Natural flea treatments fall short

AGAWAM, Mass. (WWLP) - "Fleas are unbelievable.  They'll get in your bed and start biting you," Warren Miodowski of Feeding Hills told 22News on Tuesday when shopping at Dave's Soda and Pet City.

Pet owners will agree that getting rid of fleas is no simple task.  Flea treatment and prevention has come a long way from shampoos and bombs.  You can now purchase sprays, powders, foggers, collars, and a slew of other items to aid in the battle against the bug.

With the growing popularity of green products, the "green" label has popped up on some flea treatment products. 

Dave Ratner, owner of Dave's Soda and Pet City, admitted, "We have a bunch of all natural, organic flea and tick products. They're wonderful.  They don't work."  They don't measure up to the effectiveness of some more conventional counterparts.

MSPCA Veterinarian Lauren Atkins agreed and said that the cheaper flea treatment products at a discount pet store will not work as well on pets as some pesticides.

"Pesticides are just that.  They're pesticides and regulated by the EPA.  However it's really the best control we have right now," said Dr. Atkins.

Preventative treatment was cited by both veterinarian and store owner as the best approach to flea treatment.  In fact, products like Frontline, Advantage, and Advnatix are so effective that you may never detect the pests on your pet or in your home.

But to stay flea-free after an infestation, you need to treat your pet and your home.  Dave Ratner is confident that his products are effective and safe.  "Here's the good news.  The chemicals have some so far from the old days.  They're not poisonous; they're very safe."

If used correctly by yourself or an exterminator, these pesticides are your best bet for a bug-free environment.  Be sure to read all instructions carefully.  Some products require evacuation of people and pet during treatment.

If you prefer natural treatments, you can find brands meeting the criteria at your local pet store.  Natural remedies and those that avoid the use of pesticides and chemicals often focus on flea combs, constant vacuuming, and herbal blends.

Five Natural Flea Treatments can be found here

Alternatives to Pesticides can be found here

PETA's Flea Control: Safe Solutions is here