Tackling fleas with IGRs

Dr. Janis Reed, BCE, Technical Services Manager, Product Development Team, Control Solutions Inc.

Fleas are a frustrating pest! These little bloodsuckers love to sneak under your pants cuffs and around your socks, and feast on your blood right around your sock line. To add insult to injury, the small, itchy bump they leave behind can be a bother for days.

The magic of professional pest management when it comes to fleas is an insect growth regulator (IGR). In my experience, no flea job is complete until an IGR is applied to the areas where the fleas can develop. These products not only sterilize the fleas if they manage to escape the pupal case, but in some cases prevent the fleas from ever reaching the adult, biting phase. In addition:

• For outdoor management, use a trusted adulticide.
• Be sure your clients’ pets are being treated for fleas by a veterinarian.
• Encourage sanitation in the forms of vacuuming indoors and clearing debris outdoors.
• Keep in mind that follow-up visits may be necessary.