Fleas

FLEA IDENTIFICATION

Fleas are tiny, troublesome, biting pests that live and feed on animals and humans. Known as ectoparasites, fleas live on the outside of their host. Common fleas have reddish-brown bodies that look flattened from the sides when viewed head-on. When mature, these pests are about 1/8 inch long and have very large hind legs.

Though they're often referred to as either "cat fleas" or "dog fleas," these pests aren't picky about their hosts. As long as a blood meal is available, they'll jump up to 12 inches to hitch a ride and find a home. After they feed, their semi-translucent bellies reveal the blood inside.

SIGNS OF FLEAS

Scratching pets and humans are the first signs of a flea outbreak. Bites often occur on ankles, leaving small, round, bright red marks behind. If you hold an infested animal, bites may occur on your arms or chest. To check your scratching pets for an infestation, groom their fur and then clean the grooming tool over a light-colored cloth. You'll see fleas and their excrement clearly.

Fleas can transmit pathogens that cause disease in humans, pets and wildlife. Sometimes they transmit these directly through their bites. Other times, pathogens get transmitted indirectly through animals, such as rodents, that fleas may bite. If you happen to see wildlife, like rabbits, scratching furiously, you may have a flea problem in your yard.

HOW TO CONTROL FLEAS

Effective flea control involves killing fleas before they infest animals and make their way into your home. These Amdro brand products offer options so you can protect your home's perimeter, along with lawn and landscape areas where pets and children may play — and even treat fleas inside your home:

• Amdro Quick Kill® Home Perimeter Insect Killer Granules creates a band of protection around your home to kill fleas outdoors. This premium product includes sand to permeate mulch and thatch quickly and effectively. The easy-to-use granules kill fleas by contact and keep on killing for up to three months.
• Amdro Quick Kill Insect Killer for Lawn & Landscape Concentrate, with a convenient measuring cap, can be applied with a standard pump sprayer. Dilute the product with water according to label instructions, then spray your lawn and landscape. The liquid starts working by contact to kill outdoor fleas.

• Amdro Quick Kill Lawn Insect Killer Granules provide an effective answer to full-yard flea control. Apply the granules with a standard broadcast spreader, then lightly water the treated area to release the active ingredient. The granules kill fleas within 24 hours and keep a bug barrier of protection working for up to three months to protect your home.
• Amdro Quick Kill Indoor/Outdoor Insect Killer Ready-To-Use makes it simple to kill fleas on contact both inside your home and outside. Just shake the convenient container well — either quart or gallon size. Then adjust the trigger sprayer for stream or spray, and you’re ready to go. This product keeps protecting against fleas and other listed pests for up to 12 months.

FLEA CONTROL TIPS

Never apply a lawn and garden flea control product to a human or a pet. Consult your doctor or veterinarian regarding medically approved treatment and flea prevention options for animals.

Always read product labels and follow the instructions carefully.
Amdro and Amdro Quick Kill are registered trademarks of Central Garden & Pet Company.