ergalvin asked 6 years ago
Hello, i have to say that your both your page and knowledge are top notch amazing. I have been trying to get answers about how to effectively treat fleas for a while and i think you deserve to be recognized as a national hero.
On to the question, is it safe to spray Permethrin in rooms that my cat uses? The few things i have read seem to point to it being highly toxic and able to be absorbed through the skin. I would like to spray it on his bedding and couches and carpets in the rooms he uses daily but i dont want to poison the kitty. Thanks again for all you do hear, i want to tell everyone i know about this amazing page.
Adam Retzer Staff answered 6 years ago
ergalvin,
Thank you for the compliments on the site, and sorry for the delayed response.
Permethrin is indeed highly toxic to cats. However, many environmental sprays for fleas contain permethrin and are said to be safe to use in homes. Still, personally, I wouldn’t use these types of sprays with a cat in my home, especially on the cat’s items.
The most effective environment insecticide for fleas is an insect growth regulator (IGR). The IGR mimics natural insect hormones that regulate development and reproduction. Exposed eggs and larvae aren’t able to reach adulthood. And the IGR lasts for 7 months indoors (much longer than any adulticide). Most flea sprays contain an IGR, either pyriproxyfen (Nylar) or methoprene (Precor). An adulticide like permethrin is also usually included in premise sprays. However, you can find IGR concentrate without the addition of any adulticide. This is what I would personally choose to use. Martin’s IGR comes in a good size for indoor use.
I hope this helps!
Warm regards,
Adam
