Flea Control Solution
Professional Flea Treatment
Do you have a flea infestation? Ultimate Pest Control provides a safe and effective, professional flea treatment. Our technicians' service Dublin, Kildare, Wicklow and Leinster. We provide service to residential and commercial customers. Our flea spray for homes and businesses are fast-acting even against the largest infestations.
Flea Spray for Homes, Gardens & Businesses
Flea infestations are common in properties with pets. Especially cats and dogs. However, it is possible to have a flea infestation without ever having a pet. In this case, other pests are typically the source of infestation. Rats, mice, squirrels, foxes, and rabbits all carry fleas. So if you do not have a pet, but have fleas, it is likely the fleas are not the only pests on your property.
Flea infestations need to be treated aggressively. As they are so small it is essential to thoroughly treat an entire property. Any eggs or larvae left behind can trigger a repeat infestation. From May to September, flea infestations are at an all-time high. However, infestations happen year-round. And despite popular belief, an infestation doesn't just occur indoors. Fleas thrive on lawns and in gardens with tall grass or weeds.
Flea Treatment:
- Inspection
- Bespoke Flea Treatment
- Same Day Service
- Preventative Advice
- Pest Control Cleaning & Disinfection Service
- Follow Up Service if necessary
All About Fleas
Fleas are the most common household parasite. A parasite in an organism that lives on or in its host, getting its food from or at the expense of the host.
There are several species of flea. However, the most common is the Dog Flea. Which feeds on the blood of dogs and cats. Although they have been known to bite humans.
Despite popular opinion, fleas can't fly. However, their flat bodies and strong legs allow them to jump up to 6 inches. Which is how they move from host to host.
Adult fleas have a short lifespan – of just 7 – 14 days. However, during that time female fleas lay 40 eggs per day. So an infestation can get out of control fairly fast.
There are four stages in a flea's life cycle. Firstly, the female lays eggs. It takes between 1 and 12 days for the eggs to hatch. Secondly, the larvae hatch. And proceeds to burrow into the upholstery. Thirdly, while burrowing they turn into pupae. Pupae can be dormant for months. It takes warmth and movement from a host to awaken them as fleas. As the adult flea emerges it jumps onto its host.
Species of Fleas in Ireland
The Dog Flea:
- Adults are 1mm to 4mm long
- Brown to black in colour. However, they appear red after a blood feed
- Flattened bodies
- The larvae are off white in colour. They haven't developed legs and they measure 5mm long
- Eggs are roughly half a millimetre long, white and oval-shaped.
Are Fleas Dangerous
Flea infestations are distressing and can be dangerous. Especially to your pets. A flea bite causes severe itching and can lead to skin problems in pets. For example, Flea Allergy Dermatitis. A prolonged flea infestation will cause anaemia in your pet. This is why flea treatment is needed at the first sign of infestation.
Fleas have been known to bite humans. More often than not the bites are just irritating and itchy. However, some humans may be sensitive to fleas and develop an allergic reaction. An allergy can range from minor to severe. While most flea bites can be treated at home, it is important to contact a doctor if a flea bite causes infection or an allergy.
How to Treat a Flea Bite:
- The most important thing to remember is not to scratch. Scratching a flea bite risks infection
- Wash the bite with antiseptic to reduce the risk of infection
- Apply a cold compress to take down any swelling
- Use aloe vera, or calamine lotion to relieve the itching
Spot the Sign of a Flea Infestation
Individual fleas are difficult to notice. As they are so small. So an infestation can go undetected until it becomes really large. This is why we recommend flea treatment at the first sign of infestation. Some signs of a flea infestation include:
- Fleas jumping from carpet to curtains, to pet beds etc.
- Pets scratching and biting their fur excessively
- Black debris in pet fur. This is caused by flea droppings
Can I Prevent a Flea Infestation?
There are preventative measures that can help avoid flea infestation. If you have pets, it is important to use flea preventative treatments year-round. Many pet owners only use preventative treatments in the summer months. However, pets can contract fleas at any time of the year. So year-round prevention is essential.
Regular vacuuming of all carpets and upholstery can remove any eggs or larvae. There are some over the counter flea treatments that can be used on soft furnishings. Using these products regularly helps prevent infestation. We would also recommend a professional flea treatment for households that are prone to infestations. A bi-annual flea spray for homes and gardens can ensure a flea-free environment.
It is also important to keep your lawn mowed and your garden free of tall weeds. Fleas thrive in this environment. And more often than not this is the environment where pets contract fleas.
