Flea Control

Fleas are a group of wingless, ectoparasitic insects from the order Siphonaptera which are specialised for sucking blood from vertebrate hosts. They are a common (though sporadic) pest in households which have domestic pets. The main species which attack humans are the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis), the dog flea (Ctenocephalides canis) and the human flea (Pulex irritans). Bites can be very irritating and fleas can also act as intermediate hosts of certain animal parasites.

Flea infestations should be controlled using a combination of sanitary and chemical measures. Infestations are usually (though not always) centred around pet bedding or sleeping areas. Pets should be treated with a suitably registered ectoparasiticide, pet bedding should be washed and treated with a suitable insecticidal preparation and carpets and other areas (indoors or outdoors) sprayed with a registered insect growth regulator and adulticide.

Bayer Products recommended for flea control are listed below:

• Starycide Insect Growth Regulator
• Cislin Residual Insecticide
• Tempo Residual Insecticide
• Baytex 550 Insecticide Spray (Outdoors only)