Domestic Flea control

There are a number of tell-tale signs that you have a mouse infestation:

• Pets: is your pet scratching, licking or biting itself more than usual?
• Sightings: you may see fleas or flea droppings on your pet’s fur.
• Bites: flea bites will typically be around the legs and ankles. If you have been holding or stroking your pet, you may find them in your arms. 
• Live fleas: when they aren’t biting, fleas can be seen jumping on carpets and soft furnishings.

Fleas are an external parasitic insect pest of mammals and birds. They depend on their ‘host’ animal for food and development. Their host can be e.g. a cat, a dog, a fox or a bird but if the host is not available they will bite humans. Adult fleas vary in size, but are generally about 2-3mm long and reddish brown in colour. There are too many types to list as there are around 1400 known species of flea. First, the source of the infestation must be identified and treatment of the offending animal undertaken by a vet or the owner. Secondly, a thorough vacuum clean of the premises should be undertaken and the bag disposed of. Thirdly, all areas should be treated with an insecticidal spray to kill the adult fleas and larvae. Pupae often survive treatment, so it is usual to carry out a second spray treatment to ensure adequate insecticide is available when they eventually hatch out.

We follow the following 5 steps:

• Inspection – In line with the CRRU guidance, ensuring a thorough survey is carried out is essential. This will be a full environmental assessment identifying: pest infestations, access points, sources of food, water & harbourage, proofing options, and any external factors which could result in pest infestations i.e overgrown vegetation.
• Exclusion – Proofing recommendations will always be given by our technicians when identified. 
• Restriction – Restricting the sources of food, water and harbourage will make your home less appealing to pests and can be an effective way to prevent re-infestation.
• Destruction – This is what it says, destroying pests that do manage to find their way into your home. We use commercial-grade insecticides safely and in accordance with the label to ensure full control. 
• Communicate – Communication is perhaps one of the most important parts of the process as a whole. At every stage of this process, our technicians will be communicating their actions and importantly the reasons for their actions to you. Explaining the importance of exclusion and restriction will in the long term benefit you as you will reduce the risk of repeated infestations. It is very important that the recommendations the technicians provide are followed to support you in having a pest-free home.