Get Rid of Fleas | Kill Fleas

Diatomaceous earth is made up of the mineral amorphous silica. Diatomaceous earth is an abrasive substance that should not be inhaled, making it more suited for outdoor applications than indoors. Diatomaceous earth is far from the most effective choice when developing a flea control program. (12) Like boric acid, it kills fleas by dehydration.(10) In laboratory tests, it caused lung inflammation and emphysema.(13)

Frontline - The active ingredient in Frontline is Fipronil. Fipronil is a nerve poison.(10) It caused thyroid cancer in laboratory tests, and affected the development of the nervous system in offspring when pregnant mothers were exposed.(14) [Fipronil factsheet]

Advantaqe or Advantix - The active ingredient is Imidacloprid, which is another nerve poison.(10) It caused miscarriages and abnormal development of bones in laboratory tests with rabbits.(15) [Imidacloprid factsheet]

Program - The Active ingredient is Lufenuron . Lufenuron is also one of the active ingredients in Sentinel. It stops the development of flea eggs.(16) It is given to pets as pills or as a liquid mixed in food. In some dogs and cats, it caused vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, and itchy skin.(17,18)

References from above:
10. Ware, G.W. 2000. The pesticide book. Fresno, CA: Thomson Publications. Pp. 77,176,177,181, 184,274,275.
11. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. 2002. The registry of toxic effects of chemical substances: Boric acid. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/rtecs/ed456d70.html.
12. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. 2002. The registry of toxic effects of chemical substances: Silica, amorphous - diatomaceous earth. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/rtecs/vv6f8e98.html.
13. Merget, R. 2002. Health hazards due to the inhalation of amorphous silica. Arch. Toxicol. 75: 625-634.
14. U.S. EPA. 1997. Fipronil; Pesticide tolerances. Fed Reg. 62(228): 62970-62979, Nov. 26.
15. U.S. EPA. Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances. 1993. Imidacloprid. Evaluation of toxicity data submitted and identification of outstanding toxicology data requirements. Memo from M.S. Ottley, Health Effects Div. to P. Jenkins and D. Edwards, Registration Div. Washington, D.C., Sept. 3. p. 8
16. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 1994. Freedom of Information Act summary. NADA 141-035 (Lufenuron tablets). http://www.fda.gov/cvm/efoi/section2/141035112394.html.
17. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 1996. Freedom of Information Act summary. NADA 141-035 (Lufenuron tablets). http://www.fda.gov/cvm/efoi/section2/141035s123196.html.
18. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 1996. Freedom of Information Act summary. NADA 141-026 (Lufenuron suspension).