Flea treatments can be sometimes difficult; the reason is that there is no chemical treatment on the market that penetrates fleas’ eggs. Did you know that adult fleas can lay up to 50 eggs a day, and many of them will fall into your carpet and hatch into larvae that can burrow deep into carpet fibres? The thing about fleas’ eggs is that they can remain dormant until vibrations or sound waves cause them to hatch.
Because of this, it is imperative that if you have booked a flea treatment the entire house is vacuumed before our arrival. This will cause vibrations and suck up remaining eggs which may be present in the home. With our flea treatments, it is a requirement that the carpet is freshly vacuumed. We can provide this service, or you, the customer is welcome to do this yourself. Our vacuums are high-grade commercial quality with a power rotating head, so it is recommended to let us vacuum first.
Carpets can become infested with fleas through various means, and understanding how these pests find their way into carpets can help in implementing effective prevention and control measures. Here are common ways that carpets can get fleas:
Pets:
Pets, particularly dogs and cats, are a common source of flea infestations in carpets. Fleas often hitch a ride on pets that have been outdoors, in areas with other infested animals, or in contact with environments where fleas thrive.
Outdoor Exposure:
Fleas are commonly found in outdoor environments, especially in grassy areas, gardens, or yards where wildlife or stray animals may carry fleas. If pets spend time outdoors and bring fleas inside, the pests can transfer to carpets.
Wildlife Infestations:
Wildlife, such as rodents or birds, can carry fleas. If these animals have access to the interior of a home, they can introduce fleas, and the pests may eventually find their way into carpets.
Infested Furniture or Fabrics:
Fleas can infest furniture, blankets, or other fabrics. If these infested items are in close proximity to carpets, the fleas may transfer onto the carpet fibres. This is particularly relevant if pets frequently use or rest on infested furniture.
Human Clothing:
Humans can inadvertently carry fleas into homes on their clothing. If individuals have been in areas with flea infestations, the pests may hitch a ride on clothing and be deposited onto carpets once inside.
Previous Infestations:
If a home has experienced a flea infestation in the past, even if it was successfully treated, flea eggs may still be present in carpets. These eggs can hatch later, leading to a new infestation.
Neighbouring Infestations:
Fleas can travel between adjoining properties, especially in multi-unit housing or shared living spaces. If a neighbouring area has a flea problem, the pests may migrate into carpets in your home.
Visitors with Pets:
Guests who bring their pets into your home may inadvertently introduce fleas. Even if the pets are not visibly infested, fleas or eggs on the animals can transfer to carpets.
Used Carpet or Furniture:
Fleas can hide in used carpets, rugs, or upholstered furniture. If such items are brought into a home without proper inspection and cleaning, they can introduce fleas to the new environment.
1. Vacuuming:
Start by thoroughly vacuuming the entire carpet, paying close attention to areas where pets frequently rest. Vacuuming helps remove adult fleas, eggs, and larvae. Be sure to dispose of the vacuum bag or clean the vacuum canister immediately to prevent fleas from reinfesting the area.
2. Steam Cleaning:
Steam cleaning, or hot water extraction, is an effective method for killing fleas and their eggs. The high temperatures can eliminate fleas in various life stages. Professional steam cleaning services or rental machines are available for home use.
3. Flea Control Products:
Use flea control products specifically designed for carpets. These may include carpet powders, sprays, or foams that contain insecticides. Follow the product instructions carefully, ensuring proper application and safety precautions.
4. Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs):
IGRs are chemicals that disrupt the flea life cycle by preventing the development of eggs and larvae into adult fleas. These can be applied as sprays or added to carpet cleaning solutions.
5. Natural Remedies:
Some people prefer natural or chemical-free approaches. Diatomaceous earth, for example, is a powder that can be sprinkled on carpets. It works by dehydrating and killing fleas. However, it’s essential to use food-grade diatomaceous earth and follow safety guidelines.
6. Pet Treatment:
To prevent reinfestation, it’s crucial to treat pets for fleas simultaneously. Use vet-recommended flea control products such as topical treatments, flea collars, or oral medications. Regular grooming and maintaining a flea prevention routine for pets are important.
7. Regular Cleaning:
Vacuum carpets regularly, especially in areas where pets spend time. Keeping the environment clean helps prevent flea eggs and larvae from developing.
8. Consulting Professionals:
If the flea infestation is severe or persists despite home treatments, consider consulting professional pest control services. They can assess the situation and provide targeted treatments to eliminate fleas from your home.
Pre-inspection
We go to the property, and our technician will inspect the area whether it’s for internal or external, identify any potential entry points, food and water sources, or harbourage zones that might encourage pest problems.
Identification
Different pests have different behaviours. By identifying the problematic species, pests can be eliminated more efficiently and with the least risk of harm to other organisms. Professional pest management always starts with the correct identification of the pest in question.
Analysis
Once we have identified the pest, we can give advice on how to best maintain the environment long term.
Treatment Selections
We identify and analyse we apply the most efficient products