Flea Control in the Home

Whenever dogs, cats or other hairy animals are allowed inside the home, fleas can become a problem. Fleas attack humans as well as furry animals; and a house overrun by fleas is almost impossible to live in. Fleas prefer to feed on hairy animals but will attack humans and feed on human blood when they become very hungry. Fleas cannot breed or survive without blood.

While fleas are on the animal, they suck blood, mate, and female fleas lay eggs. Most of the eggs fall off the animal and tend to accumulate in areas where the animal spends most of its time. The eggs hatch into tiny worm-like larvae which begin feeding on debris in their environment. Their food consists mainly of feces from the adult flea which is primarily undigested blood. Larval fleas develop to maturity in cracks in the floor and other crevices and hiding places. Flea larvae eventually construct cocoons where they pupate. Adult fleas emerge from pupal cases when they are stepped on or when a warm blooded animal comes near.

A home may become heavily infested with developing flea larvae before the flea infestation is noticed. This explains why people who own dogs and cats have fleas when returning from a vacation. People find their homes overrun with fleas even though few or no adult fleas were detected in the home when they left. And since fleas prefer to feed on hairy animals, they would likely feed on the pet until their population became excessive.

Fleas can be controlled by veterinarians, licensed professional pest control operators or by homeowners. It is important to remember that if a pet is involved, the pet needs to be treated by a veterinarian or wash the infested pet with shampoos that contain pyrethrins or other flea control insecticides while the home is being treated. When the pet has dried, then thoroughly dust the pet with carbaryl dust and use a flea collar. Weekly treatments with insecticide sponge-ons or aerosol sprays, insecticide dusts, and replacing flea collars every 30-60 days should keep the pet flea free.

Next, before allowing the treated pet back into the home, focus attention on ridding the home of fleas. If you have decided to control the infestation yourself or if you have decided to use the services of a professional pest control operator, you still must thoroughly vacuum beneath furniture cushions. Then tape the top of the vacuum bag and discard it.

Now the house is prepared for treatment with insecticides by a professional pest control operator or by the homeowner. Total release aerosols could be used which contain pyrethrins or a flea growth regulator such as methorprene. Insecticide aerosol sprays and dusts are available which can be used to thoroughly treat the carpet and other infested areas. Be sure to leave the insecticide on the carpet and not vacuum for at least 7-10 days applying the insecticide. Be certain to follow all label instructions. This is especially needed to prevent carpet staining and harming pets or person.

Continue to thoroughly vacuum during the warmer months of the year and continue to treat the pet for long term flea control.

For more information on flea control in the home, contact your local county Extension office.