IPM Practices > Fleas (Ctenocephalides felis)

The use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to solve flea problems can result in long-term success and the reduction of risks associated with pesticides. However, the key to the success of IPM is using a combination of appropriate techniques. Evaluating the results is essential to determine whether the problem has been solved or the planned solution needs adjustment.

INSPECTION

The cat flea is the most common flea found feeding on hosts such as domestic pets, humans, rodents, raccoons, and other wild animals. Determining the source of infestation and understanding the flea life cycle are essential in solving a flea problem.

The Pest Management Practitioner:
1. interviews the building occupants concerning household practices and recent animal visitors.
2. performs a thorough interior inspection to determine the presence of fleas, concentrating on where domestic animals sleep or frequent including common avenues of travel. This can be accomplished by using a vacuum device, a white-sock test or a light trap, as well as inspecting domestic animals thoroughly;
5. performs a thorough exterior inspection, especially where domestic animals frequent or wild animals nest, such as under porches, crawl spaces, perimeter fence areas, kennel areas, and overgrown vegetation (shrubbery);
4. identifies flea to species;

CULTURAL PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS

Fleas are ectoparasites and are generally associated with hosts such as domestic animals. However, flea problems also exist as the result of urban wildlife activity in and around property. The cultural practices listed below help to correct conditions that promote flea problems and are of value in the long-term management of fleas. The pest management contractor may provide these services to correct conditions for a fee, or report to the customer the conditions that need to be corrected to eliminate and prevent future flea problems.

The Pest Management Practitioner evaluates, recommends or corrects as appropriate:
1. reducing accessibility of domestic animals and wild animals in and around building as well as general property. Restricting animals access will keep flea problems confined to specific areas;
2. using a flea comb on domestic animals;
3. laundering in hot soapy water and/or removing of all domestic animal bedding, throw rugs etc. hat domestic animals use;
4. daily thorough vacuuming of premise concentrating on crack and crevices, junction of floor and walls, under furniture, under beds, window sills, closets, and areas where domestic animals sleep, roam, jump, etc. (Note: vacuum bag should be sealed and destroyed);
5. steam cleaning carpets;
6. reducing clutter and removing dust in areas that domestic animals have access;
7. cleaning and sealing cracks and crevices in wood flooring;
8. installing or repairing screens foundation vents, crawl spaces, windows, and under porches;
9. cleaning, reducing, or removing outdoor vegetation or organic mulch. Cavities in stone walls may be filled to discourage nesting by wild animals.

TREATMENT
Treatment includes both non-chemical and chemical options. If non-chemical methods prove insufficient to solve the flea problem, integrating a pesticide into the management program may be warranted. Use of pesticides on a routine or periodic basis is not recommended. No pesticide application should be made unless the presence of fleas is confirmed.

The Pest Management Practitioner:
1. recommends that domestic animals be treated at the same time premises are treated; consults with veterinarian regarding on-animal treatment products, such as shampoo and dips, flea collar, and oral veterinary prescriptions;
2 treats the indoor environment with low-risk insect growth regulators (IGR), if appropriate;
3. uses a light trap device after any low-risk indoor chemical treatment;
4. performs spot treatments using low-risk pesticides in shaded and moist areas known to harbor fleas, such as kennels;
5. avoids and discourages the use of “flea bombs” as a whole house treatments;
6. Advanced: avoids indoor treatments with conventional pesticide products;
7. Advanced: uses entomophilic (insect loving) nematodes in outdoor areas known to harbor fleas.

EDUCATION
It is important that pest management practitioners increase their knowledge of strategies to solve flea problems successfully.

The Pest Management Practitioner:
10. possesses a copy of an accepted guide to flea biology and identification, such as Handbook of Pest Control by A. Mallis;
2 participates in an educational IPM programs, addressing the following topics within a three-year period:
a. pesticide safety/risk communication
b. flea IPM
c. insecticide resistance and secondary toxicity
d. wildlife exclusion and trapping
e. non-chemical strategies for fleas management.
3. provides customer with IPM information;
4. subscribes to one or more professional association, organization, and/or trade publications reporting on structural pest management with consistent coverage of IPM related topics;
5. is an active member of a relevant trade or professional association.
6. Advanced: has completed a recognized or approved correspondence course including flea management within a three-year period.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Carpenter Ants
Small Ants
Cockroaches
Fabric Pests
Fleas
Flies
Occasional Household Pests
Rodents
Stinging Insects
Stored Products Pests
Termites
Glossary
Additional Resources