How To Get Rid Of Fleas In The House South Africa
Facts about Fleas
Fleas are common external parasites of both dogs and cats. The adults are ravenous blood-feeders, consuming up to 15 times their body weight in blood per day. Pets initially become infested when adult fleas occurring indoors or outdoors jump on the animal. With the ability to jump vertically up to about 6 inches, the adults can easily hitch a ride onto a passing dog or cat, or even the shoes and pant legs of a human. Pets acquire fleas from kennels, groomers, etc., or from stray dogs, cats or wildlife (especially opossums and raccoons) wandering through the yard. Contrary to popular belief, fleas seldom jump directly from one pet to another.
How To Get Rid Of Fleas In The House South Africa
Insecticide Application – Always read and follow instructions on the container. Many different products are available for home flea treatment. The most effective ones contain ingredients such as permethrin, imidacloprid, or dinotefuran that are lethal to the biting adult stage, and an “insect growth regulator” (e.g., methoprene, pyriproxyfen) that halts development of flea eggs and larvae. Householders will need to consult the “active ingredients” panel on the product label to determine if these are present. Popular consumer brands containing such ingredients include Raid Flea Killer Plus® and Ortho® Home Defense. Professional versions sold online include Precor 2000® Plus Premise Spray, PT Alpine® Flea Insecticide, PT Ultracide® Flea Insecticide, and Nyguard® Plus Flea and Tick Premise Spray. Most householders will find aerosols more convenient to use than liquids. Carpets and other surfaces treated with aerosols also tend to dry more quickly.
Flea Traps – Flea traps utilizing a light and a glue board can be useful in capturing adult fleas and monitoring the status of treatment. The traps will not eliminate an infestation unless used in combination with other methods. One of the most effective flea traps on the market uses an alternating on-off (green) light to simulate the shadow of a passing animal. Research has shown that fleas respond to green light more than other wavelengths. The device, myFleaTrap®, can be purchased online.
Treatment of Yard
Most flea problems can be eliminated by treating the pet and if needed the interior of the home. If pets spend most of their time outdoors, it may also be useful to treat the yard. One way to assess if the yard (or other areas) is flea-infested is to walk the property wearing white athletic socks, pulled high on the leg. If adult fleas are present, they will be seen against the white background of the socks.
Fleas in the Absence of Pets
As mentioned earlier, animals other than pets can harbor fleas. When fleas are infesting a home and no pets are present, raccoons, opossums, skunks or squirrels often are the culprit. A family of raccoons or opossums in the attic or chimney, or a skunk or feral cat living beneath a home can be a cryptic source of fleas entering the living spaces. In such cases, the feral animals should be removed by a nuisance wildlife or pest control professional and the home treated in the manner above.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
How do you get rid of fleas in South Africa?
A good idea may be to run a steam cleaner over the carpet, too. The heat will kill unborn adults in the larva and pupa stage. These steps will get the fleas active and following up the process with a chemical assault is a good one-two punch
Can fleas live in your bed?
Can Fleas Live in Your Bed? These pests infest multiple areas in homes, especially mattresses, cushions, and carpeting. Pets transfer fleas to the beds and furniture where they sleep. From here, the insects quickly spread around the house.
Citronella, eucalyptus, peppermint, tea tree, and rosemary will all naturally repel fleas. If your dog doesn’t mind a spray bottle, dilute a few drops of your chosen essential oil into a 300ml-400ml of water and spray directly onto your dog’s coat.
How long will fleas live in a house?
Fleas prefer to wait and jump onto a passing animal. Once aboard, they remain until they are dislodged or groomed from the animal. Without a host, adult fleas live only a few days to 2 weeks. On short-haired cats and dogs fleas survive an average of 8 days; they live longer on long-haired animals.
Will fleas go away on their own?
Will Fleas Go Away on Their Own? The short answer is no, they won’t! Fleas feed and reproduce on dogs, cats, and other pets with substantial hair, fur, or feathers. They are parasites that need blood hosts to survive, so they will jump around all the potential hosts in your home to find one.
What happens if one flea gets in your house?
Well, if you’ve spotted only one flea, for example on your socks, this is not considered an infestation. Most probably, the vermin attached to your clothes, while you were outside. Only one flea is not enough to infest your house, because it needs both female and male fleas so they can reproduce and lay eggs
What smells attract fleas?
Given that larger animals expel carbon dioxide when they exhale, the scent of CO2 is a great indicator that a potential host is nearby so fleas will follow their noses to the source. Fleas are also attracted to certain other aromas such as the smell of blood.
What can I put on my skin to keep fleas off of me?
You can also use natural flea repellents, including some essential oils, directly on skin. One small, human study found that thyme oil and myrtle oil were more repellent against fleas on people than either permethrin or DEET.
What kills fleas in carpet naturally?
Just take 4 liters of vinegar, 2 liters of water, 500 ml of lemon juice, and 250 ml of witch hazel (a plant-based solution). Stir it up properly. Pour the mixture in a spray bottle. Spray this solution on your carpets, furniture, and beddings.
How long do fleas live in your house?
Fleas prefer to wait and jump onto a passing animal. Once aboard, they remain until they are dislodged or groomed from the animal. Without a host, adult fleas live only a few days to 2 weeks. On short-haired cats and dogs fleas survive an average of 8 days; they live longer on long-haired animals.
What time of day are fleas most active?
Fleas are most active around sunset, and least active at sunrise. At dusk, there’s an increase in movement, egg production, and respiration. Fleas are never completely inactive. They produce eggs and feces through all hours of the day.
Can fleas live in human hair?
First, is it possible for fleas to live in human hair? The short answer is no. There are more than 2000 types of fleas around the globe. However, there is no evidence that these insects can live on the human body or scalp
Where do fleas hide in bedroom?
Fleas in beds can be found hiding between sheets and pillowcases – and in the mattress itself.
Why do fleas jump into soapy water?
Fleas are so light weight that they can bounce right off the surface of the water because the surface tension of the water prevents them from breaking through. Adding the dish soap reduces the surface tension so the fleas slip through and drown.
How do you know when fleas are gone?
You are looking for and fleas that fall or jump off. Once you see one, it is safe to assume there are more. Apply petroleum jelly to the flea comb and brush your dog a second time. If your dog has fleas, they will get stuck to the jelly and you will be able to see them.