Philosophy of Flea Control Effective control requires eradication of fleas from the pet, home, yard, and control of the flea life cycle. New and safe products are available that can be used as part of a reduced chemical control program. There are also ways of making the environment less suitable for flea development. Fleas should be dropped in soapy water and then discarded. This method is very time consuming.
Most pet owners prefer to shampoo their pets.
Shampooing your pet removes dried blood and skin flakes that fall to the ground and serve as food for flea larvae. The animal's body must be thoroughly lathered, and it is recommended that the lather remain for up to 15 minutes before the pet is rinsed. Pyrethroids are synthetically derived from pyrethrins and have better residual action. Both of these are usually enhanced with piperonyl butoxide, a compound which will inhibit the fleas from metabolically changing the insecticide into nontoxic, excretable compounds. Carbaryl insecticides are also available for use in shampoos.