Fleas are resourceful insects which are difficult to get rid of without professional help. In fact, infestations of any size beyond two or three on a household pet should be left to professionals.
Our flea control Edinburgh team is always on-hand to deliver a decisive blow to any fleas which have found their way into your property.
What are Fleas?
Fleas are external parasites which come in the form of small flightless insects with strong legs providing an impressive ability to leap. Although they feed on a variety of hosts, they typically stick to consuming the blood of mammals, including humans and household pets.
The majority of fleas you are likely to come across in a domestic scenario are around 1.5-3mm long, will horizontally flattened bodies which allow them to pass through hair and fur.
Despite the robust survival capabilities of pupal fleas, which can survive in very harsh conditions until another host comes along, our flea control Edinburgh team will make sure that every last trace of a flea infestation is removed from your home or property.
Common UK Flea Species
Over three-quarters of flea infestations in the UK are the result of one species: the cat flea. This tiny insect cannot tell whether a host is suitable or not before it has bitten it, meaning it will test any and all animals it comes across. Naturally, this includes humans.
Cat fleas tend to be around 3mm long, with flattened bodies and extended legs. If they have not recently fed, then they will be darkish brown in colour.
According to our flea control Edinburgh experts, if they have recently fed, they may have a reddish hue as the crimson blood can be seen through their slightly transparent body.
Although there are many other species of flea, including dog fleas, human fleas, and pig fleas, all of these examples are significantly less common. Additionally, in the absence of their preferred host, they will attempt to bite other mammalian species.
Cat Fleas and Empty Buildings
The biology of fleas allows them to lay dormant in their pupal state through incredibly harsh environments for a considerable amount of time. Upon sensing a nearby host, usually stirred by light, vibrations, and CO2 from your breath, they can spring to life and jump onto a host within 3 seconds.
Our insect control Edinburgh technicians have pointed out that this is why many people are surprised by the presence of many hundreds of fleas after entering a building which has been empty or abandoned.
Flea Bites and Humans
Fleas are not associated with the spread of disease between humans, despite what many people assume. However, their bites come with a host of other problems which mean they need to be addressed.
Firstly, flea bites can range from mild irritation to severe reactions, varying from person to person. Despite the microscopic size of their mandibles, many people will break out in extensive bumps and rashes.
Our flea control Edinburgh team would like to make clear that these are not necessarily dangerous, but they can cause serious discomfort.
Secondly, the social stigma that comes with the small red marks that fleas will leave on human skin can lead to significant distress for anyone who has been bitten. What makes things worse, is that fleas are opportunistic and tend to bite the visible extremities such as ankles and wrists.
Dealing with Fleas
Many people, especially pet owners, will have experience in dealing with a small number of fleas themselves. DIY remedies can be used to deal with a few of the insects on household pets, such as those sold in supermarkets.
However, dealing with an established flea infestation is an entirely different thing which requires a specialist touch. Our flea control Edinburgh technicians have plenty of experience when it comes to dealing with fleas, and all of the necessary equipment to deliver effective results.
By treating your property with a residual insecticide in critical areas where fleas are likely to be taking shelter, or where they have laid their eggs, we will be able to destroy the entire population. It is vital that the infestation is conclusively killed off so that it cannot re-establish itself. This will require multiple visits to your property.
Our flea control Edinburgh technicians will recommend that you do not throw any furniture from your home out while the infestation is present. This will only serve to spread the fleas, giving us more area to cover and potentially spreading the insects to other homes and properties.
Professional flea control
Naturally, time is of the essence when you discover a pest infestation within your property; especially when you are dealing with biting insects. It can be challenging to get comfortable in your home knowing fleas have taken residence, and sleeping can be a serious challenge.
Luckily, our locally-based flea control Edinburgh technicians are only a phone call away and are ready to rid your home of the annoying and distressing creatures.
As mentioned, fleas are talented survivors, and their pupal state can withstand very adverse conditions. Additionally, their small size makes them difficult to track and locate. Nonetheless, our flea control Edinburgh technicians will use their deep understanding of flea biology to address the problem adequately.
Our company is BPCA approved, compliant with all relevant pest control legislation, and environmentally safe and responsible.
Arrange flea control in Edinburgh
For a rapid response to your pest problem from our flea control Edinburgh team, call us today on 0131 322 1291 for a FREE Survey or advice. We also deal with a variety of other insects including cockroaches, wasps and moths.
Alternatively, fill in our contact form, and one of our sales representatives will be in touch as soon as possible.
