FLEA EXTERMINATION
Fleas belong to order the Siphonaptera and all feed on blood.
Fleas transfer disease and are famous for killing thousands of humans historically. Fleas live naturally outside in the grass. Fleas can live in a home or business WITHOUT a pet such as cat or dog.
Understanding the Chemical Safety Profile of Flea Control Insecticides
When considering the chemical safety profile of insecticides used for flea control, several crucial factors need attention to ensure safety and effectiveness:
Minimizing Toxicity
It's essential to select insecticides that pose minimal toxicity risks to children and pets. Products should be free from harsh chemicals that can cause harm, especially in households with young children, cats, or other sensitive animals.
Allergen and Chemical Sensitivity
People with allergies, chemical sensitivities, or asthma should look for treatments that are low in allergens and have minimal odors. These individuals need products that don't compromise indoor air quality, reducing the risk of respiratory issues or allergic reactions.
Pets and Specific Tolerances
Pets in particular, have a lower tolerance to certain chemicals compared to humans. Therefore, opting for products specifically formulated to be safe for our pet friends is important to avoid adverse reactions.
In summary, when choosing insecticides for flea control, prioritize low-toxicity, allergen-free, and pet-friendly options to maintain a safe and healthy environment for all household members.
Why Are Residual Effects Important in Flea Control Services?
Residual effects play a crucial role in the success of flea control treatments. While immediate solutions like knockdown chemicals effectively eliminate adult fleas, they don't address the full life cycle of these pests. Flea infestations are often more complex, as they include various stages like eggs and pupae, which can remain dormant before hatching.
Here's why residuals matter:
- Ongoing Protection: Once adult fleas are eradicated, the hatching process of eggs and pupae continues. It can take up to eight weeks for all the eggs to hatch fully. Residual chemicals ensure that these newcomers are promptly dealt with as they emerge.
- Comprehensive Coverage: A proper residual treatment targets all stages of flea development. This approach helps to prevent reinfestation, making sure that any fleas that hatch days or even weeks after the initial treatment are quickly neutralized.
- Sustained Results: Continuous protection means fewer disruptions and the peace of mind that comes with knowing your space remains flea-free over time.
Residual effects of flea control products are essential for providing long-term relief and preventing the cycle of infestation from restarting.
Fleas have four parts to their lifecycle
- Adult flea. This jumps or hops and bites you. We have all seen fleas at some time or another
- The adult lays eggs. Normally around where the host lives
- The Larval stage. Also called maggots these are again around where the host lives. They feed on organic matter e.g. dead skin cells
- The cocoon stage. The flea can stay dormant in this for up to a year, but normally takes two weeks to ripen and then hatch out as an adult flea.
Adult fleas are susceptible to most insecticides including Permethrin found in Hardware shops.
The Cocoon stage is problematic as it protects the flea from insecticides. This is why people let off a flea bomb and then around two weeks later the fleas are back. The cocoon takes two weeks to ripen and that's when the fleas come back again.
The role of an Insect Growth Regulator
Professional pest control companies add to their flea treatment, a insect growth regulator (IGR) to prevent fleas from growing. What this does is stops newly hatched fleas (from the cocoons) being able to grow after their first blood meal. This breaks the life cycle and within the first 4 weeks when all the cocoons have hatched there are no more fleas.
Components of a Fast Knockdown Effect in Flea Control
When considering effective flea control, achieving a rapid knockdown is crucial. This term refers to how swiftly fleas can be eradicated following treatment. A fast knockdown effect is essential for providing immediate relief from irritating flea bites. Here are the components that contribute to a swift knockdown effect in flea control:
- Rapid-Acting Chemicals: The primary component of a fast knockdown effect is the use of chemicals that work quickly to eliminate fleas. These ingredients should target adult fleas immediately upon contact or shortly after application.
- Comprehensive Formula: A well-rounded product should combine various agents that not only kill adult fleas but also disrupt the life cycle by targeting eggs and larvae. This ensures that the flea population is controlled and prevents future infestations. This is why we included an Insect growth regulator as well as fast acting and residual insecticide.
- Effective Application Method: The delivery method of the flea treatment can influence the speed of knockdown. Directional sprayers can distribute chemicals evenly and target specific areas where fleas typically reside, ensuring all fleas come into contact with the treatment.
- Residual Activity: While the immediate goal is a rapid knockdown, it’s also beneficial for the product to have lasting effects to prevent reinfestation. A balance between fast action and residual effectiveness is ideal.
- Environmental Considerations: Fast knockdown treatments should be safe for humans and pets, ensuring that the environment remains healthy while effectively combating fleas.
Understanding these components can help guide the choice of a flea control solution that prioritizes quick and efficient relief from bothersome flea infestations.
Here's a comprehensive look at a professional flea treatment
Professional Flea Control Method
For a thorough approach to flea extermination, consider professional services that cover all bases:
- Flooring Treatment: All types of flooring, including carpets, hard floors, and coverings like rugs and mats, will be treated to ensure fleas have nowhere to hide.
- Time Frame: A typical service for a standard residential home usually takes about one to one and a half hours. Additional time may be necessary for ventilation.
- Safety First: After treatment, a stand-down time of 3 hours is required before re-entry for humans and pets, allowing the spray time to dry.
How Much Does Flea Treatment Cost?
When it comes to treating your home for fleas, costs can vary depending on the type of service you choose. Here's what you can expect to pay:
- Low-Toxicity Options: For those concerned about environmental impact and safety, there are low-toxic alternatives starting around $260 + GST. These options are particularly safe for households with children and do not harm cats.
Exploring both options can help you make an informed decision based on your needs and preferences. Always consider the specific requirements of your household when selecting a flea treatment product.
VIDEO ON FAQS ON FLEAS
FAQS fleas
Q: FLEAS: WHAT PREPARATION IS REQUIRED FOR FLEAS?
A: Please clear the floors (e.g. clothes electronics) and run the vacuum around the house. Please clear under beds. Pick electronics off the floor e.g. laptops modems. Cover or remove electronics e.g. security cameras. Please put food away, cover pet fish and exclude pets. You need to plan to leave the house for 3 hours to let the spray dry.
Q: FLEAS. HOW DO I TREAT MY PET FOR FLEAS?
A: We do not offer any treatments for pets such as cats or dogs. You need to take the advice of your Vet and use their recommended products to treat your pet.
Q: FLEAS: HOW MANY CALLS FOR FLEAS ARE BED BUGS?
A: Bed Bugs are uncommon in Auckland. 1/10 000 calls for fleas are Bed Bugs
Q: FLEAS: DO YOUR FLEA TREATMENTS MAKE THE FLEAS GO AWAY IMMEDIATELY?
A: YES! Our treatments kill all the fleas present in the house/business. However cocoons can hatch out new fleas. We add in an Insect Growth Regulator ( IGR) to the flea spray. The fleas in the cocoons can take up to four weeks to hatch out.
Q: FLEAS: HOW LONG DOES A FLEA TREATMENT TAKE TO WORK?
A: Our treatments kill all the adult fleas in the house or business immediately. Cocoons if present will all hatch out within 4 weeks. During the first four weeks as the freshly hatched fleas from the cocoons take their first meal and you may get a few bites. They then perish when they try to grow. Bites will stop by four weeks.
Q: FLEAS: HOW MANY FLEA TREATMENT CUSTOMERS HAVE A DOG OR CAT?
A: Commonly customers do NOT have a cat or dog. Mostly we don't know where the fleas come from.
Q: FLEAS: DO YOU OFFER FLEA TREATMENTS OUTSIDE OF HOMES/BUSINESSES?
A: No we don’t offer exterior treatments for fleas
Is Another Flea Treatment Needed in Six Weeks?
When tackling a flea infestation, the longevity and effectiveness of your flea control product are key factors. Generally, high-quality flea treatments are designed to remain effective for several months.
However, if the flea problem has been persisting for weeks or even months, it might take longer to break the flea life cycle completely. In such cases, supplementary treatments might be suggested. Performing maintenance sprays six to eight weeks following the initial application could be beneficial, although they're not always necessary.
Ultimately, the need for subsequent treatments can depend on the severity of the infestation and the specifics of the flea control product you're using. Always consult the product guidelines or seek advice from a pest control professional to determine the best course of action for your situation
CLIENT TESTIMONIAL
"ACES Pest Control came out to us on a Sunday to help us with fleas in our house. They gave us very good information about the treatment they would use and what we should expect before and after the treatment. Highly recommend - very reliable."
- Caroline
