Flea control requires persistence

As preventative products change and resistance builds, most pet owners probably have battled flea outbreaks at some point in time. Fleas can literally drive homeowners from their homes if the problem gets bad enough. Unfortunately, once this problem starts, there isn’t a quick, easy solution. Flea control takes perseverance with treatment occurring simultaneously on all fronts to win the war on fleas.

Adult fleas spend most of their time on pets. Certain female fleas are capable of laying up to 50 eggs per day. The eggs soon fall off our pets, in greatest numbers wherever our pets rest, sleeps, or spends most of its time. After hatching, the larvae develop into tiny worm-like creatures that remain in protected areas. Next they transform into pupae within a silk-like, pesticide resistant cocoon before developing into adults.

The first step to managing a flea population inside your house is to maintain cleanliness. Carpets and upholstery should be vacuumed every day or so. Immediately seal the vacuum bag in a plastic bag and discard it. Remember to wash, treat or discard animal bedding. Consider carpet powders or sprays for the areas where fleas are concentrated. Products containing a pesticide (many times the active ingredient ends with ‘thrin’) and growth regulators, such as pyriproxyfen (Nylar) or methoprene, are preferable. These combination products will not only kill adult fleas, but will prevent future generations.

While there are a number of foggers available, they shouldn’t necessarily be the first control option to try. They release insecticides over the entire room rather than where the fleas are concentrated. Ready to use sprays, typically sold as aerosol products, can be dispensed by hand and concentrated under beds and behind furniture where foggers might not readily penetrate. If foggers are the preferred method, again, look for combination products with both an insecticide and growth regulator.

In the yard, cut the grass short and remove any excessive debris or litter. Areas where pets spend most of their time should be targeted with chemical treatments. There are a number of products (concentrates, dusts, granular or ready-to-use) that are effective against fleas. Common outdoor insecticides include the active ingredients bifenthrin, permethrin, esfenzalerate, or cyfluthrin. Apply these products to the ground during a time when pollinators are less active. A second treatment 7-10 days after the initial treatment will likely be needed. However, read and follow all label directions.

It is also very important to treat your pets at the same time you treat your home or lawn. Running a flea comb through your pet’s hair can offer some relief. A 10-minute, warm, soapy bath will kill most of the fleas. Shampoos containing insecticides such as carbaryl, permethrin or pyrethrins are also available. Following the bath, consider treating your pet with one of the long-term “spot” treatments or pills available through your vet. While these are not necessarily cheap, the treatments will be well worth the money in the long run. Ask your vet for more details.

Flea control requires determination. Manage fleas by attacking them at all points — inside, outside, on the pet and in the pet’s bedding. If you miss treating the fleas in one of these areas, the remaining areas will be quickly re-infested. Also, remember to follow up with a second treatment to kill the hatching fleas. Be prepared to battle fleas for several weeks. Contact your local County Extension office for more information.

This story was originally published June 1, 2016 at 9:00 PM with the headline "Flea control requires persistence."