Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Let the Battle Begin.

I have a confession to make. I have been boastful. I have been downright holier-than-thou stuck up and proud of it.

Every day, customers ask for recommendations on how to combat the flea and tick infestation of the lower Keys. I dutifully tell them which products are the most popular, which sell out quickest, what the groomer recommends, but I invariably come to the end of my knowledge and admit that we "haven't had a problem" at our house with fleas or ticks at all.

About a month ago we took Buster to a local dog park and within about 5 minutes, I had about 30 flea bites on my legs. The next two weeks saw me covered in hydrocortizone cream during the day, and a baking soda & lemon juice paste in the middle of the night. I had to take Benadryl to even get to sleep.

A few days ago I started getting bites around my ankles. I was assuming this was due to the fact that I take the dog out, and there must be fleas where I walk with him.

Last night, I found a flea on the duvet. Tonight I found a flea on my arm. As we were dozing off, Buster spooning with Scott, Scott said "Buster has a tick." I was really hoping he meant that Buster had developed a head jerk or leg kick, but the truth is out... It was a real Tick. Gross.

The bastard was extricated and flushed. Buster will visit Bernadette for a dip tomorrow, and I will take advantage of my employee discount to purchase combative products.

The worst part of all is that I can no longer hold my head high and declare that we "don't have a problem with that." My naivety is crushed, much like the tick between folds of toilet paper.

6 comments:

Jim Thomsen said...

"naievete"

Anonymous said...

And are you SURE they are ALL flea bites, and no chiggers were involved in the assault? EP

Jim Thomsen said...

Oops. Try "naivete." Sheesh, Jim.

Marisa said...

I thought that looked funny... Now I'm not going to fix it just to bug you!

Jim Thomsen said...

I'd say you were the one being bugged right about now ....

Marisa said...

oy.