Flea control can be one of the most frustrating aspects of pet ownership. A typical infested yard can have upwards of 1 million fleas. Since the majority of a flea's life cycle is spent off of the pet, it is vital to treat both the pet and the environment.

The yard is very important. A typical infested yard can have upwards of 1 million fleas. Since products for the yard only kill adults, (Interrupt and Precor being the exceptions)re-treatment in 2-3 weeks is needed to kill newly emerged fleas. Be sure to concentrate treatment close to the house and along your pets favorite paths in the yard.

Interrupt-An environmentally safe product that uses microscopic nematodes (worms) that live by eating the immature stages of the flea. This product can not be used at the same time as insecticides.

Dursban, Diazanon and Malathon- All three are organophosphate insecticides. Be sure the yard is dry before allowing pets or children to go outside.

Precor-Flea growth regulator can be used with insecticides. Newly formulated to be stable outside.

Prior to treating your house, be sure to vacuum well, especially along base boards, under couch cushions etc.. This will greatly decrease the numbers of immature fleas before treatment.

Flea Busters Powder-An ortho-boric acid powder that is applied to the carpet. This can be applied by you or it can be done professionally by Flea Busters. This product kills both adults and immature stages, however, it may take up to 5 weeks before you are no longer seeing any fleas. This product lasts for about 1 year.

Interrupt Powder- similar to Flea Buster Powder.

Premise Spray- Applied by hand spraying. Good for coverage under beds and other furniture (Basus or Siphotrol II).

Fogger-You will need 1 can for each unobstructed room (foggers do not go around corners well). You should make plans for you and your pets to be out of the house for several hours after setting off the foggers. Be sure to cover fish tanks and turn off air pumps. Foggers and Premise sprays should contain Fenoxycarb or Methoprene (Precor) along with an adulticide (Dursban or Diazanon). These ingredients prevent the eggs and larvae from developing, thereby breaking the fleas life cycle,(Basus, Ectoguard, Siphotrol Plus).

Professional Exterminators-Flea Busters and Care Flea.

Bathe and dip once a week using pyrethrin or permethrin-based product (dogs only). If organophosphate dips are used, dip only every 2 weeks.

Program-A once a month pill given to dogs. It does not kill adult fleas. It is a flea hormone that prevents the eggs from developing. This product is very safe and effective. If you do not currently have a flea problem, this pill should keep you from getting infested. If you already have a flea problem you need to continue to treat for adults until the problem is under control.In severe infestations it may take months to see good results, since there are large numbers of immature fleas in the environs.

Defend-Apply behind your pet's shoulders. The insecticide does not absorb into the pet's system. This product is easy to apply but it is not significantly more effective than dips.

Flea Sprays-Available with growth regulators (Precor, Fenoxycarb). This is not very effective in severe problems, but works well for minor problems or as spot treatment between dips.

Flea Collars-Do not work well on dogs over 20 pounds or in severe cases of infestation.

Always be sure to read the label to be certain the product is approved for use in cats. Pyrethrins-based products are the safest for cats.

Bathe and Dip

Flea Spray-Some cats will sneeze and foam at the mouth with these products. This is usually due to the odor of the spray and is not dangerous.

Flea Foam-A mousse type product. Some cats will tolerate the application of this product better than dips or sprays.

Flea Powder-

Flea Collar-Not very effective in severe cases.