Subject: Fleas
 
Fleas are nasty because ferrets are so low to the ground that they just
become natural flea pickeruppers.
 
1.  May I suggest using Dr. Bronner's Peppermint castile soap (available in
health food stores) - my ferrets just love it and peppermint is a natural
flea repellent.  It is safe enough to drink!  Wash the ferret laundry in the
peppermint soap to inhibit fleas too!
 
2.  Vacuumm every other day and use flea powder the first time to suck up
and kill the fleas IN the vaccuum cleaner.
 
3.  Do NOT use flea control collars on ferrets.  Sometimes safe to wear
around the neck, but not when chewed upon!!!
 
4.  Remove as much carpeting from the ferret play area as possible.  Fleas
love to hide in carpet, furniture, etc. so don't forget to treat these areas.
 
5.  Use a very fine metal toothed flea comb and comb the ferrets daily,
dipping the fleas from the comb in a dish/glass of soap solution.  Soap
kills fleas.
 
6.  DO NOT USE A DIP!
 
Good Luck!
 
Pam Grant
STAR* Ferrets
[Posted in FML issue 1555]