No one likes dealing with fleas, but they are usually part of being a pet owner. Unfortunately, these tiny wingless insects can cause discomfort, not to mention the risk of spreading disease.
Dogs and cats are the most common targets for fleas, but they can also affect other animals – even humans.
Fleas Pest Control: First Things First
Before you take any action to get rid of fleas, it’s vital that you understand what they are and what causes them. By nature, these wingless insects are parasites, feeding on the blood of their hosts.
They are also highly hardy creatures that can go for long periods without food. They can also survive in freezing temperatures, so getting rid of them can be a considerable challenge.
What is Pest Control Flea Treatment?
Pest control flea treatment refers to the various methods used to eliminate fleas from your home and pets. The main goal of any pest control treatment is to break the flea’s life cycle.
This means that the entire reproduction cycle needs to be disrupted so the fleas cannot continue reproducing and spreading.
It’s not enough to just kill the adults. While they need to be eliminated, getting rid of their eggs and larvae is as essential. This is because these immature fleas can quickly mature into adults and continue the cycle, bringing you back to square one.
What are Some Flea Treatment Pest Control Solutions?
Fleas are a nuisance, plain and simple. Not only are they a problem to you and your family, but they can also be a danger to your pets.
Pets can pick up fleas from other animals or from their environment and bring them into your home, where they can quickly multiply. This is why it’s crucial to be proactive about flea treatment and pest control.
There are a number of solutions for treating fleas, both professional and DIY. Some of the most popular options include:
Over-the-Counter Flea Treatments and Shampoos
This is probably one of the most common solutions for a typical pet parent. Over-the-counter shampoos and flea treatments are readily available at your local pet store. They often contain powerful insecticides that can kill adult fleas.
The downside with this method is that the results may often vary depending on the product used, frequency, and application. You may also need to use several different products or treatments to eliminate the problem entirely.
Flea Traps
A flea trap may be a good option for severe infestations where fleas have started to take over your home’s interior. This is usually done by placing an ultra-violet light or heat source near a sticky pad where the fleas will get stuck and die.
While this can be effective, it’s not 100% foolproof since some of the fleas might escape and continue to breed in other parts of your home. It can also be quite messy and challenging, especially if you have pets or small children in the home.
Flea Powder and Spray
This is used in conjunction with the flea treatments and shampoos. Flea powder and spray are often used in carpets, furniture, and on your pets to prevent new fleas from hatching.
They can also be used after a treatment to kill any remaining adult fleas that may still be lurking around.
Chemical Pesticides
For severe infestations, chemical pesticides may be necessary. These are usually applied by a licensed professional and can be pretty effective in getting rid of fleas. However, they do come with some risks and potential side effects for humans and pets, so you should always consult with a professional before using them.
In some cases, these pesticides may also be used to target pests other than fleas, such as cockroaches or bed bugs. So if you’re experiencing a pest infestation in addition to fleas, it may be worth seeking professional help to get rid of all your unwanted visitors.
Pest Control Chemical Sprays
Although similar to chemical pesticides, pest control chemical sprays are often used as a standalone solution for flea infestations.
These sprays contain powerful insecticides that can kill adult fleas on contact and prevent new ones from hatching. In addition, some products can be sprayed directly onto your pet’s fur and can be effective in killing fleas that are hiding deep within their fur.
Additionally, they can be quite effective at keeping your pets free of fleas when applied regularly.
Flea Collars and Flea Drops
Finally, one of the most common types of flea treatment pest control is using flea collars and drops on your pets. These products are widely available at pet stores and online, and they contain powerful insecticides that can kill adult fleas on contact.
While they can be effective in preventing new infestations, they may not be as effective if your pet is already suffering from a severe infestation. In some cases, they may also need to be paired with other treatment options in order to achieve maximum effectiveness.
Natural Methods Like Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a natural, non-toxic treatment option that is often used in flea infestations.
This powder contains tiny shards of silica that can penetrate the exoskeletons of fleas and other insects, effectively killing them. It’s also relatively safe to use around pets and humans, making it an excellent choice for those who want a more natural solution.
But while it can be quite effective at killing fleas, it may not always be enough to fully eliminate the infestation on its own. And since it’s a powder and not an insecticide, you’ll need to apply it regularly in order to keep your pets free of fleas.
Flea Pest Control Services
By far, this is one of the most effective and efficient ways to get rid of a flea infestation.
Professional pest control services have extensive knowledge and experience in treating fleas, so they can typically get rid of your infestation in a short amount of time.
What Do Pest Control Companies Use for Fleas and Ticks
Multiple pesticides and insecticides are used to treat for fleas, ticks, and other pests. There are two types of chemical treatments professional pest control companies use – insect growth regulators and adulticides.
Fipronil and Permethrin are two of the most popular adulticides used for flea treatment. These are applied topically and designed to kill adult fleas on contact, as well as prevent new eggs from hatching.
Insect growth regulators (IGRs) like Methoprene can also be used to treat a flea infestation. They target the larvae stage of the lifecycle and essentially sterilize them so that they cannot develop into adult fleas.
Although they can be purchased over the counter, working with the right professionals can help you determine which among the two chemical treatments is most suitable for your needs and how to best apply them for maximum results.
Final Thoughts
Nobody likes to be bothered by fleas, and we most certainly don’t want our pets to suffer from the itchy, painful symptoms of an infestation.
The good thing is there is a range of different treatments that can help you get rid of fleas and keep your pets happy, healthy, and flea-free.
Whether you choose to use chemical sprays, collars, and drops, or natural methods like diatomaceous earth, it’s important to be consistent with whatever treatment method you choose to achieve the best results.
And if you find that your infestation is more severe than you anticipated, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help!
