Does Permethrin Kill Fleas? [Application & Safety Issues]

Does permethrin kill fleas on contact instantly? Will this product work for dog and cat fleas? Here are the facts.

When you have a flea problem, the need for quick relief is always paramount. Such need is due to the discomfort caused by these parasitic pests. In finding solutions, quite a lot of products and treatments are available.

One of those we’ll be looking at is permethrin.  

Anyone that has been involved in insect control for a considerable amount of time is likely to have heard about permethrin. So what is this all about?

As you read on, you’ll find all the information you need about the effect of permethrin on fleas.

In a nutshell, we’ll be finding out if permethrin does indeed have an exterminating effect on fleas.

Let’s get into the details without further delay.

Using Permethrin For Fleas

When it comes to pest control, permethrin is an important insect repellent.

This is a synthetic version of pyrethrin found in pyrethrum plants. Pyrethrin is naturally occurring in such plants and provides protection from insect pests.

Permethrin is mostly odorless and non-staining and works to repel and kill a wide range of insect pests. It’s contained in a significant number of insecticide products used on a variety of pest problems.

This introduction on permethrin is necessary to set the stage for our discussion proper. As you read on, you’ll find further details on whether it kills fleas. When confirmed, we’ll consider how it works.

When debunked, we’ll equally state the reasons why it doesn’t.

Will I Get Relief from Fleas By Using Permethrin?

Our pets are dear to us and we’d do anything we can to keep them safe. Now, flea problems are mostly common with pets. These pests will patiently wait for a pet to get close enough for them to hop onto their bodies.

Fleas consider pet fur as the perfect cover to feed.

While they feed on your pet’s blood, they cause a great deal of discomfort. Humans aren’t left out either. When the opportunity presents itself, fleas will readily feed on your blood too.

Thankfully, permethrin is one useful insecticide product that eliminates these pests.

• How Permethrin Works

Having confirmed its exterminating effect on fleas, it’s important to discuss how permethrin works. While being largely non-toxic to humans, permethrin will readily kill fleas within a short period of contact.

The nervous system of these pests is the channel through which permethrin does the job.

When fleas come in contact with permethrin, what happens is a situation where the chemical causes dysfunction or overexcites the nervous system. This sets off conflicting bodily signals that eventually kill these fleas.

The same scenario plays out with other insect pests.

Other Pests Killed By Permethrin

Not only will permethrin kill fleas, it also exterminates other pests such as mosquitoes, spiders, chiggers, mites, flies, ticks, gnats, biting flies, black flies and several others.

When combined or mixed with certain insecticide products like picaridin and DEET, permethrin achieves the most impact.

Can Permethrin Be Used For Cat Fleas?

Like dogs, cats also experience flea problems. As such, most people will want to apply similar treatment on their cats. It’s important to avoid using permethrin on cats.

The only exception should be when the product label recommends such.

To further protect your pets from harm, consider speaking with a veterinarian on what whether to apply this insecticide product on your cat.

This approach will help eliminate any confusion on permethrin use on cats.

Permethrin Flea Control For Dogs

Permethrin is quite popular for flea extermination on dogs. Even then, you should be careful to use this product as specified or directed by the manufacturer.

There’s a certain way of applying this insecticide product on your pets that won’t harm them.

• Killing Fleas on Dogs Using Permethrin

When applying permethrin on dogs, it’s important to have their body covered with this insecticide.

Application should begin from the tail region and moving the dispenser towards the body. Asides its main body, the dog’s undersides and legs should be sprayed with permethrin.

It’s important when applying to ensure you fluff the hair.

Of course you’ll need to put on a glove during application. Fluffing the hair ensures fleas have no chance of escaping, plus, the product easily reaches the skin.

Permethrin should be applied just enough to cover the pets body.

It’s important that you don’t allow it touch the dog’s genital area. Also, avoid spraying permethrin on face or eyes.

Puppies (especially those under 12 weeks) have a weaker immune system as such shouldn’t be treated with this product.

There are certain conditions that will require seeking medical advice. Consult a veterinarian when applying permethrin on aged or pregnant dogs as well as others having certain medical conditions.

There may be cases of irritation on dogs following permethrin application. If so, you’ll need to use a mild soap to bathe such dogs immediately and watch closely.

When such irritations continue, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Other Treatment Actions to Take

Applying permethrin alone on the body of pets isn’t enough to resolve the problem as long as you don’t treat your indoor and outdoor areas.

Starting with the indoors, consider frequent vacuuming as a measure to eliminate flea eggs, larvae and adults. Wash pet bedding in hot soapy water as well.

Can Permethrin Be Applied To Combat Yard Fleas?

When there’s a flea infestation, chances are that your yard or surroundings are littered with these pests. They lay in wait along entryways for the next possible host. They’ll easily hop onto your legs when you pass by.

As such, a comprehensive treatment should include or cover your surroundings.

Permethrin can be sprayed around your yard. This ensures your treated pets don’t get re-infested when they step out. Permethrin can be found in both spray and granule forms.

Both of these can be used for yard treatment of fleas.

For spray products, all you have to do is follow the use instructions. Most products recommend applying permethrin as a broadcast spray. It’s important that you use appropriate sprayers.

One of the most common you can use is a hose-end sprayer.

For granule application of permethrin in yard, simply use as directed on the product label. Most granule permethrin will require watering the yard or lawn after application.

With these details above, you should have less difficulty treating a flea problem. With proper application, permethrin can give you the results you seek.