Fleas

Fleas

Fleas are a common household pest, especially when you or neighbouring properties have pets.

Fleas are approximately 2-10mm in length depending on the species. Their bodies are flat and without wings. They can jump great distances. Fleas can lay dormant for long periods of time and can emerge from the pupal stage due to things like, a change in temperature, a change in humidity or even a slight vibration. The vibrations of a host (potential food source) walking past can be enough to trigger the emergence of the adult flea, enabling it to immediately find a host and begin feeding. After feeding on the host, the female flea is ready to mate and lay eggs. This can prove to be a challenge for homeowners and tenants who move into a home which has had a pre-existing flea infestation that was not properly treated.

Fleas are parasites that feed on the blood of any warm-blooded body. This is how they transfer diseases, as they can transfer hosts between cats, dogs and humans.

Flea bites to most people and pets can just be an irritation, but for others the bites can cause an allergic reaction and cause very uncomfortable irritation and rashes.

One indication of a flea infestation is if your pets are excessively scratching or grooming themselves. The reason they are generally doing this is that they are in discomfort, this discomfort is caused as the adult fleas feed on your pet’s blood. Once this is identified a thorough examination of the pet and its fur should be conducted by the homeowner and / or veterinarian. People can also experience bites which leave behind itchy marks.

What to Do If You Think You Have Fleas in your home or yard

Following these steps will assist in controlling a flea infestation within your home, all steps are equally important and if adhered to will result in elimination of the fleas as quickly as possible.

• Step 1: Inspect your pet, if you suspect they have fleas consult your local vet or pet supply store and treat them as soon as you can (Please use only quality products recommended by your vet or pet store to reduce the risk of failed treatment resulting in re-purchasing).
• Step 2: Ensure that pets bedding and any areas frequented by the pet is thoroughly cleaned (bedding, lounges etc), vacuum rugs, flooring, carpets and even under lounge cushions.
• Step 3: If both of these things are done let the pet return to the affected areas, if the fleas jump on the treated pet and bite they will die. This a good way to bring them out and start the process or treatment. Continue to Vacuum and
• Step 4: Book in a Professional treatment ASAP. SJM can provide the best products and techniques to resolve your issue.

Food for thought

Good quality products aren’t cheap

Cheap products aren’t good quality

When we need to purchase products or services relating to many things in our life, we tend to look for a deal, its drummed into us every day by retailers and marketers everywhere. The products that work the best for fleas on our pests are not cheap, the recommendation from our highly trained vets and even pet supply stores need to be considered. Using cheap products from the supermarket or just putting a flea collar on will not work in the long run. You will end up re purchasing over and over and eventually end up spending more than if it was done correctly the first time.

End of Lease Flea Treatments

Do you rent and have pets? Well, chances are that your lease agreement requires you to have the interior of the property sprayed for Fleas.

SJM Pest Management can provide a quality treatment which will surpass any requirement for any real estate whilst working in conjunction with your carpet cleaner to ensure a smooth transition.

Simply call and let us know the location and details of your house (e.g 3 bedrooms, double garage etc) and we can give you a firm quote. We can arrange to meet you or an agent on site to complete the job.

We will submit the necessary paperwork to your property manager on your behalf as well as notifying you of completion.

We all know what a stressful time moving housed can be, so we are here to ensure that when we do our bit it is flawless and helps reduce your stress.