What is the best way to get rid of fleas in a house and on pets?

The Key to Successful Flea Control FLEA CONTROLSuccessful flea control involves a two-pronged program which controls both the fleas on your pets, and those within the environment. There are several programs which are recommendable depending upon your environmental situation. These will be presented in outline form.It is important to remember that flea control must be practiced on all animals in the household.

Here are some insecticide programs which can be used on various animals:Dips . In many cases, dips are the most effective way to kill fleas. Dips are usually applied to dogs every 5-7 days.

A dip should be applied after a shampoo and rinse by pouring and sponging the solution over the dog so that every part of the dog is covered. The dip should be allowed to dry on the dog, and should not be towelled or rinsed off. You should always wear rubber gloves while applying a dip.

Most dips are sold as concentrates and are to be diluted with water just before application because the dips lose their activity rapidly after dilution. Many dips are somewhat drying to dogs' coats and skin. This can be partially corrected in some cases by adding 1 capful of emollient bath oil to the dip solution.

Consult your veterinarian about this. Most dips are not to be used on puppies or cats unless otherwise instructed by your veterinarian. Check the label carefully.

Many dips are organophosphates, and may be toxic to the pet. Atropine is an antidote for toxicity (see Precautions). Powders .

Powders are not as effective as dips. In most cases, powders must be applied very thoroughly and worked well into the coat of the animal. Generally, powders can be divided into 3 classes, depending upon the active ingredients which are listed on the label.

1. Powders containing carbamate insecticides. Sevin (carbaryl) can be purchased economically from a garden supply store in 5-10% concentrations.

Ten-percent powder is safe to use 2-3 times a week on large dogs; five-percent powder can be used on small dogs. 2. Powders with organophosphate insecticides.

Powders with organophosphate insecticides include Dermaton powder and Malathion 5% dust. The latter can be purchased at lawn and garden centers. Dermaton powder cannot be used on cats or young puppies.

3. Powders containing pyrethrins. Pyrethrin is the most common insecticide in sprays, shampoos, and powders for use on animals.

Pyrethrins are not harmful to pets or children except in very high doses. They are also not as effective as insecticides of other varieties.In dogs, they are mainly used as a control method between dippings. These powders are more often used in young animals.

Most over-the-counter powders contain only pyrethrins. Sprays and Foams . In their uses and ingredients, sprays are similar to powders.

Some sprays contain carbonates or organophosphates and many contain pyrethrins. These may act quickly to kill fleas on contact, but some products have little long-term effect. Sprays are often used as a supplement between weekly dips.

A new technology called microencapsulation of insecticides is now produced by the 3M Company. Microencapsulated pyrethrins are extremely safe for animals and young children. They are available as sprays or mousse-like foams.

Flea Collars . Flea collars, as they are presently formulated, are ineffective in many environments in Florida. Shampoos .

The main purpose of a shampoo is to clean the animal. The products in flea shampoos will kill a high proportion of fleas; however, most shampoos have no residual activity and are not recommended alone for flea control-this is why most shampoos are followed with a residual dip. A few shampoos may contain a residual insecticide such as lindane or carbamate for the residual effect.

One should not use dips after applying these shampoos as the over-application of cholinesterase depressing materials can be toxic to the animal. Other . Using a flea comb daily to remove fleas is not an effective method of flea control since fleas spend only a small amount of time on the pet.

In addition, there are no "natural" dietary supplements such as brewers yeast, thiamin, sulfur, garlic, etc.Which are scientifically proven to benefit flea control. Systemic Insecticides . These are the insecticides that are given by mouth, or put on the skin and absorbed into the animal's body.

The flea usually has to bite the dog in order to be exposed and killed. In the past, there have been a number of these products on the market, but many are now off the market because of problems with toxicity. At present, Proban and Prospot are the only ones approved for use in dogs, and they are available only through veterinarians.

There are several important factors to consider about the use of systemic insecticides. Systemic insecticides include: 1. Proban Liquid.

Dosage instructions: 1cc/10# every 3 days or twice a week 2. Proban tablets 30 mg. Dosage instructions: 1 tab/20# every 3 days or twice a week.3.

Prospot 3 (fenthion): Used by weight. * 10 solution: 5.6%, 5-10# * 20 solution: 5.6%, 11-20# * 40 solution: 13.8%, 21-40# * 80 solution: 13.8%, 41-80# * Greater that 80# use 2 Prospot 80 4. Topical Systemic Insecticide: Spotton (fenthion 20%).

This is an insecticide used on cattle and at cattle strength IS NOT APPROVED FOR USE IN DOGS. It can be extremely toxic to dogs. ** For more information, please refer to these additional sites:http://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheets/HGIC2502.htmhttp://www.eartheasy.com/article_natural_flea_control.htmhttp://www.vetinfo.com/dencyclopedia/defleacontrol.html Sources: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/BODY_VM048 .

Fleas Dawn dish soap works great. If its a dog you are asking about. I don't know about cats or getting them out of the house,except with flea bombs.

You can actually see them dying or trying to jump ship when lathering the dog.

" "My 2 cats have fleas! I have never had pets with fleas before, and I'm freaking out! What can I do other than ..." "Do you let your house pets sleep with you?

" "Help! We have no pets and yet I have found two fleas on my 1 year old son and two on myself. How do I get rid of" "Where can I buy pets online?

My 2 cats have fleas! I have never had pets with fleas before, and I'm freaking out! What can I do other than ...

Help! We have no pets and yet I have found two fleas on my 1 year old son and two on myself. How do I get rid of.

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