Mow the lawn before applying chemicals to kill fleas.
Fleas are highly successful pests because they are so hard to eradicate. But fleas transmit diseases and parasites to people and pets. In order to successfully manage fleas, the home and the yard need to be treated. A few chemical treatments have proven successful in controlling flea populations in the yard. Does this Spark an idea?
Permethrin
Permethrin is a type of pyrethroid insecticide made from pyrethroid plant flowers Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium, better known as chrysanthemums. In the United States, permethrin is regulated. Permethrin kills fleas by paralyzing them. Permethrin lawn care products include sprays and granules. Although permethrin contains a lower toxicity rate than most other pesticides, it can still kill all fish or other aquatic life.
Chlorpyrifos
Chlorpyrifos is a broad spectrum insecticide. Its chemical name is 0,0-diethyl 0-(3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinyl-phosphorothioate. Chlorpyrifos kills fleas by overstimulating their neuronal cell walls. This causes continual contractions and death. Chlorpyrifos also kills ticks and, in the United States, is regulated.
IGR
IGR stands for insect growth regulators. They may be added to other pesticides like permethrin or can be used alone. Specific IGRs known to work on fleas include methoprene and pyriproxyfen. IGRs target flea larvae. They prevent the larvae from maturing to where they can reproduce. However, IGRs are useless for adult fleas.
Preparations for Use
In order for the chemicals to work best at controlling fleas in the yard, the yard needs to be prepared. Mow the lawn first so sunlight can kill fleas and eggs. Remove any debris like leaf piles or brush where fleas can hide and wait for passing warm-blooded mammals to hop on. Check the label of any flea yard treatment liquid to see if it needs to be diluted with water before applying.
Tags: before applying, kills fleas, other pesticides, United States