Flea Control

Signs of fleas

Identify signs of fleas:

1. Human fleas are not so common in the United Kingdom anymore so if you spot any, then it's more than likely a cat or dog flea.
2. Is your pet constantly scratching, chewing or biting their fur? These actions are good indication of a flea infestation.
3. Seeing tiny crawling insects on your pet's coat is a sure indicator of fleas. Use a flea comb and take a closer look as their dirt will also be amongst the fur.
4. It's possible your pet may have bald patches, hairloss, scabs, pale gums, and irritated reddened skin.
5. Flea dirt or faeces may be present and their appearance is similar to black pepper (tiny black dots/speckles).
6. If you spot tapeworm coming out your pet's rectum (small rice looking grains) it could be a tell tale sign of fleas.
7. Spotting fleas in your home hopping or crawling. Their appearance are a reddish/brown colour and they are very small in size (only 2.5mm long).
8. Fleas have been known to jump up to 13 inches and it's possible that you could see them hop from place to place.
9. Noticing bites on humans is another indicator as fleas can sometimes bite us by mistake, and then quickly realize they've bit the wrong host. Human blood is not their preference!
10. Symptoms of flea bites on humans can include: itching, hives and a rash. The rash appears like small clusters that are bumpy to touch, with swelling surrounding the bite.

How To Get Rid Of Fleas:

1. Start by vacuuming first: you need to pay great attention to your carpets or flooring area.
2. If you have floorboards, don't forget to hoover all the cracks and crevices.
3. Vacuum all upholstery and furniture thoroughly as this can get rid of both larvae and eggs, as well as removing any adults present.
4. Cleaning your home regularly can definitely help as removing food sources is an important step in the fight against fleas. The larvae thrive on food particles and organic substances.
5. If an item is washable, then proceed to wash at the highest possible temperatures. Ensure you always read labels to avoid damaging items.
6. Using a clothes dryer can also help kill fleas and their eggs on your clothes. Use with caution as delicate items can be damaged due to high heat.
7. Deep freezing items in a plastic bag  is another way to kill fleas and their eggs (3 days is recommended).
8. Using a steam cleaner is an effective way of controlling fleas but it wont solve an infestation completely. Despite this, it will certainly help in aiding.
9. Removing fleas from your pets is a crucial element to success. Use specialist shampoo when cleaning pets and always follow the instructions.
10. Regular visits to the vet for flea treatment is recommended but if this is not practical, then ask your local vet for advice on best home remedy/ over the counter solutions.
11. You must treat your home, garden and pet at the same time.
12. Clean your pet's bedding by washing and drying at highest possible temperatures. Vacuum in and around the area regularly as fleas tend to harbour near your pet's favourite resting spots.
13. If you don't have pets but still have fleas, it is possible that you've picked up an infestation from animals entering your garden.
14. Professional insecticides are very effective, although this should be used as a last option.
15. Get your pet wormed frequently.
16. Clear clutter and clean/vacuum as much as possible.

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Flea Infestation

1. Once fleas are established in your home, it can be challenging to break their cycle.

2. Catching a flea infestation early will improve your chances of success.

3. Acting fast once you've identified a problem is important; if left untreated it's possible to turn into a full-scale infestation, making it more difficult to exterminate.

4. If you have pets, your local vet often knows the best home flea solutions available. There's also some homemade DIY options that can help reduce numbers and aid in the battle against fleas.

5. If fleas keep returning despite your best efforts, then its time to call a professional pest control company.

6. A professional flea exterminator has extensive knowledge on dealing with flea infestations and they also have access to industrial strength chemicals which are strictly for professional use. Some over the counter insecticides just aren't strong enough to eradicate the problem.

7. We have various methods available to tackle the problem such as heat treatment, fumigation, steam, and deep freeze (Items).

How To Prevent Fleas

1. Vacuuming regularly, at least once daily. Dispose of contents immediately in sealed plastic bags.

2. Pet's bedding should be washed every 7 days, make sure the temperature is over 50°C.

3. Checking pets regularly, ideally every time they go outside. Use a flea comb and look thoroughly.

4. Get your pets treated by a professional at the vet for fleas regularly (ideally monthly) but if you cannot afford the flea treatment, try to source the best home flea remedy available.

5. Consider trimming your pet's hair shorter if possible as fleas prefer longer hair.

6. Flea larvae will feed on organic substances, so try to remove any possible food sources.

7. If you move into a new property, you need to inspect every room and make sure there are no signs of fleas or egg larvae. Flea dirt may also be present.

8. Using a long-lasting household flea spray can slow them down. Some of these sprays can be toxic to animals so be very careful and always read labels.

9. Approximately 95% of fleas will live in your home and the other 5% percent on your pet, but pets are the transporters. It's vital to keep your pet flea-free in order to stop them bringing them into your home.

10. Keeping your garden maintained is also a good prevention tip as fleas will have fewer places to hide on a well-mowed lawn for instance. Keep shrubs well-trimmed and as short as possible.

11. Don't invite any unnecessary animals, birds or rodents into your garden as these can all carry fleas.

12. Keep trees and high shrubs away from your property. This can stop any wildlife entering your loft/attic space.

Pest Proof Your Home

Even if you don't have a pet, If an animal such as a rodent/cat gained access to your property, it's possible they could have fleas. Some will then hop off into the environment laying eggs and now you have a flea problem.

Do not let wild feral cats/dogs into your home as they are more than likely riddled with fleas.

When planting, you should keep plants well spaced with plenty of room for air movement and keep them away from your property. Sunlight and air movement kill flea larvae.

When you hoover/vacuum pay great attention to the areas which receive less traffic as fleas tend to prefer quieter spots. According to a recent study published, just vacuuming alone can remove 30% of larvae and 60% of flea eggs.

Keeping your home generally clean can help with preventing a flea infestation. The larvae feed on various organic substances such as food particles, feathers, dead skin and dead insects.

The adult flea is a parasite and feeds on warm-blooded vertebrates including; humans, rats, mice, foxes, rabbits, cats, dogs, squirrels, ferrets and birds.

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