How much dichlorvos should be used for flea treatment? - briefly
Apply 0.5 ml of a 2 % dichlorvos solution for each 10 ft² of infested surface, not exceeding the label‑specified maximum of 5 ml per treatment. Repeat after 7–10 days if fleas persist, following all safety precautions.
How much dichlorvos should be used for flea treatment? - in detail
The amount of dichlorvos required for effective flea control depends on the formulation, target species, and environmental conditions. Use only products expressly labeled for veterinary or environmental use, and follow the manufacturer’s concentration specifications.
For a typical aqueous solution containing 1 % dichlorvos (10 mg mL⁻¹), the recommended application rates are:
- Indoor environments (carpets, upholstery, cracks): 0.5 mL per square meter, applied evenly with a sprayer.
- Outdoor perimeters (soil, grass, mulch): 1 mL per square meter, diluted to a final concentration of 0.1 % (1 mg mL⁻¹) before spraying.
- Direct animal treatment (approved veterinary products): 0.05 mL per kilogram of body weight, administered according to the product label, with a maximum of 2 mL per animal per treatment.
Key safety considerations:
- Verify that the product is approved for the intended use; unapproved concentrations increase toxicity risk.
- Wear protective gloves and eye protection during mixing and application.
- Ensure adequate ventilation; dichlorvos vapors are irritant.
- Keep treated areas inaccessible to non‑target animals and humans for at least 2 hours, or as specified on the label.
- Store remaining solution in a tightly sealed container, away from heat and direct sunlight.
If a different concentration is supplied (e.g., 0.5 % or 2 % solutions), adjust the volume proportionally to achieve the target dosage listed above. Always calculate the required volume based on the exact concentration printed on the label, not on assumed values.
Repeated applications should not exceed the cumulative dose indicated by the product’s safety data sheet. Over‑application can lead to resistance development in flea populations and heightened health hazards.