News Tip: FLEA INVASION

We were thrilled to see that the Clute-based daily followed up on our brief report about the old Post Office's new occupants.

Now, here's another news tip.

Brazosport has been invaded by millions -- no, probably BILLIONS -- of fleas.

Check the shelves of the local stores -- their flea fogging products are noticeably diminished, if not completely wiped out, by local citizens desperate to rid their homes of fleas.

Pesticide professionals say this is an unually bad year for the wingless, blood-sucking insects that feed on warm-blooded animals.

Moreover, they say Environmental Protection Agency rules have restricted pest control professionals from using certain flea-killing agents -- so it's harder than ever to kill the tiny vermin.

They advise flea-afflicted homeowners to vacuum their homes -- A LOT.

The chemicals they do use will kill the fleas that have hatched, but it won't kill their eggs. Get those with your vacuum.

Footnote: it was fleas that carried the bubonic plague to Europe back in the Middle Ages, according to medical historians.

Look here for more than you'll ever want to know about fleas. Good luck!