Any South Jersey home – even the tidiest – having heat, humidity, carpeting and a pet gives fleas the warmth, shelter, and food they require.
Fleas are among the top economic pests in the U.S and they invade millions of home each year.
Each year 52 million pet owners nationwide spend nearly $500 million on flea control. While killing adult fleas to provide quick relief is a good start, a long-term solution is more desirable as adult fleas comprise only 5% of the flea population, eggs comprise 50%, larvae comprise 35%, and pupae comprise 10%.
Flea control requires conscientious effort on your part for a period of several weeks in coordination with a licensed pest control specialist.
LIFE CYCLE
Fleas feed on animal and human blood as they move from one host to another – for example – from your pet to you. The average life cycle is about 30 days.
Adult fleas enter your home on you or your pet where they lay eggs. The eggs soon fall off throughout your house and are concentrated in areas of the house where your pet spends most of its time.
The eggs hatch in 2-6 days and become worm like larvae. They feed on organic debris. The larvae then spin a cocoon around themselves to enter the pupal state. They may remain in this stage for 2 weeks or more before emerging as new Adults … beginning the cycle again.
PRE-TREATMENT CHECK LIST:
- Clear all floor surfaces, including items on closet floors, under beds, and furniture.
- On the day of the treatment, vacuum your carpets, rugs, drapes and furniture, including under cushions of upholstered furniture. Vacuum wood and tile floors with special attention to grooves and cracks. This will remove any loose flea eggs, pupae, and larvae. Pay special attention to wall/floor junctures and all areas frequented by pets.
- Seal vacuum bag in a plastic bag and dispose outside in a covered receptacle.
- Mop any tile, vinyl or wood flooring after vacuuming.
- Be sure to clean thoroughly all areas frequented by cats, i.e. table tops, window sills, etc.
- Remove pet food and bowls from the floor, remove litter boxes.
- Clean the pet’s bedding the day of the treatment to remove fleas.
- Remove all bedding and launder the day of the treatment in the hottest water the fabrics can tolerate.
- Clean basement and garage floors with soap and water if pet spends time in these areas. Pay particular attention to wall/floor junctures.
- Clean areas around dog houses and other outside areas where pets have access. (Maximum effectiveness of treatment will be achieved if lawn is cut prior to treatment).
- Cover aquariums and turn off air pump (fresh water fish only).
- Close all windows and doors.
- Turn off ceiling fans before treatment, also change your thermostat about 2 degrees just so the a/c-heat will not come on during treatment. This will allow your home to stay comfortable.
DURING TREATMENT:
- Remove all pets during treatment. Do not let pets return home until after treatment dries.
- Pets must be professionally treated or dipped the same day as the flea treatment.
- Leave the house for at least 3 hours or until the sprayed areas are completely dry.
POST TREATMENT:
- Ventilate by opening doors and windows.
- Clean all countertops, tables, pet dishes and any food processing surfaces.
- Turn on aquarium aerators.
- Do NOT clean the carpet or floors with detergents or cleaners for at least two weeks. Doing so can result in removal of the residual effects the chemicals are meant to have on remaining fleas or eggs that may hatch in the next few weeks.
- In 10 to 14 days, place a white cloth on the floor where most of the flea activity was present. If many fleas are noted, please call AB-Con to re-treat these areas.
NOTE: It is common to see a few fleas for up to 2 weeks after treatment. These are adult fleas which are emerging from their cocoons. They should not reproduce and should be killed in a few days after contacting the residual insecticide.
TO AVOID FUTURE INFESTATIONS:
- Be sure to keep your pet(s) on long-term flea control medication, best chosen by your pets’ veterinarian.
- Thoroughly vacuum the home every day for at least two weeks. Be sure to dispose of the bag after each vacuuming in an exterior trash bin.
If you have additional questions about your Flea Treatment – give us a call!