A basic guide to flea treatment is contained on this page however, should you require more detailed information our specialist website www.fleaexterminator.co.uk will provide you with the information you require.

Have I got a flea infestation?

The first signs you may notice of a flea problem are:

Your pet scratching more than normal and biting at its fur.

Tiny black insects hopping or jumping in your home.

Red itchy spots that on adults are usually found on the lower legs, however on children who play on the floor they may appear anywhere on the body.

How an infestation starts.

Fleas very quickly establish themselves in a property laying their eggs in large numbers in edges and joins in carpets and in joints edges and gaps in laminates, floorboards and tiled floors. Here they have the ideal location to hide and then feed on their diet of blood ambushing passing animals and humans.

The eggs are laid in the fur of the host, the larvae hatch in about 1 week and live in dark, humid conditions such as animal bedding, carpets and feed on organic debris. A single cat can support a flea population of many hundreds of adults. The larvae form pupae after 3 weeks and they can survive all winter in this condition. The emergence of the adults is stimulated by the vibrations of a passing host animal (or person). This accounts for the occasional mass attacks which take place on entry to long term empty properties.

Treatment

Firstly the safety of both our clients and their pets are of paramount importance and will give you advice on safety matters at the time we quote and prior to treating.

It is essential that any flea treatment is thorough and the client has a very important part to play. At the time we quote we will advise you to vacuum the property thoroughly (dirty conditions can cause rapid deactivation of the insecticide) and also to clear all floor areas of any items except furniture. We use high quality insecticides to spray the carpets, floors and allowed furnishings; these will have a rapid effect on the adults and larvae where it contacts them. It is also essential to either launder (60ºc+) or destroy any animal bedding to deny the fleas their breeding site.

Remember your animal must be treated for fleas by a vet around the time we treat and then on an on-going basis to avoid re infestation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to leave my home after treatment?

  • The only answer to this is yes, but in 99% of all cases you will be able to re-enter and use your home as normal the same day.

When can I come back into my house?

  • As mentioned before the property needs to be dry prior to you re-entering. Under normal circumstances in a reasonably heated property this should be within 4 to 6 hours.

Do I need to vacuum or clean the floors after treatment?

  • It is vitally important that the floors are not vacuumed or cleaned for at least 21 days after treatment. There is no problem however sweeping or spot cleaning areas within the 21 days.
  • Any treatment suggesting vacuuming soon after treatment will weaken the effect of the insecticides and therefore make the need for further treatment more likely.

So call us at South Wales and Cardiff Pest Control so we can start the process of removing your Flea problem immediately.