How effective is a dog flea collar?

The effectiveness of dog flea collars varies by the type of insecticides used. There are ingredients designed to manage fleas during different stages of their life cycle. This is important to understand so that you purchase products which fit your current needs.

Repel fleas

Repellent flea collars are typically made with natural ingredients such as essential oils to ward off fleas. They are not recommended for current infestations as they are not effective in killing fleas.

Kill adult fleas

Collars with strong insecticides such as Permethrin and Tetrachlorvinphos are designed to kill adult fleas. These products tend to provide the most immediate relief for your pet, but are not effective in eradicating the rest of the flea population.

When you consider that adult fleas only make up 5% of the fleas in your home, you need to follow an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program to completely take care of the problem. A good IPM may include activities such as daily vacuuming, laundering sheets and bedding, and using a flea comb to check for fleas.​

Sterilize eggs and larvae

Insect growth regulators, or IGRs, effectively sterilize eggs and young fleas. This prevents the life cycle from continuing though it can take several weeks to work.

One factor that can reduce the efficacy of flea collars is whether or not they are waterproof. Waterproof collars allow for monthly bathing and the occasional exposure to rain without reducing their ability to work. Water resistant collars are not as effective if they are routinely submerged in water.​

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