Flea Identification
Fleas are small, wingless insects that feed on the blood of mammals and birds. They are typically brownish-red and about 2-3 mm in length. Fleas have long hind legs that allow them to jump great distances relative to their size, making them highly mobile. The most common flea species found in UK homes is the cat flea, but dog fleas and other types can also be encountered. Fleas are often first noticed due to the irritation they cause to pets, or when bites appear on humans, typically around the ankles.
Flea Advice
Blades Pest Solutions offers the following advice to help you manage and prevent flea infestations:
- Act Quickly: Fleas reproduce rapidly, laying up to 50 eggs per day. Early intervention is crucial to prevent a small infestation from becoming a larger problem.
- Treat Pets and Home Simultaneously: Fleas often infest pets and their surroundings. It’s important to treat your pets with vet-recommended flea treatments while also addressing the infestation in your home. Regularly wash pet bedding, vacuum carpets, and clean areas where pets spend time.
- Maintain Hygiene: Regular vacuuming and cleaning are essential to remove fleas, eggs, and larvae from your home. Pay special attention to carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, and cracks in floorboards, as these are common hiding spots for fleas.
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Flea Treatment
At Blades Pest Solutions, we offer a range of treatment options to effectively eliminate flea infestations. Depending on the severity and location of the problem, one or more of the following methods may be recommended:
- Insecticidal Sprays: These sprays are designed to kill adult fleas on contact and have a residual effect to target any emerging larvae. We apply these treatments to carpets, furniture, and other areas where fleas are likely to be present. Insecticidal sprays are a quick and effective solution for reducing the flea population in your home.
- Fogging: For widespread infestations, fogging may be recommended. This involves using a fogger that releases a fine insecticidal mist into the air, reaching into cracks, crevices, and other hard-to-reach areas. Fogging is effective at killing fleas throughout an entire room but requires temporary evacuation of the treated area.
- Heat Treatment: In some cases, heat treatment can be used to eliminate fleas. This method involves raising the temperature in infested areas to levels that are lethal to fleas, eggs, and larvae. Heat treatment is particularly useful for treating large areas or sensitive environments where chemical treatments may not be suitable.
- Ongoing Monitoring: After initial treatment, we offer ongoing monitoring to ensure the infestation is fully resolved. This may include follow-up inspections and the use of flea traps to detect any remaining fleas. Regular monitoring is crucial, especially in homes with pets, to prevent reinfestation.
Flea Facts
- Rapid Reproduction: Fleas can lay up to 50 eggs per day, quickly leading to a significant infestation if not promptly addressed.
- Host Dependent: Fleas are parasitic insects that feed on the blood of their hosts, primarily cats, dogs, and occasionally humans.
- Life Cycle: Fleas go through four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The adult stage is the most noticeable, but the eggs and larvae are often hidden in carpets, pet bedding, and other areas.
- Disease Carriers: Fleas can transmit diseases, including tapeworms to pets and, in rare cases, murine typhus to humans. They also cause severe itching and discomfort.
Flea Emergency?
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