Kae Larsen asked 8 years ago
Should I wait for the new flea collar before I treat the carpet/house.
What’s the best way to kill fleas on tile floors?
Adam Retzer Staff answered 8 years ago
Hello, sorry to hear about your flea problem.
Indoor premise sprays can be an effective way to kill fleas in carpets. Don’t wait for the collar to get started, as these two products affect different life stages.
The most important component of premise sprays is the insect growth regulator (IGR). IGRs prevent immature stages from maturing into adults. They mimic natural hormones and are considered safer than traditional insecticides. The two big IGRs are (s)-methoprene and pyriproxyfen. Their common names are Precor and Nylar, respectively.
Flea premise sprays will also contain an adulticide, which kills adult fleas emerging from the carpets. However, most adults will be living on the dogs/cats.
An IGR can be used without adulticides by buying IGR concentrate. (Martin’s IGR 4oz is a sufficient enough quantity for indoor use.)
Most larvae live in carpets. Immature fleas have a difficult time surviving on tile. However, they may develop in cracks or crevices, or near baseboards. These areas of tile can be sprayed or treated along with the carpet.
Along with treating the carpets and tile, it’s important to vacuum regularly. Vacuuming is an important part of any flea control regimen and will speed up the eradication process.
