Fleas can survive after being treated with Frontline because this type of treatment does not kill adult fleas; rather it kills the eggs and larvae a flea needs to reproduce. Frontline also prevents new fleas from infesting an area by blocking the sensory neurons they use to locate hosts and suppressing their ability to reproduce. Since Frontline doesn’t kill adult fleas, existing adults can still feed off their hosts despite the treatment. This means you will likely see some activity in the area during and after application but any new infestations should be halted as long as the treatment is consistently reapplied as directed.
What is Frontline?
Frontline Plus is a topical flea and tick medication designed to kill existing parasites, as well as prevent further infestations for up to 30 days. It contains both fipronil and s-methoprene, which work together to kill adult fleas, eggs, larvae, and ticks.
Fipronil works by interfering with the insect’s central nervous system and causing paralysis or death, while s-methoprene disrupts the life cycle of young fleas. Frontline Plus is fast-acting and long-lasting: killing adult fleas quickly within 24 hours of application, as well as preventing new infestations for up to 30 days. This can help explain why most fleas are still alive after frontline treatments.
Why Do Fleas Survive After Treatment?
Fleas are resilient creatures that have evolved over millions of years to survive harsh environments. They have built up a resistance to many common treatments and medications, including Frontline. The main reason fleas still linger after treatment with Frontline is because this product only kills adult fleas and doesn’t target the larvae or eggs they leave behind. As long as those eggs remain in your home or on your pet, they will hatch into adults and you’ll find yourself right back where you started—plagued by annoying fleas!
Frontline also only works seresto pet collars if applied correctly and directly on the infested animal’s skin. If there is an existing infestation in your home, it won’t do much good unless applied to all animals living in your house, including any potential sources of reinfestation (like stray cats). Additionally, fleas can develop a resistance to Frontline over time if used excessively so it is important to use it sparingly.
Overall, Frontline isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for flea control but rather should be used in conjunction with other measures and pest management practices such as vacuuming regularly and washing bedding often. With the proper steps taken, homeowners can successfully rid their homes of these pesky parasites!
How Can I Stop the Problem?
If you’re dealing with a flea infestation on your pets, the best way to stop it is to take preventative measures. Start by regularly using Frontline as recommended. This will help keep the adult fleas away, but remember that fleas are constantly breeding and Frontline may not always eliminate all of them.
To really get rid of a flea problem, you need to treat the environment as well as your pet. Vacuum frequently and make sure to discard or deep-clean anything that may have been infested. You can also add an insect growth regulator (IGR) which helps break the life cycle of the flea by preventing immature stages from developing into adults.
In some cases, you may even want to enlist professional help for more severe infestations. Professional pest control companies are experienced in identifying sources of flea populations and developing treatment plans customized for your home or business situation.
Other Options to Deal With Fleas
When it comes to dealing with fleas, there are a few different options available to us. One of them is over-the-counter treatments such as frontline, which contain insecticides that kill parasites on contact. However, these products don’t necessarily prevent future infestations.
Another option for dealing with fleas is vacuum cleaning. Vacuuming removes the eggs and larvae from your carpets and furniture, which interrupt the flea life cycle and helps to keep existing infestations at bay.
In addition to frontline and vacuuming, you can also consider natural methods of controlling fleas in your home. This could include keeping yard areas well cut, avoiding mulch near foundation walls, using beneficial nematodes to combat adult fleas outside, spraying essential oils like eucalyptus or lemongrass around the perimeter of your home and in the yard, or giving your pet regular doses of brewer’s yeast or garlic supplements and changing their diet if needed (for example, higher protein diets have been known to ward off certain parasites). Each of these methods can be used alone or in combination to naturally control dog or cat fleas in your home.
Summing up
Pet owners must understand why fleas survive after traditional treatments and take action against the problem with comprehensive solutions. Seeking professional help and regularly grooming your pet can help keep fleas away.