How Fleas Become Immune to Advantage Pesticides
WouterFortunately, there are several options available to control fleas. One option is to treat your pet’s fur with a topical flea medication. However, this method is not as effective as prescription treatments. This is because fleas have a way of adapting to different environments, so using an over-the-counter product may not provide effective results. Moreover, some flea medications can cause adverse reactions in pets.
It is important to understand that different chemicals have different effects on fleas. For example, some commercial topical flea products contain chemicals that can harm your cat. However, some of these chemicals may be more effective than others. Also, fleas have a tendency to build up resistance to certain chemicals over time.
Fortunately, there are a number of ways to prevent resistance to common pesticides. The first way is to monitor the population of fleas. By doing this, veterinarians can identify resistant strains and develop alternate treatments. Another way is to study the resistance mechanisms of different insecticides. Knowing this information will help extend the efficacy of host-targeted therapies, such as a topical anti-flea medication.
Several studies have identified different factors that can cause fleas to become resistant to a specific pesticide. The AAVP is hosting a special meeting this year on resistance.
