What Kills Fleas And Their Eggs?

Serving Pompano Beach, Boynton Beach, and surrounding areas

What kills fleas and eggs is an effective combination of regular cleaning and insecticides. And of course, the best way to get rid of flea infestations is to bring in pest control exterminators.

While some household products, such as boric acid and diatomaceous earth, can be used to deter fleas, often Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs) provide the most effective chemicals to eliminate fleas.

What are IGRs?

Often used in combination with residual sprays that will knock down the adult population for rapid flea reduction, IGRs disrupt the life cycles of fleas, preventing the larval stage of fleas from growing into adults. IGRs reduce flea populations by not allowing fleas to reach adult stages where they reproduce and multiply. 

The most common chemicals used in IGRs are methoprene, hydroprene, and pyriproxyfen, which are often applied in the form of indoor, space, and surface treatments. 

For heavy indoor infestations, apply IGRs and residual sprays to kill adult fleas for quick control and to knock down flea populations. These chemicals should be used as carefully as possible indoors as spot treatments or surface sprays in flea-infested areas, such as cracks and crevices.

And for infested outdoor areas, a broadcast treatment of insecticides should be applied to the landscaping. Pets should be kept out of infested areas, as they may transport adult fleas to the infected areas. IGRs may need to be reapplied at two- to four-week intervals until all fleas are eliminated. Do not apply these products on pets.

For the safety of your pets and family, consult with your veterinarian as well as with a professional pest control expert.

How Long After Treatment Do Fleas Die?

After a professional flea treatment is applied, you may still see live fleas for up to four weeks as eggs and pupae progress through their life cycle and hatch. Residual insecticides and insect growth regulators (IGRs) continue to work during this period, targeting newly emerged fleas. Here’s some important steps to understand:

• Treatment should kill adult fleas quickly, but eggs and pupae can avoid initial exposure. As they become adults, residual control materials continue to be effective and eliminate the remaining fleas.
• Daily vacuuming helps remove flea feces, dead insects, and stimulates dormant eggs to hatch, which will make them vulnerable to treatment sooner.
• Pets suffering from fleas should not re-enter treated areas for at least four hours (or as directed by your technician) to avoid reinfestation.
• Preventative measures, such as sealing entry points and controlling rodents, help keep fleas from returning.

With consistent follow-up and residual protection in place, a properly treated home can become free of fleas within a four-week window.

How to Get Rid of Fleas Yourself

Clean Your Space Regularly

Regular cleaning helps eliminate fleas as they hatch, breaking their life cycle and preventing future infestations.

Vacuum and Steam Clean Vulnerable Areas

Vacuuming and steam cleaning are powerful tools in the fight against fleas. Focus on areas where fleas are likely to hide, such as carpets, furniture (including underneath), pet bedding, and cracks and crevices in baseboards and flooring.

Wash and Dry in Hot Temperatures

Laundering your pet’s fabrics, such as blankets, toys, and bedding, is another effective way to eliminate fleas.

Use the hottest water setting (at least 120°F) and dry on medium/high heat. For items that can’t be washed, place them in the dryer on high heat for 10 to 20 minutes to kill any hidden fleas.

Do Cedar Chips and Wax Myrtle Leaves Work?

Although using cedar chips and wax myrtle leaves are unlikely to cause harm, their effectiveness in controlling flea populations is questionable. Some claim that strong-scented evergreens like cedar chips and wax myrtle leaves can repel fleas, but there is not enough scientific evidence to support this.

Get Flea Treatment Here

For flea control and other pest control needs across Pompano Beach, contact your local expert, Petri Pest Control Services, Inc.. With over 70 years of experience, you can count on us when you need immediate attention for flea and pest control.

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