Use flea biology to eliminate infestations

Dr. Bob Davis, BCE,
Technical Services Representative, BASF Professional & Specialty Solutions

BASF

Fleas are nuisance pests that pose health risks. They can build up large populations. This can pose problems, and your knowledge of flea biology can help eliminate infestations. Here are some tips:

▶ Find the source. Immature fleas are common where pets or other animals rest. Finding these spots will help with cleaning and flea treatments.

▶ Don’t forget the pupae. Pupal fleas will metamorphose and emerge as adults. However, they can remain protected in the puparium for months. Vacuuming is critical, as fleas use vibrations to detect potential hosts. Vacuuming vibrations can trigger adult fleas to emerge from puparia, aids in flea removal, and exposes emerged adults to your treatments. Ensure, however, that the vacuum bag is disposed of and not left onsite.

▶ Advise customers to consider on-animal treatments to pets. Their veterinarian can be a resource.

▶ Choose treatment materials wisely. Use properly labeled products that provide quick knockdown, good residual and IGR ingredients. The IGR will be important in long-term control of the immature stages.