Should I cancel this order of Permethrin yard spray?

We have a major flea problem here and I thought it might be best to treat the lawn around my mates mothers' house. I went online to the place where I found the Knockout Spray, (identical to what the vet gave for treating inside the house), and found Permethrin for treating outside homes by connecting your hose to their special sprayer to get the proper mixture.
Here is a link to what I ordered. http://www.pestproducts.com/permethrin.htm
Doing things in my usual backwards order, I told my mate what I ordered and he said, "Won't that kill the cats?", so I then started searching TCS for info about this product.

I had every intention of following the instructions for proper application, but if there is going to be a danger to the cats if i treat with it I will cancel this order and forget going that route.

I've seen both comments that it should be safe if used as directed and that it is dangerous to cats.

Can someone please advise me as to the really right thing to do as I try to deal with an overwhelming flea problem.

BTW... all the cats have been treated with Frontline or Advantage received from the vet and I have more Knockout on the way, (both area spray and room foggers), for treating the inside the house.

I'm just trying to do the right thing and I know that sometimes I can get off in the wrong direction without a little guidance.

YES YES YES!!! I have lost in the past (before I figured it out) several barn cats to this stuff. It is really nasty, and according to the best vet in the county here should not even be used on horses.

Sprinkle diacotumus earth crystals down and then rake them into the soil, or sweep that into the carpet.

Originally Posted by hissy

YES YES YES!!! I have lost in the past (before I figured it out) several barn cats to this stuff. It is really nasty, and according to the best vet in the county here should not even be used on horses.

Sprinkle diacotumus earth crystals down and then rake them into the soil, or sweep that into the carpet.

Click to expand...

Hissy,

Thanks so much for the very quick reply.
I just called and canceled the order.

I'll search online, but can you tell me where you get the diacotumus earth crystals?

pool store should have it... also local feed store might

a nursery will as well-

You can also use a horse lice duster on the ground. We used it at the barn for lice, and fleas..

We used Farnams product..

directiosn for pets and sprinkling on other stuff:
PETS
To control Fleas, Ticks and Lice on Dogs and Cats: Apply powder liberally over the entire body. Work dust into hair and around the feet, pads and between the toes by rubbing against the lay of the hair until dust penetrates to skin. Contact ticks with powder. Take care not to get the powder in pet's eyes, nose or mouth. Dust bedding, kennel, sleeping areas, carpeting and furniture used by infested animals regularly, applying at a rate of 3 to 6 ounces per 100 square feet. Repeat as needed, but not more often than once weekly. DO NOT USE ON DOGS OR CATS LESS THAN 12 WEEKS OF AGE.
Consult a veterinarian before using this Product on debilitated, aged, pregnant, nursing or medicated animals. Sensitivities may occur after using ANY pesticide Product for pets. If signs of sensitivity occur, bathe your pet with mild soap and rinse with large amounts of water. If signs continue, consult a veterinarian immediately.


Feed store, or fleet farm, or equine supply will have it.

I agree with MA. We used an OTC flea spray which turned out to have permethrin based substances in and one of the kitties had a terrible reaction. She was extremely lethargic and difficult to rouse. We washed the stuff of instantly and she started to pick up immediately. We did some research on what is a very popular, mainstream product and it seems others have had problems too. We will not be using OTC stuff again.

The Diatomaceous Earth (or DE Powder as they'll probably refer to it) is easily found at a pool supply store and is dirt cheap (no pun intended ). About 12-15 dollars for a 25# bag.

If you use it on your carpet, keep your cats off the carpet for at least two hours then sweep the rug and then wait and vaccum the stuff up good. I run the vacuum 2-3 times over it after I use it. The broom pushes it down into the crevices, and the vaccum takes it off the top. I have never had a problem with cats becoming toxic to it, but if it kills fleas (and it does) there has to be some poisons there, so be cautious when using it.