Phone: 614-292-5274 Fax: 614-292-9783
e-mail: extento@postoffice.ag.ohio-state.edu
William F. Lyon
There are literally hundreds of products on the market for flea control on pets and the premises. For successful flea control, infested pets and the premises need to be treated at the same time.
Before application, read and follow the insecticide label and safety precautions. People and pets should be out of the house when treatments are made, and not return until the treated spray surfaces have dried. Depending on the carpet and type of treatment, it may take several hours (usually three to four hours to give the insecticide a better chance to work). To assist in drying, open windows and use a fan or air conditioner.
Usually, the licensed professional pest control operator has the experience, training, equipment and most effective insecticides for best overall flea control. Fleas are best managed, with help from the concerned homeowner, by using a cooperative, coordinated, simultaneous effort involving strict sanitation, premise treatment (both indoors and outdoors), pet treatment and nuisance wildlife (opossums, raccoons, groundhogs, rats, chipmunks, etc.) control.
Pets - There are many formulations as shampoos, foams, aerosols, dips, sprays, dusts (powders), collars, dab-ons, spot-ons and monthly tablet or oral liquid treatments. Pet treatments include pyrethrins + methoprene (Precor) known as Petcor Flea Spray for dogs and cats. Some pest control operators guarantee one year's control. Whitmire 410 is a pet flea shampoo. Biotrol Spot-on is an IGR for fleas and ticks on dogs. Linalool (Flea Stop) with a citrus scent kills adult fleas, eggs, larva and pupa for dogs, cats, puppies and kittens. Pyrethrin in a coconut oil base with Aloe Vera (Flea Stop) is cat flea and tick spray. d-Limonene (Nature's Answer) is a flea and tick shampoo for dogs, cats, puppies and kittens. Ultra Guardian Flea Foam contains pyrethrins for pet flea control. Usually, effective pet treatments are available through licensed veterinarians.