Pest Strategies

If you’ve noticed your cat or dog frequently itching themselves, your worst fear may be true — there’s a flea infestation in your home. Fortunately, the right flea spray can take care of the problem fast and effectively. Pest Strategies researched several products on Amazon to help you choose the best flea spray for your home. Read more about our top picks below.

 

Buying Guide

No cat or dog owner wants to see their pet in discomfort, scratching and irritating their skin. More so, fleas can quickly move from your pet’s hair to invade your home. To buy the best flea spray for your infestation, consider these purchasing factors:

• Ingredients: As with most pest control products for home use, there are natural, non-toxic options as well as potent, chemical-laden options. Any flea spray that’s intended to be applied directly to your pet’s coat should be non-toxic and safe. Furniture and carpet treatment sprays can contain stronger chemicals, such as Nylar. 

• Drying time: Flea sprays won’t immediately dry after you’ve sprayed the affected area. Certain products dry in five minutes, while others take up to two hours. If you’re spraying an affected area as opposed to your pet’s fur, wait until the surface has dried before allowing your family or pets to use the space again. 

• Application frequency and lasting effect: Some flea sprays last longer than others. If a spray doesn’t last longer than a week, you’ll need to reapply frequently until the infestation is gone. For minor infestations, a small bottle between eight and 24 ounces should suffice. However, these sprays tend to have a relatively long shelf life, so it can’t hurt to buy a multipack or gallon-sized container in case the fleas return. 

• Coverage area: Smaller bottles of flea spray can only treat a few rooms or pieces of furniture, while larger jugs of insecticide can probably cover all of the affected areas in a single, thorough application. Look for the estimated coverage area on your spray’s label, which is often expressed in square footage. 

 

How To Safely and Effectively Apply Flea Spray

From affected furniture to pet fur, flea sprays are labeled for different uses. Below are general guidelines on how to use a flea spray, but read the label of your particular one before you get started. 

 

Spraying Your Cat or Dog With Flea Spray

If the flea spray you’ve chosen is safe to apply directly to your pet, get them ready by bathing them first. Don’t forget to wear gloves and other protective gear to minimize the potential spread of fleas. 

After your pet is bathed, lightly spritz them starting at the head and going to the tail. Consider ruffling their fur to spread the spray. Avoid spraying the solution directly into your pet’s face; instead, spray a cloth, and rub their face with it, taking care to avoid their eyes, mouth, and nose. 

 

Spraying the Area Where Your Pet Lounges

It’s more common to find a flea spray that’s applied to your pet’s bedding or other areas where they lounge, sleep, or play. First check the label of your flea spray to verify that any of its chemicals or active ingredients won’t stain or otherwise damage the surface you’re treating. Then, apply the spray until the area is visibly wet. Give the treated area one or two hours to fully dry before letting anyone come back into the space. 

 

 

FAQs

• Where do fleas come from? 

Fleas are typically brought into your home on your pet’s fur, but they often come from another animal, much like how lice migrate from one person to another through hair. Fleas can also be found in shady areas or near long grass or bushes.

• How do flea sprays work? 

Similar to other pest control sprays, flea sprays act as direct contact killers. Most use a form of pyrethroids, which are natural insecticide extracts from chrysanthemum flowers. Stronger flea sprays may also contain an insect growth hormone regulator that halts the fleas’ rate of reproduction. Other flea sprays use natural essential oils, which aren’t as strong as conventional insecticides, but are generally non-toxic and safe. 

• Will flea sprays with toxic chemicals pose a health threat to my pets and kids? 

Most manufacturers state that as long as the product is carefully applied as directed, then it’s safe to use around pets and children. However, if you apply too much pesticide, they can pose a health risk. Cats are generally more susceptible to negative reactions from pesticides than dogs, just like infants are more at risk than school-aged children. 

• Can I make my own flea spray? 

As with other pest control efforts, you also have the option of trying your luck with making something at home. The most popular homemade flea treatment uses a solution that contains half water and half vinegar. Fleas hate vinegar and are less likely to jump onto a surface or host that’s covered with it. Note that a homemade vinegar solution spray will only deter — not kill — fleas. We recommend using a homemade spray like this in conjunction with stronger store-bought products. 

• Should I vacuum my carpet and furniture after applying flea spray? 

Yes. Vacuum immediately before and 24 hours after the flea spray is applied; do this at least twice a week for the next two weeks or until the fleas appear to be gone. 

 

 

Pest Strategies provides reviews of select products that are top-selling on Amazon and/or popular in consumer searches. Our team evaluates the products based on industry research, consumer reviews, pricing data, and other objective criteria. Unless otherwise noted, these product reviews are intended to help inform buying decisions for non-professionals. Because pest control products can be dangerous to your family if mishandled, we always recommend consulting with an exterminator, even if just to ask for advice on how to apply pest control products yourself.