Sheryl from Central Florida writes
I don't have any pets, but there are squirrels, racoons, & stray cats that wander through our yard & drop fleas/eggs & they of course multiply & become a nuisance. For some unknown reason they jump on me when I sit outside. I've been trying to fight them off for years. I've used Permethrin, Bifenthrin,, IGRs & they seem to have become immune. What/how do you recommend alternating to prevent their immunity to knock these blood suckers out?
You want to make sure when you are using products for fleas that you are spraying every 2 weeks and not any more often than that so that you aren't creating any resistance issues. Make sure you are keeping your grass short as this makes it harder for the fleas to thrive in your yard. If you believe the fleas are coming from the animals, you may want to try an animal repellent or deterrent to try and drive them away from your yard. One of the best recommendations for flea control we have would be the combination of Onslaught and Nyguard IGR. Onslaught is micro-encapsulated and sits on the surfaces you spray better and holds up to the outdoor elements longer before breaking down. The NyGuard IGR is formulated for fleas and many other insects and can hold up to sunlight for roughly 5 months. If you have tried several products and they are not working, you may want to get a sample of the insect to take to your local Cooperative Extension to get it properly identified by the Entomologist on staff. Treating for the wrong insect can often make your problems worse, so getting an identification from a trained professional is always recommended.
Answer last updated on: 05/13/2013
