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Flea Infestation Invades Tampa Bay Area

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By Krista Klaus, News Channel 8

Published: November 6, 2007

If you're seeing an infestation of fleas, you're not alone.

Pinellas Park veterinarian Michael Rumore says this is the worst flea season he has seen in 10 years.

"It's No. 1 with a bullet, and it's getting worse all the time," Rumore said. "In the Tampa Bay area, you never say your dog or cat doesn't have fleas. You just say they don't have fleas right now."

Rumore blames the bug boom on this fall's unseasonably warm weather and flea treatments that may be losing their punch.

Pet owner Rick Dill said his little Amaya was fine until a tiny black speck turned up in her coat.

Dill quickly hired an exterminator to keep his flea problem from becoming a flea crisis.

"It's been a very, very prolific year, no getting around that," said Tim Sanborn, an exterminator with Young Pest Control.

If you treat for fleas and discover an outbreak just a day or two later, don't be surprised, Sanborn said.

"It can take 12 to 36 hours to kill a flea, and in that time they can bite a pet or homeowner numerous times."

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