Fleas found in the home are usually cat or dog fleas, as human fleas are rare now except in third-world countries. Pet fleas can be brought in by the pets, people, second-hand carpets and so on. Adult fleas are about 2mm long and dark in colour.
Flea eggs are usually laid on the host animal, but fall off onto carpets, furnishings or fabrics as they are not sticky. The eggs hatch into larvae that then pupate. The pupae can remain dormant before emerging as adults. Flea larvae require the sort of conditions offered by wall-to-wall carpeting (hiding places) and central heating (warmth all year). If conditions are favourable , they will hatch into adults. This takes about 2 weeks in mild weather. Pupae can lie dormant for up to 18 months, usually in empty properties.
Even if you don’t have pets, you can still get fleas in your home, as they can be transported on people. In summer fleas can survive outside and be carried into buildings. You may visit a building with fleas and take them home with you.
How do I know I have fleas in my house?
The first sign of a flea infestation is bites. These normally occur around ankle height, and often cause a slight swelling and irritation, leading to itching.
Treatment
The treatment involves the property being sprayed or dusted with a broad-spectrum residual insecticide.
What to do before we visit:
- Clear the floor as much as possible
- Vacuum up before we visit and empty the vacuum cleaner outside and place the contents in a bin-bag, seal and put outside (preferably in a bin).
Preventing infestations:
- Wash pet bedding frequently and on a hot wash
- Groom pets outside – any flea eggs will fall off when grooming
- Vacuum your home regularly, including furniture
- Pets must be put on an effective flea treatment programme, these are available over the counter or from vets
After we have treated you must not vacuum for 2 weeks. Occupiers can still live in the house in the two weeks after treatment but should not touch treated areas until they are dry. Pets and children must be kept out of the treated room until everything has dried. The treatment is not instant, it is a residual insecticide. The pupae are protected, it is only as the adults emerge that they are affected by the chemicals. During the 2 weeks after treatment you may still get the odd bite and this is young adults, hatching out and possibly biting before being affected by the pesticide.
For information on charges, please use the link on the right to access the Fees and Charges page.
If you wish to book a treatment please telephone 01480 388319.
Please note that we only operate within the boundaries of Huntingdonshire District Council. Please see the link on the right to view our boundaries.