Malathion Flea Control: Efficacy, Application, and Other Features

If you own a pet, you are likely familiar with frustrating fleas. These vicious blood-sucking insects depend on their host to feed their bellies with fresh blood so they can breed and multiply, and if they make it indoors, you will have to deal with an itchy and unpleasant problem.

Several products are available that claim to address flea invasions in your house, the outdoors, and on your pet(s). Some commonly used products for this purpose are shampoos, dips, sprays, powders, granules, oral products, etc.

The availability of so many options for flea control can often confuse you when deciding which to get for yourself. The selection is based on the product’s effectiveness, method of application, extent of its hazardousness, and other factors like the area you want to treat. 

Among the most effective methods of flea control is Malathion. We highly recommend this product when dealing with flea problems. Read on to learn why it works so well in eliminating feal infestations.

What Is Malathion?

Malathion is a common chemical active ingredient in popular pesticides. It is a broad-spectrum product that kills fleas and most termites and pests that might be bothering you, including lice, mosquitoes, maggots, mites, and ticks. 

Malathion is effective against fleas but should be used with caution. Proper usage and handling ensure your safety and the effective eradication of fleas.

Application and Effects

The application of Malathion requires little preparation. It is only used outdoors or in the areas where your pet plays, rest, and lives.

Before applying Malathion, you need to do some basic cleaning, such as removing remains from the yard, including animal residue, mowing it, and cutting off tall shrubbery.

Malathion is used at a rate of 1 gallon per 1000 square feet. To prepare the mixture, you must mix 5 ounces of the chemical in a gallon of water.

Apply the mixture using a spray to the areas affected by flea infestation. The activity's effect can last over three weeks. The applied area must dry for at least four hours.

Precautions

When applying Malathion, wear appropriate clothing, such as long sleeves, full pants, socks, shoes, and gloves. Remove the clothing immediately after you are done.

Wash the clothes used in the activity separately from other laundry. Wear a face mask to cover your face (nose and mouth). Do not let the chemical into your eyes.

Before, be careful not to get the chemical on your skin.

Cover any wounds/cuts on the skin you have.

Wash your hands well before doing anything after the process, including eating, smoking, drinking, using/holding any other routine items, touching your pet, and using the toilet.

Malathion is toxic to aquatic life, so keep away from the aquarium if you have it.

Close the sprayed area for your pet and the family for 12 hours.

Keep the chemical away from direct heat and other flammable products.

First Aid

If Swallowed: Malathion can be very dangerous if swallowed. If you, your pet, or any other member of the house accidentally swallows the chemical, poison control should be immediately contacted. Meanwhile, you should keep the person or pet from drinking any liquid. Refrain from inducing vomit unless advised by the poison control center.

If Inhaled: If the chemical is inhaled, move the person or pet outside for fresh air and make them take deep breaths. If they are not breathing or dozing off, immediately call an ambulance. While the ambulance/rescue is on its way, give artificial respiration, preferably mouth-to-mouth, where possible.

If it gets on Your Skin or Clothing, Take off dirty clothing immediately and wash the affected area thoroughly for 15 to 20 minutes. Then, call the poison control center or your doctor for medical advice.

If in Eyes: If malathion gets into your eyes accidentally, hold the eye/eyes open and keep rinsing for 15 to 20 minutes. If you have contact lenses on, remove them after 5 minutes of rinsing, and then continue to rinse for another 10 to 15 minutes.