By the time someone notices their dog scratching away, the fleas usually aren’t new arrivals. Scratching, itching, and biting are important signs that it is time to take a closer look at the problem, but it’s rarely when it began. With many areas around the United States experiencing an uptick in flea activity and growing awareness of flea-borne disease in recent years, it is important for PMPs to be prepared with accurate information. Below are some common questions customers may ask about fleas and their infestations, along with answers PMPs should be ready to provide:
I don’t see fleas on my pet. Does that mean there aren’t any?Not necessarily. Fleas are not always easy to spot, especially during the early stages of an infestation. Even when adult fleas are found, they typically account for only about 5% of the total flea population. The remaining 95% exists as eggs, larvae and pupae hidden throughout the environment. This is one reason successful flea control often requires treating both the host and the areas where immature fleas are developing.
My pet is indoor-only and doesn’t go outside. Can it still get fleas?Yes, even indoor-only pets can still get fleas. Fleas can be brought into the home by other pets, rodents, or wildlife that enter the structure. Bringing home second-hand furniture or rugs that came from a flea-infested home or moving into a new home that had a previous infestation are other ways that indoor pets can wind up with fleas.
Why am I still seeing fleas after treatment?In many cases, the newly observed fleas are emerging adults that were protected inside their pupal cocoons at the time of treatment. The cocoon provides protection to the developing fleas within, reducing exposure to insecticides. As a result, adult fleas often continue to emerge for several weeks after an application. Vacuuming is an effective way to remove cocoons and help solve the pupae problem.
Won’t the fleas die off in the winter?Not necessarily. It is possible for indoor flea infestations to thrive year-round where conditions are favorable. Outdoor flea activity may decline during colder months, but in areas with mild winters, populations can persist through much of the year.
I treated my pet. Why am I still getting bitten?Flea bites can continue for a period of time even after the pet has been treated because immature fleas are still developing in the environment. Eggs, larvae, and pupae already present in carpets, furniture, pet bedding, and other harborage areas can continue maturing and emerging as adults. Effective flea management requires addressing both the pet and the environment.
It is recommended for pet owners to talk to their veterinarians about flea prevention for their animals. Environmental treatments alone will not provide complete control if infested hosts are still around. As long as adult fleas continue to feed and reproduce on pets, new eggs will be deposited into the environment, and the infestation cycle will continue. PMPs should consider potential wildlife activity, rodent populations, and other animal harborage areas that may be contributing to the infestation. Once the source has been identified and addressed, treatments targeting immature flea stages in the environment can help break the life cycle and provide long-term control.
DuraFlex ZC is an excellent choice for perimeter, lawn and landscape applications targeting fleas. Formulated with bifenthrin and two insect growth regulators (IGRs), it is highly effective against fleas and provides residual control. For indoor applications, Pivot Ultra Plus can be sprayed on carpets, upholstered furniture, and pet beds to provide continuous flea control for up to three months. Together, these solutions help PMPs address flea infestations at multiple points in the flea life cycle and deliver the results customers expect.