Posted on: Friday, June 29, 2001

Children's Center hopes it has solved flea problem

By Adrienne Ancheta
Advertiser Staff Writer

The University of Hawai'i Children's Center plans to reopen Monday following a second treatment to eliminate a flea infestation, but one exterminator says the problem may continue for several weeks because of the flea's habits and reproductive cycle.

The children's center first closed June 21 when the infestation was discovered. The center, which serves youngsters who are mostly the children of UH faculty, staff and students, was treated over the weekend and reopened Monday but was forced to close again the next day for the same problem. About 84 children ages 2 to 4 have been affected by the closure.

Another treatment was scheduled for today.

But Alex Garcia at Fleabusters of Hawai'i said that if the university plans to use foggers or other short-lived extermination products, chances are that the fleas will return.

"Our experience is that foggers are very ineffective," Garcia said, adding that they could work if used regularly for the duration of the five-week reproductive cycle.

Foggers eliminate surface fleas, but the problem is that fleas burrow deep into carpet fibers to lay eggs, which can hatch after the fogger dissipates, Garcia said.

Stray cats around the center are suspected of causing the infestation. Three cats have been captured in efforts to prevent further flea problems.

Garcia said strays and pets are often the culprits in flea infestations, although humans also carry fleas indoors. Summer is the worst month for flea infestations because the warm and humid climate is ideal for reproduction, he said.

Although fleas can pose a health risk, Department of Health information officer Janice Okubo said the university has taken appropriate steps and the department is not concerned about diseases from the fleas at this point.