How to prevent Flea problems in Your Home this Summer!

If there is one pest guaranteed to make you feel itchy at the mere thought, it has to be the flea.  Fleas thrive in warm conditions, so they can be a particular problem coming into summertime.  As we are spending extended time at home due to Covid-19, it is more important than ever that we have comfortable flea-free living spaces.

Why Control Fleas?

Flea’s are Ectoparasitic insects, which feed on the blood of host animals. Their bites cause unpleasant itching and irritation, which can cause infections, skin complaints, and aggravate respiratory illnesses.

Identification

Fleas are small pests, around 2mm in length for adult Dog fleas, and 3mm for adult Cat fleas.  They are dark brownish red in colour, a flat, oval shape and have six legs, which enable them to jump 150 times their own body length.  They have hard plates on their bodies (sclerites) which is why fleas can be difficult to crush with your fingers should you catch one.

Flea Bites

Often the first sign of a flea infestation is noticing small bites on your skin.  Fleas usually bite humans on the shins, ankles, and legs.  This differs from other bites, such as bed bugs and mosquito bites, which can appear all over the body.

Did You know….

• It is possible to get a flea infestation without being a pet owner
• Whilst freezing temperatures will kill an adult flea, those in different stages of the flea lifecycle can become dormant
• Flea eggs can survive dormant for up to 18 months!
• Female fleas can live up to two years. In this time, they can lay 1500 eggs
• The complete life cycle of a flea takes around one month

Avon Pest Control recommends

• Ensure you regularly clean easy to miss spots, such as under your sofa, which can become an ideal breeding ground for fleas
• If you have pets, check them regularly for any signs of fleas. Signs include:
  • Excessive scratching, biting, and/or licking at their skin
  • Visible fleas on your pet’s coat
  • Flea Allergic Dermatitis (FAD) causing your pet to scratch and bite at their skin
  • Flea dirt on the fur. This looks like little black pepper-like specks. As flea dirt is made up of digested blood, you can easily confirm flea dirt presence by combing the specks out and placing them on damp kitchen roll.  The flecks will smear red when wet
• If you find fleas on your pet, consult your vet. Fleas are very unpleasant for your fury friend and should be tackled as soon as possible.  Flea larvae can be infected with tapeworm eggs.  If your pet eats an infected flea, it could then need to be treated for tapeworm too
• Your home will need to be treated, as 95% of flea eggs live in your environment, e.g. carpet and soft furnishings, not on your pet

At Avon Pest Control we have qualified technicians who provide professional effective flea treatment.  We are currently operating with strict PPE controls on essential work.  If you are fed up with fleas, call Avon Pest Control today on 01926 632 929 or 01789 293 463, and we’ll happily discuss your pest problem and provide friendly, expert advice.

A Flea Circus!

Avon Pest control – Helping You and Your Pets Stay Home and Stay Safe.