Controlling Fleas

New flea treatments, available through veterinarians and pet stores, make control easier than ever. These treatments consist of either slow-acting insect growth regulators or residual (spray) insecticides. It is important to understand the difference between these two kinds of treatments.

Insect growth regulators act slowly and prevent fleas from reproducing. Several effective treatments are available for use on the pet or in the form of a pill. Because insect growth regulators are slow to work and kill mostly the eggs or the immature stages of the flea, it is best to use them preventively, or before fleas become a problem. By treating the pets preventively, you may not
need to spray the house or outdoors with any other insecticide.

Ask your veterinarian or look for products containing lufenuron, methoprene, fenoxycarb or pyriproxifen. These are available as pills (through veterinarians only), sprays, shampoos and pet collars. If your pet already has a bad flea problem, you should use a combination of an insect growth regulator and a spray insecticide. Avoid using toxic sprays directly on the pet. Effective treatments for treating your pet include citrus oils (limonene and linalool) and pyrethrins. Shampoos and herbal treatment may help but will not completely eliminate a bad flea infestation. Apply an insect growth regulator to the animal at the same time you treat the indoor and outdoor areas where the pet spends time.

Pet treatment

Only products labeled for use on the pet. Because insecticides for dogs may be dangerous to cats,
read label instructions carefully.
Treat the animal thoroughly around the ears, between the legs and around the tail.
Wear gloves when applying dusts, spot-on treatments or sprays.
Use insect growth regulators, collars, spot-on or spray treatments before fleas become a problem. If
you see even one flea, use an insect growth regulator. Fleas reproduce quickly.

Indoors

Before treating, clean the house thoroughly.Vacuum under and around any furniture where pets sit or sleep
to remove flea eggs and larvae.
Wash and air-dry pet bedding material.
Apply a spray insecticide or dust to pet bedding and areas where the pet sleeps or plays. Use only those
products that say it is safe to apply indoors.

Outdoors

Apply a spray flea insecticides to garages, under porches and decks, and outside where the pet
sleeps and plays.
Prevent pets and other animals from getting under the house so that this area doesn't become infested.
Get rid of rats, mice and other animals that can carry fleas.

Mike Merchant
Extension Entomologist
The Texas A&M University System