FLEAS

Fleas are highly specialised bloodsucking parasites belonging to the order of insects called Siphonaptera, which means “wingless siphon.. Fleas will bite only accessible parts of the body and clustered bites on the lower limbs.

Most females will lay at least 100 eggs within a life cycle of several months The adult fleas emerge from the pupal case in 1-2 weeks but can remain dormant in their cocoons for several months depending on the availability of food and conditions. The emergence of the adult flea from the pupal stage is generally triggered by vibrations, which can happen when entering an unoccupied dwelling of previous pet owners.

TREATING FLEA BITES

When fleas are present homeowners generally notice them first by the bites they leave behind. It is typical of flea bites to be concentrated on and around the ankles, and can look similar to mosquito bites. Fleas can at times be selective and may only feed on one or a few people residing in a house. Children and infants can sometimes be the most effected in the home.

TREATMENT AND CONTROL OF FLEAS

If you have pets, it is essential to prevent fleas becoming established in carpets and bedding:

• Vacuum carpets and furnishings where pets sleep to remove fleas and eggs. Use your vacuum cleaner on a strong suction setting. Empty the vacuum cleaner bag after cleaning and place the bag into a bin outside of the home.
• Washing your pets bedding on a regular basic with hot water will help to kill flea eggs, the larvae, and also adults within cocoons.
• Take care when moving bedding, mats, etc, to avoid moving flea eggs around.
•  It may be wise to place pet beds in areas without carpets such as on vinyl, tiled or wooden floors.

Warm, humid weather conditions in the summer months provide ideal conditions for fleas to flourish. Flea (eggs and larvae) may be found where pets feed and rest. These areas should be targeted by a pest technician to gain control of an infestation, and also their housing, blankets and the pets themselves. Prior to a pest technician arriving, you should vacuum all floors. Washing the pets and bedding with an insecticidal preparation will aid in the control of fleas and their eggs. Always use a licensed pest control company when looking for professional flea exterminator to eliminate fleas and their eggs.

When an infestation of fleas is encountered, it’s best to contact the services of a professional pest control company to help get rid of them. This is where Best 1 Cleaning & Pest Control can help. Flea pupae can lay dormant in carpets and soil for more than twelve months and can be stimulated to emerge as an adult flea by vibrations.

Insects can slow down their growth and development at different stages in order to make the most of favourable conditions. This also helps with their survival.

Fleas will only become active when the conditions are favourable. This is when the temperature is right and if there is a blood meal available. Fleas feed on blood and need it to survive. In most cases, that meal is either the home owner or their pets.

Fleas will breed in any carpet type and have even been known to harbour in the gaps in wooden floor boards. It’s important to have all the floors treated with a liquid insecticide to successfully rid a home of fleas.

Pets also need to be treated at the same time as the property is being sprayed. The best products for this is either “Front line” or “Advantage.” This cannot be over emphasize – it is important to treat pets at the same time as having a home sprayed for fleas. Your pets also need to have on going flea treatments to keep them free of fleas for the year. This is usually done on a monthly basis.