Suitable consumer products for indoor and outdoor treatments are listed in Table 1. Because flea pupae are hard to kill with insecticides, an additional follow-up treatment is usually needed 7 to 10 days after the first application.
When using short-residual insecticides such as pyrethrins, two or three follow-up sprays at 5- to day intervals may be required. Fire ants and other predatory insects eat flea larvae but they do not control fleas completely. Several kinds of predatory nematodes a type of microscopic worm are sold for outdoor flea control, but their effectiveness has not been well tested.
Studies suggest that nematodes work best in sandy soils. This prolongs nematode survival and helps them move through the soil in search of flea larvae. Several kinds of flea traps are available from pest control companies and pet stores.
The most effective designs use a special green light that blinks occasionally to simulate the shadow of a passing host. Most attract fleas to a sticky card, where they are trapped. Place traps near pet beds and loafing areas for best control. By themselves, traps are unlikely to solve most flea problems; however, they can be a useful part of an integrated flea control program for your home. Begin your flea control program early for best results.
Start a frequent and thorough sanitation program, regularly inspect your pet for fleas, carefully follow the label directions of the insecticide product you choose, and dispose of all pesticides safely.
These steps will help you reduce the need for extra pesticide treatments. Long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, socks and shoes are the minimum. Check the pesticide label for additional safety requirements. When mixing liquid pesticides wear unlined, chemical resistant gloves. Allow pesticide sprays to dry thoroughly before letting people or pets into a treated area. Never dispose of flea dips or other unused pesticides in storm sewers, toilets or sinks.
This pollutes the environment and can result in costly clean-ups for your community. Leftover flea dip may be poured onto a grassy area for biological degradation, or disposed of in some other manner as specified on the label. A pest control company can treat both indoor and outdoor areas.
Download a printer-friendly version of this publication: Controlling Fleas. Contact Your County Office. Our work makes a difference, in the lives of Texans and on the economy.
View Economic Impacts ». By: Mike Merchant and James Robinson Fleas are small, wingless insects that feed on the blood of animals and people. Understanding Fleas During their life cycle fleas pass through four stages—egg, larva, pupa and adult. Animal and Human Health Fleas can be a source of both irritation and disease. Control An integrated flea control program includes good sanitation and treatment of the pet and environment.
This substance is flea feces, which turns a reddish color if wet. While they are so small you are unlikely to notice them, flea eggs are oval-shaped and white and are about the same size as a salt crystal. Your vet can diagnose the reason for excessive scratching and recommend effective products that will kill the fleas, both fully grown and in immature stages, on your dog or cat.
Do keep in mind that homeowners with multiple pets should treat each animal separately, since fleas can move from one pet to another and some treatments for dogs can be dangerous if administered to cats.
Fleas are the most active during late spring and summer, although homes can become infested any time of year. Warmer conditions favor larval development, which is why you tend to see increased numbers during these periods.
In years that the weather is humid and rainy , flea populations tend to spike. Protect your furry friends and your home during peak flea season by utilizing the suggested measures above or by seeking guidance from a trusted pest specialist. Sadly, there is little scientific proof that many of these DIY flea control methods or others you may have heard about actually work.
For example, most insecticides are not particularly effective during the pupae stage. That means that follow-up is often required to ensure the reproductive cycle of this prolific pest is halted. In addition, effective flea treatment relies on treating the host, the home and the outdoor areas—so if one area stays infested, you may have to start all over again. Since controlling a flea infestation can be complicated, most homeowners decide to call in the pros to take over.
Long-term, effective flea control is best achieved by use of products that target flea adults and their young. New, safer, and more effective products aimed at controlling adult fleas on pets have made cat flea management without pesticide sprays, shampoos, and dusts feasible in most situations. Management of fleas on pets must occur in conjunction with regular, thorough cleaning of pet resting areas indoors and out. Once fleas infest a home, control will require a vigilant program that includes vacuuming, eliminating fleas on pets, and cleaning up and possibly treating shaded outdoor locations where pets rest.
On the Pet. Several types of products are available to control fleas on dogs and cats. The newer products are either applied topically to the body of the pet or provided orally.
If you administer oral or topical products early in the year before flea populations begin to build, the products can prevent fleas from establishing themselves in your home. Contact your veterinarian for advice in selecting the best flea-control product for your situation. Supplement the use of these products with good housekeeping in areas where the pet rests. On-pet Flea Treatment Products.
New product innovations have made it possible to effectively, conveniently, and safely prevent flea populations from building up on pets. These products are more effective than the traditional insecticide collars, dusts, shampoos, and sprays. The spot-on formulations available from veterinarians are much easier to use than baths or sprays and are more acceptable to the animal and pet owner.
Fleas in our area are showing signs of resistance to fipronil Frontline, Pet Armor and imidacloprid Advantage. How do I get rid of fleas…?
On myself or my family? Never use pet flea medicine on humans! Medicine for your pets should only be used on your pets as it can make humans very sick.
Soothe the itch. The biggest complaint about flea bites is itchiness. To get relief, speak to a health care professional. Avoid scratching. As hard as it might be, try to avoid scratching the bite. This can open up the scab and take longer for it to heal. It also increases your risk of infection. On my pets? Prevention is always better than cure — Treating your pet regularly with a flea preventative treatment is one of the most effective ways to prevent a flea infestation.
There are many different types of flea control products on the market, including tablets, flea collars and monthly topical treatm ents. Your veterinarian will be able to recommend the right product to keep you, your pets and home flea-free. In my home? To remove fleas in the home: Vacuum r egularly — Thoroughly vacuum all carpets, rugs, sofas and other upholstered furniture, making sure you get into hidden places like underneath the sofa and bed, and behind furniture.
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