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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>DCG Bringing In Fleas
ihop 09:41 AM 12-09-2013
I have discussed the flea issue with dcm because dcg is always covered in bites. She said she cannot afford to treat it right now but will soon. Well today dcg actually had a flea on her. I have dogs and so do all dcfamilies and I want her to get rid of the fleas before we all get them. How do I nicely tell her she has no choice but to take care of it. I know they are hurting financially and don't want to insult her but its gross. Thanks in advance.
MrsSteinel'sHouse 09:46 AM 12-09-2013
Do they have a vacuum? She needs to be vacuuming daily! Tell her to vacuum her heat ducts because they tend to lay eggs there.
Here- http://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Fleas-Naturally
Here- http://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Fleas-Naturally
JoseyJo 09:46 AM 12-09-2013
DCM, there was a live flea on DCG this morning. I totally understand that it is expensive to treat for them, but I can't risk them spreading to the daycare. I will not be able to accept dcg into care until you have treated your home for them.
Cradle2crayons 09:49 AM 12-09-2013
Originally Posted by ihop:
I have discussed the flea issue with dcm because dcg is always covered in bites. She said she cannot afford to treat it right now but will soon. Well today dcg actually had a flea on her. I have dogs and so do all dcfamilies and I want her to get rid of the fleas before we all get them. How do I nicely tell her she has no choice but to take care of it. I know they are hurting financially and don't want to insult her but its gross. Thanks in advance.
When my daughter was two, she spent one day a week in a very reputable local church daycare program. We really did it to socialize her because we live so rural and she was an only child. They had a big rug there that had fleas. After several complaints about my daughter getting bit by fleas there and lots of documentation, my daughter landed in the hospital for six days with a blood born infection from the fleas. The state shut the church daycare down.I have discussed the flea issue with dcm because dcg is always covered in bites. She said she cannot afford to treat it right now but will soon. Well today dcg actually had a flea on her. I have dogs and so do all dcfamilies and I want her to get rid of the fleas before we all get them. How do I nicely tell her she has no choice but to take care of it. I know they are hurting financially and don't want to insult her but its gross. Thanks in advance.
Long story short... They aren't just gross... They can be deadly. I understand financial issues seriously I do. We have 7 cats, two dogs, four rabbits, you get the point.... We work closely with our vet so that we can afford year round flea and heart worm prevention. I trade out comfort is and etc for cleaning their office, helping with their Facebook page you name it.
If I were in your spot, I would likely have to go and buy a few cans of he good stuff and instruct mom as to he seriousness of the issue. If they CAN afford it, put your foot down. Flea bites can be a serious health risk.
saved4always 09:50 AM 12-09-2013
I feel for them that they are short on money, but I feel that not treating the fleas is borderline child abuse. How can they keep allowing a situation where their child is covered in bites? All bugs make my skin crawl so I wouldn't not allow daycare child back in care until fleas are taken care of. After actually seeing one, especially, I wouldn't be able to risk my dog getting the fleas or with possibly sending them home to another family. And, if I was one of the other families, I would be really unhappy to know another child is bringing fleas into daycare. Maybe I am unusually scared of any bugs, but that is me 
.
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saved4always 09:52 AM 12-09-2013
Originally Posted by Cradle2crayons:
When my daughter was two, she spent one day a week in a very reputable local church daycare program. We really did it to socialize her because we live so rural and she was an only child. They had a big rug there that had fleas. After several complaints about my daughter getting bit by fleas there and lots of documentation, my daughter landed in the hospital for six days with a blood born infection from the fleas. The state shut the church daycare down.
Long story short... They aren't just gross... They can be deadly. I understand financial issues seriously I do. We have 7 cats, two dogs, four rabbits, you get the point.... We work closely with our vet so that we can afford year round flea and heart worm prevention. I trade out comfort is and etc for cleaning their office, helping with their Facebook page you name it.
If I were in your spot, I would likely have to go and buy a few cans of he good stuff and instruct mom as to he seriousness of the issue. If they CAN afford it, put your foot down. Flea bites can be a serious health risk.
After reading this, maybe I am not overly cautious about these things. When my daughter was two, she spent one day a week in a very reputable local church daycare program. We really did it to socialize her because we live so rural and she was an only child. They had a big rug there that had fleas. After several complaints about my daughter getting bit by fleas there and lots of documentation, my daughter landed in the hospital for six days with a blood born infection from the fleas. The state shut the church daycare down.
Long story short... They aren't just gross... They can be deadly. I understand financial issues seriously I do. We have 7 cats, two dogs, four rabbits, you get the point.... We work closely with our vet so that we can afford year round flea and heart worm prevention. I trade out comfort is and etc for cleaning their office, helping with their Facebook page you name it.
If I were in your spot, I would likely have to go and buy a few cans of he good stuff and instruct mom as to he seriousness of the issue. If they CAN afford it, put your foot down. Flea bites can be a serious health risk.
MrsSteinel'sHouse 09:59 AM 12-09-2013
oh and I know here, that community action has "flea kits" as well as "lice kits" so there may be a local organization that will help them treat them.
daycarediva 10:13 AM 12-09-2013
She needs to call her vet and ask for a month's worth of treatment. They usually get them free. Every time we take our cats in, they hand us some.
This is disgusting and dangerous, it needs to be treated immediately. Honestly, if they cannot afford flea treatments, they cannot afford the dog (or cat) or whatever.
I had a dcb years ago have flea bites that he itched. They got infected and he was in the hospital. NOT OK.
This is disgusting and dangerous, it needs to be treated immediately. Honestly, if they cannot afford flea treatments, they cannot afford the dog (or cat) or whatever.
I had a dcb years ago have flea bites that he itched. They got infected and he was in the hospital. NOT OK.
daycarediva 10:14 AM 12-09-2013
Originally Posted by Cradle2crayons:
When my daughter was two, she spent one day a week in a very reputable local church daycare program. We really did it to socialize her because we live so rural and she was an only child. They had a big rug there that had fleas. After several complaints about my daughter getting bit by fleas there and lots of documentation, my daughter landed in the hospital for six days with a blood born infection from the fleas. The state shut the church daycare down.
Long story short... They aren't just gross... They can be deadly. I understand financial issues seriously I do. We have 7 cats, two dogs, four rabbits, you get the point.... We work closely with our vet so that we can afford year round flea and heart worm prevention. I trade out comfort is and etc for cleaning their office, helping with their Facebook page you name it.
If I were in your spot, I would likely have to go and buy a few cans of he good stuff and instruct mom as to he seriousness of the issue. If they CAN afford it, put your foot down. Flea bites can be a serious health risk.
Yup, so did my dcb. He was on IV antibiotics for 5 days. So scary! They ended up just dropping their dog at a shelter and the grandmother bombed the house while they were in the hospital.When my daughter was two, she spent one day a week in a very reputable local church daycare program. We really did it to socialize her because we live so rural and she was an only child. They had a big rug there that had fleas. After several complaints about my daughter getting bit by fleas there and lots of documentation, my daughter landed in the hospital for six days with a blood born infection from the fleas. The state shut the church daycare down.
Long story short... They aren't just gross... They can be deadly. I understand financial issues seriously I do. We have 7 cats, two dogs, four rabbits, you get the point.... We work closely with our vet so that we can afford year round flea and heart worm prevention. I trade out comfort is and etc for cleaning their office, helping with their Facebook page you name it.
If I were in your spot, I would likely have to go and buy a few cans of he good stuff and instruct mom as to he seriousness of the issue. If they CAN afford it, put your foot down. Flea bites can be a serious health risk.
cheerfuldom 10:36 AM 12-09-2013
Another issue that is the parent's problem, not yours. I would check the child over carefully each day and send home every day you see one flea on her. I wouldn't feel bad. You have to protect your household and all the kids.
Cradle2crayons 10:48 AM 12-09-2013
One time my son, then was three, went on a play date with another little boy. Very sweet family. They actually had their one dog on flea stuff and no bites etc. I picked him up one day and took him for a hair cut because he was all scraggly. The lady started shaving and was horrified to find a flea in his hair. She acted like it was the plague. She out on gloves and said since she was half done she'd finish the job but that they aren't allowed to cut hair if the person was "infested". I seriously had to laugh just because I didn't know what to say.
Animals are expensive. Spaying and neutering is expensive. Flea and heart worm control is expensive. Our horses are expensive but they still have to be wormed and have yearly coggins etc. it's just what has to be done.
Animals are expensive. Spaying and neutering is expensive. Flea and heart worm control is expensive. Our horses are expensive but they still have to be wormed and have yearly coggins etc. it's just what has to be done.
nannyde 11:05 AM 12-09-2013
We are not allowed to have fleas attend the daycare. We have specific regulations about insects. I wouldn't be able to care for the child. It is too costly to treat the environment and the risk of disease is too high. I have three pups. I don't want them to get exposed and I don't want my son, me, or the kids to be exposed.
She doesn't have the right to bring her child to a child care business carrying these bugs. She needs to pull her out of care until she can afford to rid her environment.
She doesn't have the right to bring her child to a child care business carrying these bugs. She needs to pull her out of care until she can afford to rid her environment.
Great Beginnings 11:53 AM 12-09-2013
I get being tight on money, we have all probably been there at one point. But honestly I buy my flea treatment at Dollar General lol! It seriously cost like $3 and they even have shampoo as well. If they can't afford to care for the animals, maybe they shouldn't have them?
Leigh 12:03 PM 12-09-2013
I would term, without doubt. You don't need that problem at your house.
momofboys 12:09 PM 12-09-2013
Originally Posted by Great Beginnings:
I get being tight on money, we have all probably been there at one point. But honestly I buy my flea treatment at Dollar General lol! It seriously cost like $3 and they even have shampoo as well. If they can't afford to care for the animals, maybe they shouldn't have them?
Dollar general stuff probably won't work for some pets if the people have a serious infestation lol - the pets need to be put on Advantage or other non-over-the-counter treatment & it isn't cheap. We have 2 cats & unless they start on Advantage in early March-October each year (we don't have issues in the winter since we are in a cold climate) we have major problems (I get bites big time!). It costs us $20/month for the treatment (we buy on eBay, lol). But when we've had major issues the cheap stuff didn't help at all - we've tried all the over the counter stuff to no avail. This mom likely needs to treat all her furniture & carpets & pets. Not cheap but it needs to be done!I get being tight on money, we have all probably been there at one point. But honestly I buy my flea treatment at Dollar General lol! It seriously cost like $3 and they even have shampoo as well. If they can't afford to care for the animals, maybe they shouldn't have them?
Heidi 12:13 PM 12-09-2013
Originally Posted by nannyde:
We are not allowed to have fleas attend the daycare. We have specific regulations about insects. I wouldn't be able to care for the child. It is too costly to treat the environment and the risk of disease is too high. I have three pups. I don't want them to get exposed and I don't want my son, me, or the kids to be exposed.
She doesn't have the right to bring her child to a child care business carrying these bugs. She needs to pull her out of care until she can afford to rid her environment.
You have the cutest way of expressing things. When my oldest used to claim to be scared of monsters, I would say "oh, no, we don't allow monsters in our house, they'll have to go elsewhere", then spray some Lysol labeled "monster spray". Tada! No monsters..We are not allowed to have fleas attend the daycare. We have specific regulations about insects. I wouldn't be able to care for the child. It is too costly to treat the environment and the risk of disease is too high. I have three pups. I don't want them to get exposed and I don't want my son, me, or the kids to be exposed.
She doesn't have the right to bring her child to a child care business carrying these bugs. She needs to pull her out of care until she can afford to rid her environment.
cheerfuldom 01:02 PM 12-09-2013
I would also think that mom refusing to treat the house and sending the child covered in bites is grounds for a CPS call......you have to wonder if she is not seeing this as a major issue, what else is she not doing at home, you know?
Leigh 02:00 PM 12-09-2013
Originally Posted by cheerfuldom:
I would also think that mom refusing to treat the house and sending the child covered in bites is grounds for a CPS call......you have to wonder if she is not seeing this as a major issue, what else is she not doing at home, you know?
I would also think that mom refusing to treat the house and sending the child covered in bites is grounds for a CPS call......you have to wonder if she is not seeing this as a major issue, what else is she not doing at home, you know?
Great point.
Josiegirl 03:17 PM 12-09-2013
"I would also think that mom refusing to treat the house and sending the child covered in bites is grounds for a CPS call......you have to wonder if she is not seeing this as a major issue, what else is she not doing at home, you know?"
A year ago I was caring for 3 boys on Saturdays. One weekend the 5 yo came in covered with flea bites. I hadn't noticed them before because I'd never helped him in the bathroom so he probably had them right along and I just didn't know. When I asked g'ma about them, she said her dd couldn't afford stuff to bomb the apt. or Frontline or anything. She said when she moved the curtain in her dd's apt. fleas would just fall out. OMG did I ever cringe. There were other problems too that I ended up terming over. I did call about the flea issue to my dc resource person and she said it didn't really constitute neglect or abuse but putting a call into CPS wouldn't hurt, so they have a record of the issues.
A year ago I was caring for 3 boys on Saturdays. One weekend the 5 yo came in covered with flea bites. I hadn't noticed them before because I'd never helped him in the bathroom so he probably had them right along and I just didn't know. When I asked g'ma about them, she said her dd couldn't afford stuff to bomb the apt. or Frontline or anything. She said when she moved the curtain in her dd's apt. fleas would just fall out. OMG did I ever cringe. There were other problems too that I ended up terming over. I did call about the flea issue to my dc resource person and she said it didn't really constitute neglect or abuse but putting a call into CPS wouldn't hurt, so they have a record of the issues.
Shell 04:05 PM 12-09-2013
I used to transport a SA girl from her house to school, and the house was a mess! These people were wealthy, just didn't see cleaning/disinfecting as a priority.
Well, one day I showed up to pick up the girl, and the carpets smelled wonderful, and I was shocked. Dcm smiled and said they had just steam cleaned the carpets (completely out of character). Well, she didn't say anything else, and a few days later, I was feeding my ds on her couch while waiting for her to get ready, and a flea jumped on my baby's head I had never seen one before, but I knew their reputation for jumping.
Anyway, I confronted dcm, and she was very casual, "oh yes, we have fleas" like it's no big deal SA girl also had bites all over her ankles.
I was petrified that they were going to get in my car, infest everything, and come back to my house, which I read online is a real possibility. I told dcm that SA girl had to have her clothing run through the dryer before I would take her in the car (another tip I read online), but I still didn't trust dcm. It was 3 weeks until she finally decided to bomb the house. Money wasn't an issue for this family- I just don't understand parents sometimes.
I will never deal with this issue again, and strongly recommend you don't either. They need to take care of it, so it doesn't become your problem, plain and simple.
Well, one day I showed up to pick up the girl, and the carpets smelled wonderful, and I was shocked. Dcm smiled and said they had just steam cleaned the carpets (completely out of character). Well, she didn't say anything else, and a few days later, I was feeding my ds on her couch while waiting for her to get ready, and a flea jumped on my baby's head
I had never seen one before, but I knew their reputation for jumping. Anyway, I confronted dcm, and she was very casual, "oh yes, we have fleas" like it's no big deal
SA girl also had bites all over her ankles. I was petrified that they were going to get in my car, infest everything, and come back to my house, which I read online is a real possibility. I told dcm that SA girl had to have her clothing run through the dryer before I would take her in the car (another tip I read online), but I still didn't trust dcm. It was 3 weeks until she finally decided to bomb the house. Money wasn't an issue for this family- I just don't understand parents sometimes.
I will never deal with this issue again, and strongly recommend you don't either. They need to take care of it, so it doesn't become your problem, plain and simple.
MotherNature 04:31 AM 12-10-2013
agreeing w/ the others. They need to nip this in the bud quick. Try a low-cost vet. Our city has one where anyone can go, not just financially struggling people. 3 mos of Advantage or its like will only cost $20 there. Microchipping for $10, etc. This could be very costly to treat on your end, both in money and energy.
countrymom 08:27 AM 12-10-2013
I think they can get a month for under 20 dollars. I think its irresponsible on the parents part and I would be angry as a parent of another child knowing this child has flees.
Cradle2crayons 09:04 AM 12-10-2013
I wanted to bring up something important.... Just placing the animal on flea prevention isn't the only step. The animal needs to be bathed in dawn dish soap prior to treatment. Also the areas in the house need to be treated. The dog needs a bath every day for sebveral days. To kill the live fleas and the ones that will keep hatching from the eggs. Carpets needs to be vacuumed and sprayed. Couches need to be sprayed. Bedding needs to be taken care of. Anywhere there is fabric like rugs need to be treated. One live flea or a clutch of eggs turn into millions in less than a week.
Mom needs to be aggressive about this and if she can't afford a flea pill etc she can afford a bottle of dawn.
Mom needs to be aggressive about this and if she can't afford a flea pill etc she can afford a bottle of dawn.
JenNJ 09:50 AM 12-10-2013
I understand the financial issues, I do. But dcg cannot attend until this is taken care of. You are putting your pets, your family, your business, and others pets and families' health at risk by not tackling this issue head on. Dcg cannot attend until the home is flea free. Period.
Do you really want to be liable if a dc child ends up with a life threatening infection? Because that is what is at stake here. You know and are allowing her to bring pests into the home. It is not ok and has to stop TODAY. You are putting yourself in the bullseye of a dangerous situation.
Do you really want to be liable if a dc child ends up with a life threatening infection? Because that is what is at stake here. You know and are allowing her to bring pests into the home. It is not ok and has to stop TODAY. You are putting yourself in the bullseye of a dangerous situation.
MCC 10:20 AM 12-10-2013
This would make me sick.
She can get a med called CAPSTAR that will kill all of the live fleas on the animals for 48 hours, and hopefully she can treat with a flea bath and then Advantage. She also needs to vacuum vacuum vacuum, and so do you. Fleas lay eggs EVERYWHERE. I would be going crazy with the vacuum, and make sure you dump it out in the outside trash, b/c the vacuum doesn't always kill the eggs.
In all honesty, if DCM was refusing to treat, for financial or other reasons, I would term. It's disgusting, unsanitary, and unexceptionable.
She can get a med called CAPSTAR that will kill all of the live fleas on the animals for 48 hours, and hopefully she can treat with a flea bath and then Advantage. She also needs to vacuum vacuum vacuum, and so do you. Fleas lay eggs EVERYWHERE. I would be going crazy with the vacuum, and make sure you dump it out in the outside trash, b/c the vacuum doesn't always kill the eggs.
In all honesty, if DCM was refusing to treat, for financial or other reasons, I would term. It's disgusting, unsanitary, and unexceptionable.
ihop 04:00 PM 01-16-2014
Figured id update... they have treated the cat and are carpet shampooing once a week, vacuuming daily.
She has half as many bites and I haven't seen any live ones on her but their apartment is so packed that they won't flea bomb.
I don't see this problem ever going away... she is about 25% covered in flea bites and picks them until they bleed. I can't afford to term.
I told dcm that if I find one on her she is getting sent home.
I am contemplating a cps call but don't know if it is appropriate or not. I feel so bad for this child but her parents don't seem to take it seriously. I'm sure they are living off of her since the cat is treated.
She has half as many bites and I haven't seen any live ones on her but their apartment is so packed that they won't flea bomb.
I don't see this problem ever going away... she is about 25% covered in flea bites and picks them until they bleed. I can't afford to term.
I told dcm that if I find one on her she is getting sent home.
I am contemplating a cps call but don't know if it is appropriate or not. I feel so bad for this child but her parents don't seem to take it seriously. I'm sure they are living off of her since the cat is treated.
countrymom 04:58 PM 01-16-2014
if they have fleas in their apartment, I bet you her other neighbours have them too.
dalman 05:48 PM 01-16-2014
ihop, you said you can't afford to term. But really, you can't afford not to. You are knowingly putting the other children in your daycare into a potentially dangerous environment. All it takes is one flea to start the infestation of your daycare. And all it takes is one of those fleas to bite one of your other daycare kids. And all it takes is for that child to have a life threatening allergic reaction to that bite. And the legal battles would be on. You can not afford the legal liability that this family is exposing you to. I would terminate immediately. Not next week or two weeks, but immediately. Put your daycare opening on craigslist and it won't take long to fill the spot. Good luck. It's a hard thing to do, but it's the wise thing to do.
ihop 05:54 PM 01-16-2014
Originally Posted by dalman:
ihop, you said you can't afford to term. But really, you can't afford not to. You are knowingly putting the other children in your daycare into a potentially dangerous environment. All it takes is one flea to start the infestation of your daycare. And all it takes is one of those fleas to bite one of your other daycare kids. And all it takes is for that child to have a life threatening allergic reaction to that bite. And the legal battles would be on. You can not afford the legal liability that this family is exposing you to. I would terminate immediately. Not next week or two weeks, but immediately. Put your daycare opening on craigslist and it won't take long to fill the spot. Good luck. It's a hard thing to do, but it's the wise thing to do.
I understand what you are saying and agree mostly, as far as the replacing her thing... I have has 6 openings for 6 months. I can't replace her. The only ones that I can fill are infant, and I can only have two.ihop, you said you can't afford to term. But really, you can't afford not to. You are knowingly putting the other children in your daycare into a potentially dangerous environment. All it takes is one flea to start the infestation of your daycare. And all it takes is one of those fleas to bite one of your other daycare kids. And all it takes is for that child to have a life threatening allergic reaction to that bite. And the legal battles would be on. You can not afford the legal liability that this family is exposing you to. I would terminate immediately. Not next week or two weeks, but immediately. Put your daycare opening on craigslist and it won't take long to fill the spot. Good luck. It's a hard thing to do, but it's the wise thing to do.
I check her everyday for fleas when she comes in and I treat my pets regularly.
I just Wish I could sneak in to their house and flea bomb it
Rock(me)hard place
Soccermom 09:05 AM 01-17-2014
I had this exact same thing happen to me and after DCB came here 3 times with fleas on him and in his hair I termed.
I understand you don't want to term for financial reasons but the only way to be sure that they will take care of it is to do it yourself. Even if you buy the flea bomb and they use it, they still need to wash all bedding, rugs and curtains in hot water as well as vaccum the entire home, ducts, mattresses and furniture extremely thoroughly. Good idea to treat their car as well since the car seats and interior can be full of fleas that have been tracked in on them.
How close are you to the family? Could you offer the help as a friend? Maybe just say that you really love DCG and don't want to term her but if this doesn't get taken care of you will have no choice so you want to help?
I understand you don't want to term for financial reasons but the only way to be sure that they will take care of it is to do it yourself. Even if you buy the flea bomb and they use it, they still need to wash all bedding, rugs and curtains in hot water as well as vaccum the entire home, ducts, mattresses and furniture extremely thoroughly. Good idea to treat their car as well since the car seats and interior can be full of fleas that have been tracked in on them.
How close are you to the family? Could you offer the help as a friend? Maybe just say that you really love DCG and don't want to term her but if this doesn't get taken care of you will have no choice so you want to help?
SilverSabre25 09:34 AM 01-17-2014
not to mention the risk of flea borne illnesses....and tapeworm....