FLEAS

[SAMT-CT]

Does anyone know what I can use to get rid of fleas that have overwintered in my T-14?
Usually I can just flush out house with water but this year they are everywhere. Martins will be here soon. This will be my 17th year.
Thanks,
Sam

[NancyinEnidOK]

Sam, this is just a thought from my background of no PMs yet, but more dogs and cats than you care to know about, so have had a few battles with fleas. Chances are it's not just your T-14 but the entire environment in which is is located that is infested with adult and pre-adult fleas. I would first check with a rehabber or avian veterinarian about a flea fogger, to get their thoughts on the safety of foggers for birds. (I am hoping that others on the Forum will advise as well.) If you get a go-ahead, then find a good flea fogger that works on adults and pre-adults, and then enclose your T-14 in as airtight-as-possible enclosure (maybe the largest garbage bag?) and set off the fogger. Then afterward, hose out your T-14 really well and after it dries sprinkle some powder sevin in the compartments (under any subfloors or nest boxes). The sevin should protect from fleas that are in the immediate environment of your T-14. I wish the fleas would all just jump onto HOSP and starlings and leave all the rest of us alone, but don't think that's gonna happen anytime soon. Good luck!!!!

[SAMT-CT]

Nancy,
Thanks for the info.
Do have a dog that is flea free and has never had any issues with fleas.
I only see them in my houses. More this year than ever.
Does anyone know a product safe for birds?
Flushing out has gotten rid of 90% of them.
I will use sevin this year. Nest changes usually takes care of any mite issue.
Sam

[flyin-lowe]

I would try a spray of liquid seven. I haven't read the label to see if it works on fleas but I bet it would. It is not a bad idea to treat housing with seven anyways to help keep mites out of the nest if you do get martins. The powder under a nest usually lasts longer for mites but a spray of liquid might be better in this situation.

[JamesG]

When I was a kid growing up, if one of our dogs had fleas, we would lay them on their back and dust them good with seven dust. It would not take but a few minutes until they were flealess....is that a word???
We would also go all around the house throwing seven dust up under the edge. (Houses were a lot higher off the ground back then. We would even play under it where it was cool).
I use it in my martin houses every year. First before they come in and again if I see any sign of mites, fleas, etc.
James

[Guest]

Use some salt it works well on fleas and should be safe.
Brad

[lcline85]

When I worked with raptors, we sprayed the cages with frontline, let it sit overnight and then rinsed off. This took care of mites, but since it is frontline Im assuming that it would work on fleas as well. It was safe for our raptors so I think it would be safe for the martins as well. You have to find the frontline they sell in the spray bottle.

[Louise Chambers]

Spraying with soapy water is a good way to clean at end or start of season. Add 10% chlorox to disinfect housing. Rinse thoroughly and let it dry. I would be cautious about using cat/dog products in martin housing.