Rats In 19th Century Britain
The Consequences of Poor Pest Control Practices
The Cattery from Hell
Fleas can be a serious problem in catteries and other animal shelters, where the proximity of animals can lead to rapid infestations. One particularly severe case occurred in a cattery in the UK in 2016, where many cats suffered from a serious flea infestation.
Cattery Infestation
The cattery had been struggling with fleas for several months despite using a range of flea treatments and preventative measures. The infestation had become so severe that many cats suffered from skin irritation, hair loss, and anaemia due to blood loss from the fleas. After several unsuccessful attempts to control the infestation, the cattery contacted a professional pest control company for assistance.
The pest control experts identified the source of the infestation as the cattery's outdoor play area, where the soil had become heavily contaminated with flea larvae.
Cattery Treatment
To address the problem, the pest control company recommended a combination of treatments, including a thorough cleaning of the cattery, using insecticides, and applying a growth regulator to prevent the development of flea larvae. After several weeks of treatment, the infestation was finally controlled, and the cats could live in a flea-free environment once again.
However, the incident served as a stark reminder of the importance of effective flea control in animal shelters and the potential harm a severe infestation can cause.
Animal shelters must take proactive measures to prevent flea infestations, including regular cleaning and disinfecting of facilities, using flea-preventative treatments on animals, and immediately treating any signs of infestation. By taking these steps, shelters can ensure that animals remain healthy and comfortable and reduce the risk of severe flea infestations.