Treatment

Chemical Control:  There are literally hundreds of products on the market for flea control on pet and premises. For successful flea control, infested pets and the environment need to be treated at the same time. Before application, read and follow the instructions and safety precautions. People and pets should be out of the house when treatments are conducted, and they should not return until the treated surfaces have dried. Depending on the carpet and type of treatment, this may take several hours (3-4 hours will give the insecticide a better chance to work). To assist in drying, open windows and use a fan. Licensed professional pest controllers have the experience, training, and equipment needed to provide the most successful flea control. For your pet-seek treatments through your veterinarian.

Sanitation:  Before vacuuming, collect all items on the floor, under beds, in closets, on furniture, etc. This will allow for best access for treatment. Cover fish tanks, remove bird cages, and put away all pet dishes. You should also clean all pet bedding at this time to maximize your efforts. Vacuuming carpet with a beater-bar type model is best. Concentrate on areas where the pet spends most of its time, such as bedding areas. This will help remove flea larvae by eliminating eggs and effectively open up the carpet's nap to allow for deeper treatment penetration. Flea larvae do not move far from the hatch site when there is an adequate food source, such as died blood feces from adult fleas. Research indicates that larvae spend 83% of the time deep within the base of the carpet where they become entwined in the fibers. At pupation, the larva move up the carpet and spin a cocoon around themselves. When vacuuming, pay special attention to areas where lint and pet hairs accumulate, such as along bedsides, carpet edges, vents, heat registers, floor cracks, and within furniture where your pet sleeps. After vacuuming, take your vacuum outside before removing the bag and/or filter and canister contents. Bag these items and discard them in an outside trash container.

Prevention:  Trim lawns and weeds to create a drier and less attractive environment for flea larvae. Avoid leaving piles of sand and gravel around your home for long periods of time. Fence in your yards to prevent your pet from freely roaming in pest infested areas and also to prevent contact with infested animals. Discourage nesting or roosting of rodents and birds on or near the premises. Screen or seal vents, chimneys, crevices, etc. where rats, mice, squirrels and other vermin may enter your home. Wash or destroy pet bedding, provide regular pet grooming, and vacuum frequently to remove up to 95% of flea eggs, larvae, and adults.