Fleas are extremely annoying and difficult to get rid of once they infest your home. In the last year, flea infestations have increased by 47% in the UK, thanks to the warm weather last summer. Fleas should never be ignored. If pets are not treated, they can become ill. Fleas can also cause allergies and unpleasant symptoms in humans. And if you are a landlord, not treating a flea infestation could see you prosecuted under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act.
With some diligence and perseverance, you can tackle a flea problem, whether it’s in your home or a commercial property like a hotel or buy-to-let flat. Here are some useful tips from a Bristol pest control expert for coping with and eliminating a flea infestation.
Table of Contents
Identify the Source Of Flea Infestation
The first step is to identify where the fleas are coming from. Fleas can infest both outdoor spaces and indoor spaces. If you have pets that go outside, they may be bringing fleas into the home. Inspect your pets carefully and look for signs of fleas like dirt or flea droppings. Also, check areas your pets frequent like bedding and furniture. If you don’t have pets, fleas may be infecting your lawn or outdoor areas and making their way inside.
Clean Thoroughly and Often
Once you’ve identified the source, be sure to clean these areas thoroughly and often. Vacuum all furniture, cracks in floors, and carpeting every 2-3 days. This will suck up flea eggs and larvae before they can develop into mature fleas. Wash all pet bedding, throws, and blankets in the highest heat setting. Graduate to steam cleaning rugs or carpets if the infestation is severe. Take the vacuum outside immediately after use and place the bag into a tightly sealed bin until bin day.
Use Flea Treatments
There are many effective flea treatment products available. For pets, use vet-recommended topical treatments and collars that repel and kill fleas. Reapply these each month. You’ll also want to treat your home. Indoor foggers or flea bombs can treat an entire house in one go. Just be sure to follow all safety directions. For ongoing prevention, use sprays or powders that contain insect growth regulators which stop flea eggs and larvae from maturing. These are safe for furniture and carpets when used as directed. An expert Bristol pest control company like Advance Pest Control Bristol will have more powerful pesticides if your over-the-counter treatments don’t work.
Manage Your Lawn and Garden
If fleas are plaguing your outdoor areas, tackle your lawn and gardens. Use an outdoor fogger or spray designed to kill fleas, larvae, and eggs hiding in vegetation. Apply treatments under decks or porches and anywhere pets may rest. Also, try using beneficial nematodes. These microscopic worms kill flea larvae but won’t harm pets or plants. They can provide natural flea control in lawns and flowerbeds.
Stay Vigilant
Finally, continue diligent monitoring even after fleas seem to disappear. Keep vacuuming and washing bedding regularly. Reapply topical and premise treatments as directed. Be patient as getting rid of a flea infestation can take weeks or months. Talk to a Bristol Pest Controller if your efforts don’t seem to be working.
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