Fleas

Fleas are small parasites, about 3mm long, that feed on the blood of cats, dogs, and humans. They typically live for 2 to 4 months. In the UK, cat fleas are the most common type. Their eggs, which are around 0.5mm in length, are oval or round, pearly white, and sticky, attracting debris that helps camouflage them. Fleas usually live in carpets, rarely seen, only leaving the carpet to jump onto pets to feed. If they land on soft furnishings or clothing, they return to the carpet. While fleas don’t live on humans, they will bite them if a cat or dog isn’t available. Even if the host pet is absent, homes and businesses still need treatment, as fleas may be forced to feed on humans.

Why should a flea infestation be treated?

Female fleas can lay up to 25 eggs per day, meaning that for every flea seen on a pet, there are likely hundreds more in the carpets. Treating pets alone won’t resolve a heavy infestation. If left untreated, fleas will continue breeding and could spread to other locations like homes, offices, and public places. Flea bites cause discomfort to both animals and humans, with women and children often being more affected. Reactions to flea bites can vary, from itching to swelling.

Signs of a flea infestation

The most common sign of a flea problem is bites on the feet, ankles, and legs, as fleas can’t jump higher than six inches. Children may experience bites on other parts of the body as they are more likely to be playing or lying on the carpet. Infestations often go unnoticed until the host pet is no longer present, prompting fleas to bite humans instead. If the infestation is severe and the carpet pile is low, fleas may be visible. They may also be seen on pets like cats or dogs.

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Preparation before PEST-SHIELD flea treatment:

• Clear all clutter from the floor (e.g. toys, books, shoes, etc.).
• Vacuum all floors, paying close attention to the carpet edges.
• Dispose of the vacuum bag in an outside bin after cleaning.
• Mow lawns if fleas could be present outdoors in warm weather.
• Fit pets with new flea collars and treat them with a topical insecticide designed for animals.

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Aftercare tips:

• Allow the treatment spray to dry completely; avoid cleaning or wiping any puddles.
• Don’t touch treated surfaces or allow pets into the area until the treatment is dry. Wash off any insecticide that contacts the skin.
• Reduce humidity by opening windows and increasing heat to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment.
• Avoid vacuuming for at least two weeks.
• In the first week after treatment, vacuum once or twice daily, focusing on carpet edges.
• Continue using treated areas, as fleas can remain dormant in pupae cases for up to a year, only emerging due to warmth, movement, or carbon dioxide.
• Keep treated pets indoors during the three-week period after treatment so any remaining fleas feed on them rather than humans.

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How PEST-SHIELD’s treatment works:

Our technician will apply a residual insecticide to all floors. Fleas will absorb the insecticide, though they may not die immediately. It’s normal to see fleas for up to three weeks after treatment as some may emerge from their pupae during this time. In shared or multi-occupancy buildings, monthly treatments may be necessary until the infestation is fully eradicated.

In offices, it’s essential that employees with pets, especially cats, treat their homes and animals regularly. Otherwise, flea issues may persist in the workplace.

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Special situations:

• Shared buildings: In communal or multi-occupancy settings, monthly treatments might be required to completely resolve the problem.
• Previously empty homes: New occupants moving into a previously vacant home with prior cat residents may encounter flea problems. The fleas may lie dormant until a new host arrives, and the previous occupants may not have noticed the infestation if the fleas were feeding on their pets.

For reliable flea control in the North East of England, trust PEST-SHIELD.