]

i'll tell you something... in my university days, once i was tavelling on a long train trip. i never knew about the flea thing.. i got to my hostel, opened my suitcase,unpacked and went about my normal life...the next day i woke up and had pimples and rashes all over my back... and in the face. i had left my suitcase on my bed while unpacking.. my gosh....it was horrible :eek: .. i had to change everything the mattress pillow.... disinfect the whole room and suitcase... now good thing that my cat was staying with my friend... fleas are pests... may advice stay away and keep your cats even farther....

[manetta]

I'm severely allergic to flea bites.

Sorry to say that you should definitely not stay with your friends.

[beejayw1]

Any opinions on whether we should even go or not? Would you risk bringing fleas home with you?

They're dear friends we haven't seen for a year, or I would just cancel without a second thought. I'm severely allergic to flea bites.

If you're severely allergice to flea bites, I would stay at a hotel and not go to their house. They will understand.

Incidentally, if you can get a good flea product on your cats - NOT K9 Advantix, which is poisonous to cats! - The fleas won't be a problem. They won't be able to survive on your cats.

Ask your vet.

[zwieback]

I agree with sesame and manetta. Don't go to your friends unless and until the fleas are gone. Yes, you can bring the fleas back home with you. And, manetta is exactly right -- if you are allergic to fleas, there's your answer. Don't go. Why risk it?

[mcgeiger]

Incidentally, if you can get a good flea product on your cats - NOT K9 Advantix, which is poisonous to cats! - The fleas won't be a problem. They won't be able to survive on your cats.

Ask your vet.

Correct :)

Flea bites suck even if you are not allergic, so I wouldn't do it...

[Middydd]

On thinking further about this, I'm getting the idea that I'm crazy to even still consider staying in a flea infested house.

I read up on flea bombs and it looks like you have to do it twice, once to get the adult fleas and then again a week or so later to get the newly hatched fleas. So, there is no possibility the fleas will be gone before we visited.

Thanks to all for the reality check! I'm going to call with my regrets that we can't make it.

[wallycat]

I have (sadly down to 4) cats and even though we use Revolution, seems like 3-4 days before this stuff is supposed to be reapplied, the fleas are in full swing.
Once we re-apply, they disappear but in the interrum, I am miserable.
Seems they ONLY bite ME--and the cats.
I'd stay away and explain your situation to your friends. I am sure they will understand.

Tell them "bombs" for fleas are over-kill and applying a spray product directly would be easier, IMHO.