A better way to manage fleas is through prevention. By taking action before fleas are abundant, pet owners can avoid severe infestations later in the season. Preventive flea control has been made possible by new product innovations and insights into flea biology. We now know that adult fleas (the biting stage) spend virtually their entire life on the pet, not in the carpet. Eggs are laid on the fur and fall off into carpeting, beneath furniture cushions, and wherever else the pet lays, sleeps or spends time. After hatching, the eggs transform into larvae, pupae, and eventually adults to renew the cycle.

Pet owners can break the cycle of flea development and prevent future generations by killing the eggs as they are laid on the pet, or by eliminating the egg-laying adults. The easiest way to do this is to take action before flea problems get out of control. Several products are available which are convenient and effective.

Oral Pill (Program , Capstar , Sentinel ) These products prevent flea eggs from hatching when administered orally to pets once a month at mealtime. Dogs are fed Program in tablet form, whereas cats are fed a liquid suspension mixed with their food. Different tablet sizes and suspension doses are prescribed according to the weight of the animal. When an adult female flea bites a Program treated dog or cat, the flea ingests the active ingredient (lufenuron) which then passes into her eggs and prevents them from hatching. A companion product, Sentinel™, contains both the flea control ingredient and heartworm medication all in one dosage.

Collars ( Preventic ) - Tick Collar for Dogs prevents attachment of ticks. Ticks present in the dog's environment that may reappear on the dog will not attach and will be killed in less than 24 hours. Replace collar when effectiveness diminishes. The effectiveness of the collar is not diminished by normal wetting such as rainfall, however, it is suggested that the collar be removed before bathing. The active ingredient is not an insecticide. Therefore, use other means ( Frontline Spray ) for the control of fleas.

Fast-Acting Frontline Spray Kills Fleas for Up to 30 Days. This spray-on topical flea control formula can be applied directly to pets to provide fast-acting control of fleas and ticks for up to 30 days. Spray bottle is easy to use, ensures fast and even application, and can be reapplied regularly. Kills fleas before they lay eggs, effectively preventing reinfestation. Contains fiprinol to kill pests quickly and safely. Safe for dogs, puppies, cats and kittens 8 weeks or older.

Spot-Ons- ( Frontline Plus, Advantage, K9 Advantix, Bio-Spot ) Another effective, convenient treatment method involves applying a few droplets of material between the shoulder blades of the animal. Frontline Plus provides your dog with the most complete Spot-on Flea And Tick protection available. In addition to killing 98-100% af adult Fleas On your Dog within 24 hours, Frontline Plus contains a special ingredient that kills Flea Eggs and Larvae too and keeps all stages of Fleas from developing.

Advantage and K9 Advantix Kills fleas before they lay eggs. One treatment prevents further infestation for at least four weeks. kills 98-100% of the fleas on dogs within 12 hours. Advantage is a once a month topical flea treatment for cats and kittens over 8 weeks or older and dogs and puppies 7 weeks or older.

Another Spot-on product, available is Bio-Spot which contains the egg-inhibiting ingredient contains Permethrin and an insect growth regulator, Biolar.  which breaks flea life cycle by killing adult fleas and preventing flea eggs from developing. Fleas do not have to bite dog to be killed, so it’s great for pets with flea allergy dermatitis.

Also Non-alkaline contains d-Limonene, a botanically derived insecticideproducts are avaliable such as D-Limonene Flea & Tick Shampoo Effective flea and tick killer and superior grooming product.

Treatment of Premises

If you neglect to treat the pet's environment (the premises), you will miss more than 90% of the developing flea population -- the eggs, larvae and pupae. If the pet spends time indoors, the interior of the home should also be treated. Before treatment, the pet owner should:

1. Remove all toys, clothing, and stored items from floors, under beds, and in closets. This step is essential so that all areas will be accessible for treatment.
2. Remove pet food and water dishes, cover fish tanks, and disconnect their aerators.
3. Wash, dry-clean or destroy all pet bedding.
4. Vacuum! vacuuming removes many of the eggs, larvae and pupae developing within the home. Vacuuming also stimulates pre-adult fleas to emerge sooner from their insecticide-resistant cocoons, thus hastening their contact with insecticide residues in the carpet. By raising the nap of the carpet, vacuuming improves the insecticide's penetration down to the base of the carpet fibers where the developing fleas live. Vacuum thoroughly, especially in areas where pets rest or sleep. Don't forget to vacuum along edges of rooms and beneath furniture, cushions, beds, and throw rugs. After vacuuming, seal the vacuum bag in a garbage bag and discard it in an outdoor trash container.

Insecticide Application - Once fleas become established in a home, insecticides are almost always needed to control them. Always read and follow label directions on the insecticide container. Other than the person performing the application, people and pets should be out of the house during treatment. People and pets should also remain off treated surfaces until the spray has dried. This may take several hours, depending on carpet type, ventilation and method of application. Opening windows and running the fan or air conditioner after treatment will enhance drying and minimize odor.

Many different products are available for home treatment Virbac KnockOut E.S. Area Treatment , Virbac Knock Area Fogger The most effective formulations contain both an adulticide (e.g., permethrin) effective against the biting adult stage, and an insect growth regulator (methoprene or pyriproxyfen), necessary to provide long-term suppression of the eggs, larvae and pupae.

It is essential that the application be thorough and include all likely areas of flea development. Carpets, throw rugs, under and behind beds and furniture, and beneath cushions on which pets sleep should all be treated. Pay particular attention to areas where pets spend time or sleep, as these will be the areas where most flea eggs, larvae and pupae will be concentrated. For example, if the family cat sleeps within a closet, or hides under the bed, these areas must be treated or the problem will continue. Hardwood and tile floors generally do not require treatment, but should be thoroughly vacuumed.

Yard Treatment - its also a good idea to treat the yard and other outdoor areas. Products available such as Virbac Yard Spray This concentrated formula comes with a hose-end sprayer for neat, even application. Kills fleas, ticks and fire ants on contact.

Expect to see some fleas for 2 weeks or longer following treatment. Provided all infested areas were treated initially, these "survivors" are probably newly emerged adults which have not yet succumbed to the insecticide. Instead of retreating the premises immediately,continue to vacuum. As noted earlier, vacuuming stimulates the insecticide-resistant pupae to hatch, bringing the newly emerged adults into contact with the insecticide sooner. Flea traps, such as those utilizing a light and glue board to attract and capture adult fleas, can be helpful but will not eliminate a flea infestation unless used in combination with other methods. If adult fleas continue to be seen beyond 2-4 weeks, retreatment of the premises (and pet) may be necessary.

The best way to use any of the above-mentioned products is to initiate treatment before flea season begins, typically in the spring. By doing so you will greatly reduce the chances of developing a serious flea problem later in the summer. Any stray fleas the pet happens to pick up around the home or at the kennel will be unable to lay viable eggs. Breaking the cycle of flea development on the pet also reduces the need to apply insecticides throughout the living areas of the home. (Each of these on-animal products is of negligible hazard to people and pets, and there is seldom any adverse reaction with other petmedications.) Methoprene or pyriproxyfen-based products may need to be supplemented, periodically, with a topical spray or dip to knock down any adult fleas irritating the pet, especially if the animal is flea allergic. This should not be necessary with Advantage and Frontline. In any case, the occasional adult flea spotted on the pet will be unable to reproduce and soon will die off.

References

University of Kentucky College of Agriculture-FDA Consumer magazine