What happens to fleas after a flea collar is applied? - briefly
The collar continuously emits an insecticidal agent that penetrates the flea’s exoskeleton, leading to rapid paralysis and death within a few hours. Any fleas that survive the initial exposure become weakened, detach from the animal, and eventually die.
What happens to fleas after a flea collar is applied? - in detail
When a flea‑preventive collar is placed on a dog or cat, the device releases active chemicals that spread across the animal’s skin and coat. The diffusion occurs through the collar’s polymer matrix, delivering a steady low‑dose vapor that contacts the host’s fur and skin surface.
The released compounds typically belong to one of the following classes:
- Neonicotinoids (e.g., imidacloprid) – interfere with nerve transmission in adult fleas, causing rapid paralysis and death.
- Pyrethroids (e.g., flumethrin) – act as both insecticide and repellent, disrupting sodium channels in the flea nervous system.
- Insect growth regulators (e.g., pyriproxyfen) – prevent development of eggs and larvae, halting the life cycle.
Contact with these agents produces several effects:
- Adult fleas that crawl onto the treated animal absorb the chemicals through their exoskeleton, leading to loss of coordination, cessation of feeding, and death within minutes to hours.
- Eggs laid on the host’s fur are exposed to the growth regulator, resulting in failure to hatch.
- Emerging larvae that encounter contaminated fur are unable to mature, reducing the overall population in the environment.
The onset of activity is observable within a few hours after collar installation. Full efficacy against established infestations is typically achieved within 24–48 hours, while preventive protection persists for the duration specified by the manufacturer (often up to eight months).
Limitations include reduced effectiveness on heavily infested environments, potential resistance in flea populations, and diminished release rates in extreme temperatures. Regular washing of the animal’s coat may lower the concentration of active agents, shortening the protective period.