How to control fleas with do it yourself pest control products

3. Flea larvae are small, active, maggotlike
creatures. They feed on all types of organic
debris, and develop particularly well when they
can feed on the feces of adult fleas, which contain
undigested or partially digested blood. The larva
grow to maturity in about 1 week or up to several
months, depending on environmental conditions
and food availability. Flea larva are rarely seen by
homeowners because they become entwined
within the carpet and resist the pull of a vacuum
cleaner.

5. If temperatures are favorable
(greater than 70F), within about 7 to
10 days the adult flea develops within
the cocoon, but the adult may not
emerge immediately. Some fleas will
remain in a preemerged adult state,
from with they may not emerge for
several months to a year later.
Warmth and mechanical signals (e.g.,
the weight of a pet's paw actually
stepping on the cocoon, or the
movement of a vacuum cleaner) will
trigger emergence.

2. Flea eggs are smooth, rounded,
light-colored and about 1/50 inch
in diameter. Since flea eggs are
not attached to the host, those laid
on the host will fall off and hatch
on the ground, in nexts or
bedding, or in carpets, upholstery,
or cracks in the floor. A female
flea will lay a few eggs each day
until she has laid up to 200 to 400.
Depending on the temperature
and humidity, these eggs will
hatch in anywhere from 2 days to
a week, but most will hatch within
2 to 3 days under favorable
conditions.

Flea Control Treatments:

1. The most important step, is to have your pets treated. Your pet is the
main host and the reason for your flea problems. If you don't control the
fleas directly on your pet, you will never eliminate the entire problem. I
recommend using a product called Petcor for the initial treatment. After
this, it is important to keep your pet on a monthly treatment plan with a
product like Bayer Advantage or Frontline. Both of these products may be
purchased from your local vetrinarian.

2. After the Flea Treatment Preparations (found below), have been
completed, you will need to treat all carpeted areas, rugs, bottom of
drapes, under couch cussions and along crack and crevices. Precor 2000
is an excelent product for this. Precor has both the adulticide (Premise) to
kill both adult fleas and their larvae. It also has an insect growth regulator
which will supply fleas with juevinille hormones, making them impossible to
reproduce. It also is a premixed product and ready to use.
For treatment on the exterior of your home and lawn, I would recommend
Bifen or Talstar granules in lawn areas and Bifen IT for the problem or heavy
infestation spots.

3. Due to the biology and behavior of fleas, it is necessary to repeat the
treatment in 7 to 10 days.

Flea Treatment Preparations:

1. All people and pets must leave the structure for a minimum of 2 hours
after treatment.

2. Have your pets treated for fleas on the same day of treatment.

3. Turn off heating/air conditoning prior to treatment.

4. Unplug and cover fish tanks.

5. Wash, on hot cycle, all pet bedding, and any other bedding where pet
frequents.

6. Remove all objects from under beds, and small objects from floors.

7. Pick up pet dishes and toys.

8. Vacuum floors and upholstered furniture no more than 2 hours prior to
treatment. (Throw away vacuum bag immediately in exterior trash). If you
plan on having any carpet cleaning done, do this prior to treatment.

9. If an exterior treatment is to be done, mow grass prior to treatment.

Not following these procedures, will most likely result in a failure to control
the fleas.

How to Control Fleas

Do it Yourself Pest Control Products