Fleas are a common and persistent problem for many households, especially those with pets. These tiny, blood-sucking parasites not only cause discomfort for your pets but can also become a serious nuisance for humans. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need about fleas, including their biology, health risks, and the most effective treatment options available at Jets Pest Control.
What Are Fleas?
Fleas are small, wingless insects known for their ability to jump great distances relative to their size. The most common flea species affecting pets are the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) and the dog flea (Ctenocephalides canis). Both species are highly adaptable and can thrive in various environments, including your home, yard, and on your pets.
Why Are Fleas So Difficult to Control?
Fleas are notoriously difficult to control due to their rapid reproductive cycle and ability to remain dormant in the pupal stage for extended periods. Fleas undergo complete metamorphosis, including egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. The eggs and pupae are remarkably resilient, making it challenging to eliminate an infestation.
Health Risks Associated with Fleas
Fleas are more than just a nuisance—they can pose significant health risks to pets and humans. Flea bites can cause itching, irritation, and allergic reactions, known as flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), in pets and people. Additionally, fleas are vectors for various diseases and parasites, including tapeworms and bacterial infections such as Bartonella (cat scratch disease).
Our Flea Treatment Process
At Jets Pest Control, we offer a thorough and effective flea treatment service designed to tackle flea infestations at all stages of their life cycle. Our treatment process includes internal and external applications to ensure comprehensive coverage.
1. Internal Treatment
We apply a residual insecticide combined with an insect growth regulator (IGR) to all accessible areas within your home, including carpets, rugs, skirting boards, and other potential flea harborage areas. This treatment targets adult fleas and disrupts the life cycle of developing fleas.
2. External Treatment
Our external treatment involves spraying your yard and accessible subfloor soil areas with a powerful insecticide. This treatment provides a quick knockdown of adult fleas and helps to reduce flea populations in the environment. However, the external treatment remains fully effective for up to 30 days due to environmental factors such as UV light and weather conditions.
3. Client Responsibilities
For the treatment to be successful, occupants must take additional steps, including:
- Treating pets with an APVMA-approved flea product.
- Vacuuming carpets and floor areas regularly to collect flea eggs and pupae.
- Washing personal and pet bedding in hot water.
- Implementing other non-chemical Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies.
Pricing and Considerations
Flea Treatment Service: Starting at $550 (including GST). Additional charges may apply for large properties.
No Warranty: Due to the high risk of re-infestation and the resilience of flea eggs and pupae, we do not offer a warranty on flea treatments.
Important Note: Fleas in the egg and pupal stages are impervious to chemical treatments. Flea pupae can remain viable for over a year and may emerge once they detect vibrations or the presence of a potential host. The internal treatment is effective for up to 6 months but will deteriorate over time due to cleaning chemicals. There is also a legal limit on the number of times certain insecticides can be applied each year.
Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions About Fleas
1. How do fleas enter my home?
Fleas often enter homes by hitching a ride on pets, but they can also be brought in on clothing or through infested areas outside. Once inside, they can quickly establish a population.
2. Can fleas survive without a host?
Adult fleas require a host to survive but can live for several days to weeks without feeding. Eggs, larvae, and pupae can survive in the environment much longer, making it challenging to eliminate an infestation.
3. Are flea bites dangerous?
While flea bites are usually just an itchy nuisance, they can cause allergic reactions in some individuals and transmit diseases such as tapeworms and cat scratch disease.
4. How long does a flea infestation last?
A flea infestation can last for months if not treated effectively, as fleas continue reproducing and new adults emerge from pupae. Comprehensive treatment and prevention are essential for breaking the cycle.
5. What should I do if I see fleas after treatment?
Seeing some fleas after treatment is expected as the insecticides work and new adults emerge. Please continue to follow the cleaning and pet treatment protocols. Additional treatments may be necessary if large numbers of fleas are still present.
6. How can I prevent flea infestations?
Regularly treat your pets with flea prevention products, vacuum your home frequently, wash bedding in hot water, and consider professional pest control treatments for ongoing protection.
7. Why is there no warranty for flea treatments?
Flea treatments have a high risk of re-infestation due to the resilience of flea eggs and pupae. Success depends heavily on the occupants’ actions, including pet treatment and regular cleaning.
8. How long does the external flea treatment last?
The external treatment is effective for up to 12 weeks but will deteriorate over time due to UV light and weather conditions. Additional treatments may be needed if adult fleas continue to emerge.
9. Can fleas live on humans?
While fleas prefer animal hosts, they can bite humans and irritate them. However, they do not typically live on humans for extended periods.
10. What should I do if my pet has fleas?
Treat your pet with an APVMA-approved flea product, wash their bedding, and vacuum regularly. Consider professional pest control services to treat your home and yard as well.
Conclusion
Fleas are a persistent and challenging pest, but they can be effectively managed with the right treatment plan and preventive measures. At Jets Pest Control, we provide expert flea treatment services tailored to the unique challenges of flea infestations in Ipswich and Brisbane’s western suburbs. Our treatments are designed to be thorough and effective, ensuring long-term results.
Ready to eliminate fleas from your home? Contact Jets Pest Control today for professional, reliable service. Call us at 1300 566 569 or request a booking online.
