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Fight off fleas before heating comes on says BPCA
As cooler nights creep in, fleas could be stimulated into emerging and looking for a host, say experts at
British Pest Control Association (BPCA).
All households can be vulnerable to infestations, and advice is being issued to help keep homes and your pets free of fleas all year around.
As the weather starts to cool fleas become less active, only to be triggered back into activity as soon as the central heating is turned on.
BPCA’s Technical Manager Natalie Bungay explains that ensuring your property and pets are flea-free now can save you having to hunt them down later in the year.
She said: "Finding fleas in your home can be distressing. You're more likely to spot them in the summer, but small infestations that go unchecked can come back to bite you when we feel the need to heat our houses again.
"This is why we're urging people to carry out some very simple checks and measures, right now, to avoid fleas settling in in the first place and to keep them away all year.”
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How to deter fleas
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Make your pet a no-go zone
Work with your vet to find the right treatment for your pet and use it on a regular basis
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Regular brushing and inspection
Brush out your pet's fur after every walk before going inside
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Keep carpets spotless
Regular vacuuming will pick up adult fleas, eggs, larvae and pupae – but make sure the vacuum cleaner or bag is immediately emptied into an outside bin to avoid re-infestation
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Wash bedding regularly
Blankets, towels, beds and even brushes can become a haven for fleas - wash fabrics in the hottest water possible
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Think outside the box
A tidy garden is less likely to host a would-be infestation - mow your lawn, rake up leaves, and pick up any hedge clippings quickly.
Natalie added: "Most of the steps are very simple, it's often about good housekeeping alongside awareness of the issues fleas can cause and the signs they are present in your home.
"However, even the cleanest and tidiest homes can still be infested by fleas, so if you need help, contact a BPCA member who will have the knowledge required to deal with the issue swiftly and safely as well as having access to a range of specialist products that are not available to the public.”
BPCA members are trained, experienced professionals who are regularly assessed to the British Standard in Pest Management BS EN 16636 and endorsed by the Government via the TrustMark quality scheme.
To find a BPCA member visit bpca.org.uk/find
