Fleas not only bug our furry friends, they bother people too! The recent rains have caused an increase in the flea population, which poses a threat to the health of your animal companion. Flea infestation happens quickly and causes animals — and humans — to scratch uncontrollably. Fleas bite people, too! Eradication is necessary, and speed matters.

It's important to treat the places where your pet spends time, both inside and outside the home. Vacuum and clean your carpet, upholstered furniture, mattresses and cushions. Immediately dispose of the vacuum bag or place the contents in a sealed plastic bag. Wash or replace pet bedding. Mop wood, vinyl and tile floors, concentrating on grooves, cracks and baseboards.

Did you know that a flea lays 24 to 40 eggs a day? The parasites have four life stages: egg, larvae, pupa and adult. Though the eggs are laid on an animal, most fall off wherever your pets spend time: the yard, carpeting and bedding. After one to 10 days, the eggs hatch into larvae and then become pupae after feeding for five to 11 days.

From the pupa stage, new adult fleas usually emerge one to two weeks later, but some pupae can survive up to a year. So even though you may be bathing your pet or pinching adult fleas, their offspring are readying themselves for another attack.

Efforts to eliminate fleas must occur on your pet and in your pet's environment. Fortunately, dramatic advances in flea treatments have made control easier.

Veterinarians use two main drugs to treat fleas: adulticides, which kill the adult flea; and insect-growth regulators, or IGRs, or insect-development inhibitors known as IDIs, which destroy the flea life cycle. Several of the adulticides, such as Frontline Top Spot and Advantage, come in liquid doses and are applied to your pet's skin between the shoulder blades. The medication then migrates over the animal's body.

Unlike adulticides, IGR/IDI treatments (such as Program, which comes in monthly tablet form) disrupt the flea life cycle, ensuring that eggs don't progress to the adult stage. The down side is that existing adult fleas are not affected. Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation, then read the instructions carefully and don't mix dog and cat products.

If you use an indoor fogger, find one that acts as both adulticide and IGR. It may be necessary to fog several times to eradicate all fleas. Professional services can rid your home of fleas for a price.

Then tackle your pet's outside environment. Cut the lawn, rake and remove garden debris and rubbish. Sweep the porch, steps and lanai. Spray the areas with a flea insecticide. Read the label and repeat spraying until all potential fleas have passed through the four stages.

While these steps may seem like a lot of work, your family and your animal companion will appreciate the effort.

ADOPTABLES

V-C

Tag No. 91183 Here's a big bundle of love for a household with no other pets. V-C is a big orange tabby who wants to be an only cat. He's already neutered, up to date on vaccinations, and has a microchip ID.

Gina

Tag No. 88140 Gina's trainers say she is a good student and has learned to sit, stay and walk nicely on a leash. A mostly white poi/pit mix with a few brown spots, Gina is 2 years old and ready to go to her new home today.

These animals already may have found homes. The Hawaiian Humane Society and Mc-Inerny Dog Park at 2700 Wai'alae Ave. are open daily. For directions, special events, and to see more pets available for adoption: 946-2187 or www.hawaiianhumane.org. Call to report lost or found animals.