Fleas
Recently a customer walked into one of our stores and greeted the manager with a single word: "Fleas!". These troublesome pests present a special problem, in that their life cycle makes it especially difficult to produce a long lasting solution. The key to effective flea control is targeting the pre-adult stage as this will account for up to 90% of the entire flea population. Some of the typical host for fleas are: dogs, cats, rats, mice, squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, raccoons, oppossums and humans.
There are four stages in the flea life cycle:
- Egg- As the adult flea is biting the host it is dropping eggs. These can fall in the most inaccessable of places.
- Larvae- When the eggs hatch the larvae feed on dried blood, human dander and anything else that is lying around.
- Pupae- This is the cocoon stage. It is impervious to almost all pest control products. Re-treats are often required because this stage will hatch after you spray.
- Adult- This is the stage we are most familiar and commands the most attention. However, the adults only represent 5% of the total flea population. The pre-adult stage consists of 95% of the total flea population so that is the stage we need to target most. Adult fleas are not only a nuisance to humans and their pets, but can cause medical problems including flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), tapeworms, secondary skin irritations and, in extreme cases, anemia. Although bites are rarely felt, it is the resulting irritation caused by the flea salivary secretions that varies among individuals.
Most people believe that the fleas will die out in the winter, but this is not always true. Pets who love the indoors or who live in climates with mild winters can carry the fleas year around. The answer is a comprehensive approach to control, targeting all sources of potential infestation, including house, yard and pets.
Fleas: Indoors
If your house is mostly carpeted, preventing flea infestation is relatively easy. Simply treat all carpeted areas and upholstered areas with Flea Stoppers. This is a granulated powder that targets the larvae stage of the flea. It is less toxic than table salt making it one of the safest products available for indoor use. One application is guaranteed for a full year after the first seven weeks.
How does it work so well? It falls to the mat of the carpet where the eggs and larvae are located, and where the vacuum does not reach. The eggs hatch, the larvae eat the powder and die. If you cut off the problem at the source, you will have no more flea infestations. If you have an infestation now, you can treat with an adulticide like PreCor 2000, Ultracide, Dragnet or ExciteR. PreCor 2000 and Ultracide are hand held aerosols that can easily be applied to all floor surfaces, furniture and pet bedding. Pets, and humans should stay off treated surfaces until dry. Drying time will vary but usally takes about one to two hours.
Dragnet and ExciteR are concentrates that can safely be applied on all floor and furniture surfaces. When used in conjunction with Flea Stoppers, you will receive both immediate and long term relief. Pets and Humans should stay off treated surfaces until thoroughly dry. Drying time will vary but usally takes about three hours.
Always refer to the label for precautions and specific application instructions. If you have any questions or would like more information about these products, please contact us.
If your house has little or no carpeting, you can eliminate pre-adult and adult fleas using either PreCor 2000, Ultracide, Dragnet or ExciteR. When using either Dragnet or ExciteR be sure to add I.G. Regulator. Working together, these products will rid your house of egg, larvae and adult stages of the flea. They can safely be sprayed on all furniture and floor surfaces including wood. Killing the pre-adult stage will greatly reduce the number of re-treats, however, because no product can effectively kill the pupae stage, it may be necessary to re-treat as needed. Remember, to keep pets, children and adults off all treated surface until thoroughly dry. Always refer to the product label for specific application instructions and precautions. If you have any questions or would like more information about these products, please contact us.
Fleas: Outdoors
Fleas can come from all directions outdoors. The neighbor's pets, strays and squirrels are a few of the many sources of fleas. Prime reproduction activity occurs in cool, shady areas of the yard and especially under a raised house. Killing the pre-adult stage of the flea is just as important outside as it is inside. The best product for use outdoors is Talstar PL. This is a granule insecticide that will kill the adult and larvae stage of the flea. Simply apply Talstar PL in a handheld or broadcast spreader, just like a fertilizer. Each bag will treat up to 6,000 square feet and will last up to 4 months. Be sure to treat the entire yard, paying special attention to areas where pets spend the most time and shady areas.
For raised houses you can apply Talstar P under the house. Talstar P is a liquid concentrate which can either be applied using a pump or hose end sprayer. If you have any questions or would like more information about these products, please contact us.
Fleas: Pets
Constant scratching and biting? This could be a sign the pet is infested with fleas. Nobody wants to see their dog or cat in agony from these vicious little parasites. A good starting point is a bath with Adam's Flea and Tick Shampoo. It will kill fleas and ticks on contact. Follow up with Bio-Spot . These are spot treatments which are placed on the animal's back and will spread through the hair to completely cover the dog or cat within 24 hours. Bio-Spot is for dogs and cats. They will control fleas, pre-adult fleas, ticks and mosquitos for up to a month.
You can also treat your pets with Petcor. This is a ready to use spray that will give your pet immediate relief from fleas. Remember, treating the pet is only part of the solution, you must also treat indoors and outdoors. If you have any questions or would like more information about these products, please contact us.