Identify one factor that can influence the effectiveness of flea control products.

Resistance development in flea populations is a significant factor influencing the effectiveness of flea control products. Over time, fleas can adapt to the active ingredients in these products, leading to decreased efficacy. This phenomenon occurs when a population of fleas is exposed repeatedly to certain chemicals, and those individuals that happen to have a genetic resistance to the product survive and reproduce. As a result, the population becomes increasingly resistant, which can make standard flea control measures ineffective.

In the context of flea control, understanding resistance is crucial for veterinarians and pet owners so they can choose products that utilize different mechanisms of action or rotate between different classes of flea control products to manage and mitigate resistance. This proactive approach is essential for maintaining the effectiveness of flea treatments.