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Pesticides to Kill Fleas
Pesticides to Kill Fleas. Fleas are tiny external parasites that suck the blood of humans and animals. According to the University of Kentucky, fleas can lay up to 50 eggs a day. Flea infestations can quickly become out of control if immediate action isn't taken. Pesticides can be used to kill the fleas, but you must pick the right pesticide for...
Fleas are tiny external parasites that suck the blood of humans and animals. According to the University of Kentucky, fleas can lay up to 50 eggs a day. Flea infestations can quickly become out of control if immediate action isn't taken. Pesticides can be used to kill the fleas, but you must pick the right pesticide for the area you want to treat.
Imidacloprid and Fipronil
Most of the fleas in a home will be on a pet, so treat them first. Imidacloprid and fipronil are the active ingredients in Advantage and Frontline for pets. Advantage and Frontline are only available through a prescription from veterinarians. Applications are made once per month to the back of the pet's neck. The active ingredients will not only kill the fleas, but will prevent them from re-infesting the pet.
Limonene and Linalool
Limonene and linalool are the active ingredients in citrus sprays made to treat pet bedding and plush toys. The sprays can also be used on rugs, sofas and carpets. Limonene and linalool are less toxic than some of the other pesticides and can be used safely around dogs and cats. Although the spray dries and evaporates quickly, it is best to keep pets in a separate area of the house during application. While it is wet it can get on a pet and irritate its skin.
Methoprene and Pyriproxyfen
Severe flea infestations require stronger pesticides, such as methoprene and pyriproxyfen. These pesticides are found in products with IGR, or insect growth regulator. IGR's kill adult fleas and prevent flea eggs from hatching. Methoprene and pyriproxyfen can be sprayed in the home as long as all safety precautions listed on the product label are followed, or outdoors where a pet frequently plays or rests. Homeowners can purchase concentrated pesticides with an IGR, and use a hose-end sprayer to apply the pesticide to large areas of the yard.
Disodium Octaborate Tetrahydrate
Disodium octaborate tetrahydrate is a boron-based pesticide found in flea shampoos. Pet owners can bath their pets with disodium octaborate tetrahydrate shampoo if they can't get to a veterinarian quick enough. The shampoo will kill the adult fleas, but, unlike Advantage and Frontline, won't block a future infestation.
