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- Insect growth regulators (IGRs) stop fleas from reproducing, which makes them among the most permanent way to get rid of fleas. While IGRs don't kill adult fleas, they do keep flea eggs from hatching and flea larvae from developing into adults. The most effective IGRs, pyriproxyfen and methoprene, are available in spray and powder form. Follow label directions, and treat pets at the same time to prevent reinfestation.
- Borates like disodium octaborate tetrahydrate are a relatively nontoxic way to kill immature fleas on a basement floor. While not effective against adults, they are a good way to break the life cycle of fleas. Apply borate to hard floors as a powder, or to carpets as a shampoo. Because the powder is dusty, it's important to keep borate applications well away from food preparation areas to prevent contamination.
- Made of the tiny fossils of ancient, single-celled plants called diatoms, diatomaceous earth is an effective nontoxic pesticide for soft-bodied pests, including flea larvae. The fossilized shells, which have sharp edges, scrape and cut the protective outer covering of the larvae on contact, causing them to die of dehydration a short time later. Avoid inhaling diatomaceous earth, which causes lung irritation. It is most useful in dry areas, since damp conditions reduce its effectiveness.
- Since most other treatments target eggs and larvae, eliminate adult fleas with a combination of regular vacuuming and flea traps. These devices, which trap fleas on a sticky substrate, work best when placed strategically in areas where adult fleas congregate, such as near pet bedding and other places where pets like to spend time. Some types of traps attract more fleas with a blinking green light that attracts the insects.
Insect Growth Regulators
Borates
Diatomaceous Earth
Flea Traps
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