Combating Fleas in Your Home or Garden

House and Yard Treatments for Fleas
So you've found some fleas on your beloved dog or cat and have treated them with the latest flea-killing products. Did you know you are missing a huge part of the puzzle? For every flea you find on your pet, there may be up to 100 more living in your carpets and yard. To effectively rid your premises of fleas, you must treat these areas as well. Let's look at some products available for this purpose.

INDOOR TREATMENTS
Foggers and Sprays
Most foggers and sprays, whether over-the-counter or veterinary sold, contain a pesticide to kill adult fleas and many contain a second ingredient, an insect growth regulator (IGR) to prevent eggs from hatching. It must be remembered that foggers simply put a mist up into the air, which then falls to the floor. For this reason, I prefer house treatment sprays, which can be directed under furniture. I am sure to choose one that combines a pesticide with an IGR. Don't forget to spray baseboards on hard flooring too. Do not use house sprays on pets.

Flea Busters
Flea Busters places a borate powder in the carpet, which dehydrates and kills flea larvae. The treatment lasts for one year.

Vacuum and Wash
It is important to stress that frequent vacuuming of your home and frequent washing of your pet's bedding will go a long way in the battle with fleas. If you have an infestation in your home, vacuum and throw away the bag. Treat the carpets and floors. In two weeks, repeat this process, then repeat as needed.

YARD TREATMENTS
Sprays
Generally yard sprays contain an insecticide which will kill adult fleas. There is little killing power after a couple of days, so re-treatment may be needed. Be sure to concentrate your effort under bushes and decking where the environment is moist, and your pet may spend lots of time. Be certain to keep pets and children out of the yard for several hours after treatment.

Nematodes
This is a great treatment if you don't want to use chemicals. Nematodes are tiny worms that are applied to the yard using a sprayer attached to your hose. These worms eat flea larvae. The nematodes need a moist environment to survive and if the lawn dries out, they will die. Treatment needs to be repeated every 4-6 weeks. Remember that treating the pet is only one part of the treatment for fleas. Of equal importance is to rid the environment of the pests so your pet will not become re-infested. Remember to read all labels carefully and consult your veterinarian for recommendations.

Sprays, Foams, Spot-Ons, Combs
Most pet owners in the United States will have to deal with fleas at some point. When warmer weather approaches, flea populations boom. Fleas can leave your pet with annoying bites, allergic skin irritation, tapeworms, or anemia. Many products are available through stores and veterinary clinics to help a pet owner win the war on fleas. Holistic remedies are also available, but won't be covered here.

Combs
Great for puppies and kittens who are too young for chemicals.

Collars
Made with insecticides to kill adult fleas or insect growth regulators (IGR) which prevent flea eggs from hatching. Used alone, it's often not enough to keep fleas under control.

Powders
Most have insecticides that kill adult fleas, but can be messy to use.

Sprays and Foams
Sprays and foams contain insecticides, and may also have an IGR. These work well, but frequent applications are usually necessary.

Shampoos and Dips
Most have action against adult fleas. Shampoos generally offer no flea-killing ability after 24 hours. Dips may kill fleas for a few days, but can contain potent chemicals. For these reasons, I recommend using a mild shampoo and having dips done by veterinary clinics or groomers only.

Over-The-Counter (OTC) Spot-Ons
Dogs: Bio Spot, Control, Power Spot are examples of liquid insecticides which are squeezed onto the skin of pets to kill adult fleas for up to one month. Some products also have an IGR. Cats: OTC spot-on products for cats generally have only an IGR, so won't kill adult fleas. Spot-on products for dogs may contain insecticides that are toxic or fatal to cats. Read labels carefully! Veterinary-only products

Program
Program is given once a month, orally, or as an injection for cats every six months. It prevents flea eggs from developing, but does nothing to kill existing adult fleas.

Veterinary Spot-Ons
Advantage, used once monthly, and Frontline, used every 1-3 months, kill adult fleas without using traditional insecticides. Frontline is my favorite because of the long action and the ability to kill ticks. The main disadvantage is cost, which can be up to five times higher than OTC products. I feel the safety and effectiveness of these products is worth it.

Revolution
Brand new to the market, Revolution is a prescription spot-on product for dogs and cats. It kills adult fleas and their eggs, in addition to mites and worms. It is also a heartworm preventative. Flea control must be tailored to each pet and owner. Pets, home, and yard must all be part of the treatment plan. Try different products to find the ones that work best for you and your pet. Most importantly, read all label directions carefully and consult your veterinarian for recommendations.

 [Source: PetSmart.com]