Fleas and Their Control
Photo Courtesy of
Univar USA
Background
Historically, fleas are an important
pest. It was the flea that
transmitted the disease organism that caused "The Plague" a few centuries back.
Fleas are still capable of carrying a number of disease organisms, but outbreaks
in the US are limited. For most of us, flea bites to both people and their pets cause skin irritation.
But the
cost and inconvenience of eliminating a flea infestation can be great.
Transportation of fleas into the home occurs due to this insect's
ability to hop onto a host. Fleas dwelling outdoors may survive under
shrubs near buildings, hopping off one host such as a dog, cat or person and then hopping onto a new one.
In
cases where there are no pets, it has been shown that fleas may come in with other
"uninvited" animals such as mice, rats, squirrels or raccoons.
Fleas are uniquely designed. Viewed from the
side, they seem to have much of the substance the photos above show. When
viewed from above, below or from the front or back, these insects are almost as
thin as paper. This slender shape permits fleas to easily navigate
through the hairs of animals.
Fleas can multiply rapidly during warm, humid
weather causing grief for both pets and their owners. Then there is the
unlucky person that arrives to open a seasonal home and is
immediately accosted by attacking fleas. Fleas can overwinter in
unoccupied structures where no host organism is present, for many months. Any vibration, such
as that of someone entering a room, may bring the fleas quickly back to life.
Control Considerations
Prevention of fleas infestations is not always possible, but
preventative applications of a variety of different insecticides may provide some
protection. Fleas collars may also help. A veterinarian can now dispense
preventative flea treatment to help those pets that are often susceptible. Of course,
steps to prevent other host animals from entering a building by making repairs as needed, is
essential.
Once fleas are established in a building, treatment
is unavoidable. There are several ways of treating a flea infestation. First,
we offer Petcor Flea Spray
to help remove fleas
from pets. This product uses pyrethrins, an organic component along with
Precor IGR Concentrate (methoprene), an insect growth regulator which helps to kill fleas by
stopping their development.
Along with treating the pets and preferably at the
same time, it is a good idea to treat the premises. Sprays such as
Permacide P-1, when used in conjunction with
Precor
IGR Concentrate,
may
be applied to floor coverings and upholstery as well as pet bedding or other
areas, as needed. The active ingredient in the AllPro Bug Killer
Spray, 0.25% permethrin, will continue to kill adult fleas for up to 3 to 4 weeks while the
methoprene in the Precor IGR Concentrate will prevent immature fleas from becoming biting
adults for up to 7 months. Another approach is to use total release foggers (some
call these "bombs", but we dislike that association) such as Pro Control Plus,
may be used alone or in conjunction with the liquid spray, but we recommend the
liquid spray over the use of the foggers because it provides better
residual control of fleas.
Finally, we offer the Victor
Ultimate Flea Trap as a pesticide free alternative. These units are
approximately 6" in diameter and rest on the floor. They incorporate
a 7 watt light bulb that shines over a sticky trap. The warmth and light
of the bulb attract the fleas. Refills for these units are
available. We have had only positive feedback about this product.
If you'd like to order any of
our products, you may use the link on any product mentioned or use
this
link to our web storefront. For more information,
or if you prefer to order by telephone, please call us
weekdays between 8 am and 4 pm ET at 800-433-1128 or 845-356-2837. You may
contact us by fax at 845-746-9018 or by E-Mail.
If you do not receive a reply to an
E-Mail, please let us
know by resubmitting your letter. We get a huge amount of unsolicited mail
and we may unintentionally overlook your inquiry.
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