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Pest Management Priducts Division of CSPA
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Sanitation, insecticides and common sense are keys to efforts to control fleas. Good sanitation measures are important in conjunction with appropriate flea control products used according to label directions on the host or in the host's habitat.
Cat and Dog Fleas
Insecticidal pet shampoos and dips, flea collars and total release aerosols, and powders can control cat fleas. Control is best achieved by using several products concurrently so that the flea infestation is attacked both on and off the host. Dipping or shampooing coupled with fogging the home and fitting the treated pets with flea collars is advisable.
Normally, no single product is sufficient to control an infestation of cat fleas. For example, treatment of the pet only will not combat fleas present in immature stages in the carpet. The immature stages will emerge as adults and cause reinfestations. Thus a combination of a pet treatment and a house treatment, including the area where the pet sleeps, is usually needed so the cycle can be prevented from recurring.
Pet Shampoos and Dips - A veterinarian, professional groomer or the pet owner can apply these products according to label directions. Shampoos are applied and rinsed off after a short time. Dips are 'leave on' products.
Pet Flea Collars - Flea collars are impregnated plastic strips that allow the slow release of the active ingredient. Collars rely on migration of the active ingredient over the coat of the pet, possibly aided by grooming, to reach the fleas.
Total Release Aerosols - Foggers are designed to fill a room with fine particles that settle on exposed surfaces and can penetrate to hidden interior surfaces. Fleas attacking the pet are often also found on the floor, especially in carpet and places where the pet sleeps and rests. Use of a total release aerosol is a convenient means of treating flea infested rooms uniformly and completely. Of course, people and pets should not be in the room during fogging. Be sure to read and follow the directions.
In recent years insect growth regulators have been added to foggers and to other flea control products. These materials interrupt the flea's life cycle before adult fleas emerge to become a nuisance. Because IGRs are slow acting and do not affect the adult fleas, they are normally coupled with a conventional insecticide so that adult fleas can be controlled immediately.
Direct Aerosol Sprays - These aerosol products have valves that allow the can to be used in an inverted position so floor areas can be easily sprayed. They are useful for treating limited areas or where foggers might be inappropriate.
