Yes, pest control kills fleas. Professional pest control services use targeted treatments that eliminate fleas at all stages of their life cycle—adult fleas, larvae, and eggs.
Unlike DIY solutions, pest control ensures thorough coverage and long-lasting results, providing a comprehensive solution to flea infestations.
Keep reading to learn how pest control tackles fleas and how it can help you keep your home flea-free.
Understanding Fleas and Their Impact
Fleas are external parasites that typically infest pets, but they can also live in your home for extended periods. They are incredibly resilient creatures, capable of hiding in carpets, furniture, and bedding.
Not only do fleas cause irritating bites, but they also pose health risks to both pets and humans, including:
- Skin irritations: Flea bites often cause itching and redness, leading to discomfort and potential secondary infections.
- Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD): Some pets can develop allergies to flea saliva, leading to severe itching, hair loss, and scabbing.
- Transmission of diseases: Fleas can carry diseases such as the plague and murine typhus, potentially spreading these to pets or humans.
- Tapeworms: Fleas are known to transmit tapeworms to pets that ingest infected fleas during grooming.
Understanding the impact of fleas emphasizes the importance of effective control and eradication methods.
How Pest Control Services Tackle Flea Infestations
Professional pest control services utilize a combination of treatments, techniques, and expertise to eliminate fleas from your home. Here’s how they typically approach flea infestations:
Thorough Inspection
Before any treatment begins, a professional pest control technician will thoroughly inspect your home, focusing on areas where fleas are most likely to hide.
This includes carpets, rugs, upholstery, pet bedding, cracks, crevices, and your pet’s favorite resting spots. The technician will assess the severity of the infestation and determine the most effective treatment plan.
Targeted Treatment
Once the infestation is identified, pest control companies use specialized insecticides or pest control solutions designed specifically for fleas.
These treatments target both adult fleas and their larvae, ensuring that all stages of the flea life cycle are eliminated. Professional-grade solutions often have longer-lasting effects than over-the-counter products.
Common treatments include:
- Residual sprays: These sprays create a barrier on surfaces that kill fleas on contact and continue to work for weeks.
- Fumigation or fogging: This method involves the use of fumigants that fill a room or area, reaching places that are difficult to access.
- Insect growth regulators (IGRs): These chemicals interrupt the flea life cycle by preventing larvae from maturing or reproducing.
Pet Treatment
In many cases, pest control companies also recommend treating your pets for fleas simultaneously. This may include the application of flea treatments to your pet, like topical medications or oral treatments, to prevent fleas from re-infesting your home.
Coordinating pest control efforts inside and outside your home can significantly reduce the likelihood of re-infestation.
Follow-Up Treatments
Fleas can be tricky to get rid of entirely in one treatment, as some eggs may hatch after the initial treatment. Professional pest control companies often schedule follow-up visits to ensure all fleas are eradicated.
During these visits, the technician may reapply treatments or conduct additional inspections to catch any lingering fleas.
DIY Flea Control vs. Professional Pest Control
Many homeowners try to tackle flea infestations on their own, using products like flea sprays, powders, and foggers. While these methods may offer temporary relief, they often fail to eliminate fleas entirely. DIY solutions tend to:
- Only target adult fleas, leaving larvae and eggs behind to hatch and continue the cycle.
- Be less effective in reaching hidden areas where fleas are most likely to thrive, such as inside furniture, under carpets, and in cracks.
- Require multiple applications to be effective, leading to more time and effort.
On the other hand, professional pest control services:
- Offer comprehensive treatments that address all stages of the flea life cycle.
- Use powerful, long-lasting solutions that ensure more thorough coverage.
- Provide follow-up visits and expert advice on how to prevent future infestations.
While DIY methods may be a quick fix, they are less reliable in ensuring complete flea eradication. Professional pest control, with its tailored solutions and expertise, is often the more effective choice for dealing with a flea infestation.
Preventing Fleas from Reinfesting Your Home
Once the fleas are eliminated, it’s important to take steps to prevent future infestations. Pest control professionals may provide additional advice on flea prevention, such as:
- Regular pet treatments: Ensure that your pets are treated with effective flea prevention products regularly, as this is the primary source of fleas in most households.
- Vacuuming and cleaning: Regularly vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstery to remove any flea eggs or larvae that may have been missed during treatment. Be sure to dispose of the vacuum bag immediately after use.
- Pet bedding: Wash your pet’s bedding, toys, and grooming tools frequently to remove any flea eggs or larvae.
- Yard treatment: Fleas can also thrive outdoors, particularly in shaded, moist areas. Treat your yard to eliminate fleas in outdoor spaces.
By maintaining a clean environment and following preventive measures, you can reduce the likelihood of fleas returning after pest control treatment.
Common Myths about Fleas and Pest Control
There are many misconceptions about fleas and the methods used to control them. It’s important to address these myths to ensure you’re using the most effective and accurate approach to managing a flea infestation in your home.
Myth 1: Fleas Only Affect Pets
While fleas are most commonly associated with pets, they can also infest your home and humans. Fleas are opportunistic and will feed on anyone available, not just animals.
Even if you don’t have pets, fleas can still be a problem in homes, especially if they are brought in by other animals or pests.
Myth 2: Fleas Can Be Easily Eliminated with Store-Bought Products
Over-the-counter flea treatments like sprays and powders can provide temporary relief, but they are often not enough to completely eliminate a flea infestation.
These products tend to target only adult fleas, leaving behind eggs and larvae that can hatch later and restart the infestation cycle. Professional pest control ensures a comprehensive solution by addressing all stages of the flea life cycle.
Myth 3: If You Don’t See Fleas, You Don’t Have Them
Fleas are small and elusive, making them difficult to spot. Just because you don’t see fleas jumping around doesn’t mean they aren’t present.
Fleas often hide in carpets, pet bedding, cracks, and furniture, and their eggs can be difficult to spot with the naked eye. You may notice other signs of fleas, like flea dirt (small black specks) or your pet scratching excessively.
Myth 4: Fleas Only Live on Pets
While fleas prefer to live on pets, they can also reside in other areas of your home. They tend to live in carpets, rugs, and cracks in floors, waiting to hop onto a host.
Fleas can survive for weeks without feeding, so they can be present in your home long after you’ve treated your pet.
Myth 5: Fleas Are Only a Seasonal Issue
Fleas are often seen as a warm-weather pest, but they can be a problem year-round, particularly in homes with pets. Fleas thrive in warm, humid environments, but they can still survive in indoor areas during colder months. Regular flea prevention is important regardless of the season.
Cost of Pest Control for Fleas
The cost of pest control for fleas can vary depending on several factors, including the size of your home, the severity of the infestation, and the type of treatment required. Below is a pricing chart to help you estimate the cost based on the size of your property.
Flea Treatment Cost Breakdown (NZD)
| Property Size (sqm) | Cost (NZD) |
|---|---|
| 50–80 sqm | $99 |
| 81–120 sqm | $109 |
| 121–180 sqm | $119 |
| 181–220 sqm | $139 |
| 221–290 sqm | $159 |
| 291–350 sqm | $199 |
| 351–450 sqm | $209 |
| 451–550 sqm | $239 |
| 550+ sqm | $259+ (dependent on size & access) |
Factors Affecting Flea Control Costs
- Size of the Area
The larger the area that needs to be treated, the higher the cost. Pest control companies typically charge by the square footage of your home. - Severity of Infestation
If your flea infestation is extensive, it may require more intensive treatments or multiple visits, which will increase the total cost. - Type of Treatment
Treatments like basic sprays or foggers may be less expensive, while more specialized solutions like insect growth regulators (IGRs) or fumigation can raise the price. - Follow-Up Treatments
Flea control often requires multiple visits to ensure all fleas, eggs, and larvae are eradicated. Follow-up treatments may be included in package deals, which can help save costs in the long run.
How to Prepare Your Home for Pest Control
Proper preparation before pest control treatment is essential to ensure the success of the service and to keep your home safe. Here are the steps you should take to get ready for professional flea treatment:
1. Clear the Area
Move furniture away from walls and clear any obstacles around the areas being treated. Fleas tend to hide in cracks, crevices, and under furniture, so make sure the pest control technician has access to these areas.
2. Vacuum Thoroughly
Vacuuming is crucial before the pest control technician arrives. It helps remove fleas, eggs, and larvae from carpets, rugs, and furniture. Vacuuming will also loosen any debris that could obstruct the treatment. Be sure to dispose of the vacuum bag immediately after use to prevent re-infestation.
3. Wash Pet Bedding and Toys
Fleas often reside in your pet’s bedding and toys. Wash these items thoroughly before and after the pest control treatment. Consider using hot water to kill any flea eggs or larvae that may be present.
4. Treat Pets for Fleas
It’s essential to treat your pets with flea treatments (e.g., topical treatments, oral medications, or flea collars) before or at the same time as pest control. If pets are not treated, they can reintroduce fleas into your home after the pest control treatment is done.
5. Remove or Cover Food Items
Remove any food, dishes, or pet food from areas being treated to avoid contamination from the chemicals used during treatment. If you can’t remove food, cover it well to protect it.
6. Inform the Pest Control Technician of Sensitive Areas
If you have specific areas of concern, such as allergies or special items that require extra care, be sure to inform your pest control technician. This way, they can tailor the treatment to suit your needs and ensure the safety of your home.
7. Pet and Family Safety
If you have pets or small children, make sure they are kept away from the treated areas during and after the treatment. Most pest control treatments require a few hours to dry and become safe for re-entry.
8. Post-Treatment Care
After the treatment, avoid cleaning the treated areas for at least 2 weeks to allow the solution to work. This will give the insecticides or growth regulators time to reach all stages of the flea life cycle. Additionally, regularly vacuum and clean pet bedding to keep your home flea-free.
Conclusion: The Effectiveness of Pest Control for Fleas
In summary, professional pest control services can effectively eliminate fleas from your home. By using targeted treatments and addressing all stages of the flea life cycle, pest control experts ensure that your home is flea-free and safe from re-infestation.
While DIY methods may offer temporary relief, professional pest control services provide a more thorough, long-term solution.
If you’re dealing with a flea infestation, don’t hesitate to contact a professional pest control service for help. They can provide the expertise, equipment, and treatments needed to restore comfort and health to your home.
Keep your home flea-free and enjoy peace of mind knowing that you’ve taken the right steps to protect your home and family.
FAQs
How long does it take for pest control to eliminate fleas?
The time it takes for pest control to eliminate fleas varies depending on the severity of the infestation. Typically, you may see results within a few days to a couple of weeks.
Can pest control kill fleas in all areas of my home?
Yes, pest control treatments can target all areas of your home, including hidden places where fleas tend to hide, such as carpets, upholstery, and cracks.
How often should I treat my pets for fleas?
It’s important to treat your pets regularly with flea prevention treatments, especially during peak flea seasons. Consult your veterinarian for recommendations based on your pet’s needs.
Is it safe for my pets and family members to stay in the home after treatment?
Pest control companies use pet-safe, environmentally-friendly treatments. However, it’s best to follow any safety guidelines provided by your pest control technician to ensure your family’s safety.
Does Pest Control Kill Fleas
Yes, pest control effectively kills fleas.
