So Zephyr got zapped! (Electronic Flea Comb)

Member Name: Thailui

Product:	Electronic Flea Comb
Date:	28/10/08 (181 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: No use of chemicals

Disadvantages: Sometimes the teeth get clogged

Just over a week ago there was an addition to our household, a small but very lively Border collie puppy. Unfortunately, he came with "attachments" - in the form of fleas! To be honest, I wasn't too surprised and had previously treated the house in preparation for his arrival but, due to a change in circumstances at the farm where he was born, he was a younger puppy than we previously expected. As he was so young, I felt it would be unwise to use chemicals to treat his problem - so, Zephyr had to be zapped!

The Epilady Flea Zapper is an electronic comb which will detect and remove fleas. The majority of these will be killed on contact but others will be stunned long enough to dispose of them in other ways. I usually have a container with water to make sure they are finished off to my satisfaction.

The Flea Zapper is a neat little instrument about five and a half inches long and fits nicely into your hand. It is powered by two AA batteries and when switched on emits a faint high-pitched buzz. The actual comb is retractable and usually housed in the main part of the item; it is typical of a flea comb with short teeth set very close together. The on/off switch is above this.

This is very simple to use. The teeth of the comb should be set to an angle of about 45 degrees when combing the animal. Zephyr had no problem with this - either with the high-pitched sound or the actual combing. The indication that fleas are around is when the sound stops. You will then see the extent of your flea problem. I have to say I was completely horrified, even though the farmer had warned that he (the puppy) may have a few fleas as he had been too young to treat, I hadn't expected quite so many!

As I mentioned, when fleas are 'zapped' the sound stops and any fleas picked up after this are likely to be still alive. They all have to be removed before the 'buzz' will start again. Included with the item is a small brush for cleaning the teeth but a well aimed fingernail is sometimes required for the stubborn one that clings on (even though it may be a corpse). The directions are to use the zapper every day for two consecutive weeks to eliminate any younger fleas that may not have been on the animal previously.

The instructions come in English, French and Spanish and include the usual warnings about avoiding contact with eyes and mouth and not using on wet hair as well as cautions for people with pacemakers etc. There is also a limited Warranty.

I believe the usual price for the Epilady Flea Zapper is around £19.99 but you can find them cheaper than this. I bought mine for £14.49.

Would I recommend this - most certainly. It isn't always a good time to bath an animal, or treat it with chemicals so any help for the removal of fleas has to be good. I certainly know that Zephyr (and the cats) will be itching less because of it.

Many thanks for reading - I hope it has been of use.

Hazel

Summary: Flea removal without chemicals