Dog and cat fleas are the most common types of fleas in the UK. While it’s mostly pet owners who get infested, fleas can also be carried in from other animals, such as rabbits, squirrels, foxes and rodents. If you live on a property where the previous owner had infested pets, you can also end up infested.
So, if you:
Keep on reading to learn more about flea exterminator costs in the UK.
Fleas develop fast, growing from larvae to pupae to adults in just 18 to 26 days, depending on the temperature. When mature, a single flea can lay around 25 eggs per day, reaching around 800 by the end of its life. When mature, the offspring will spread by jumping on unsuspecting pets, other animals, or even luggage, and from there, onto you and your close ones.
Fleas should be removed as soon as you spot them, otherwise, you will have a serious infestation in no time. Flea saliva can also cause your pets to develop allergies and you or your family to experience swelling. So those are two more reasons why the pests need to go NOW.
Many people underestimate the threat and try DIY means from the internet, such as salt. They say you should grind it until it becomes powder-like and sprinkle it all over your carpet. That’s where fleas hide the most. In 12 hours, you need to vacuum the salt and throw away the vacuum bag. Borax is an alternative to salt and dehydrates the pests, eventually killing them.
Sometimes DIY flea control methods do work, but only on the fleas you actually manage to see. Usually, there are plenty more in hiding, which come back inevitably and in larger numbers. On the other hand, professional heat treatment or fumigation kills off the pests in all their life stages.
Flea treatment costs in the UK can differ. Flea fumigation costs range between £100 and £200 and sometimes more, depending on different factors. You will become familiar with the factors in just a second.
Proper flea treatment usually requires a second and sometimes a third visit, depending on how severe the infestation is. Each subsequent visit also costs extra, whereas inspections may or may not be included in the price.
To learn more about how much our flea extermination costs, check our flea treatment page.
Professional flea extermination is not cheap, and for a good reason. It’s not about spraying randomly everywhere but spraying the right amount in the right area. Professionals know how to deflea a house because they’re experienced and fully equipped to handle different infestation levels.
The two most common methods for flea eradication are fumigation (chemical spray) and heat treatment.
No pets or children should be present in the room while it’s being treated for fleas, regardless of the method.
Fleas won’t return to your home once removed professionally, however they can be brought back by infested clothing, pets or a neighbour’s apartment. That’s why regular vacuuming and deep cleaning are essential against any potential eggs laid in secret. If any eggs end up on your sofa or in your carpets, you will vacuum them before they have the chance to hatch.
A little earlier, you read that flea removal service costs differ for each company due to different factors. Now, it’s time you learned what those factors are:
Whenever you wonder about the prices of a flea removal service, know this: the longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes. So, don’t wait.
If you see a flee or two, don’t panic. Instead:
Find a professional to take care of your property.
Yes, fleas can live in your bed and will feed on you every time you sleep. Pillows, blankets and bedsheets provide them with plenty of hiding places, while the inside of your mattress is a perfect place for laying eggs.
2 weeks, maybe a little more. It takes around 5 to 10 days for all adult fleas to die from the first fumigation. The second fumigation will finish off any last survivors and newly hatched larvae.
About 48 hours, after which the adults touched by the insecticide will die off, and several days until the ones in hiding reemerge and get in contact with the product.
Only after the first fumigation, but that’s what the second one is for. Fleas can also return either from an infested neighbouring apartment or from your pet carrying them inside after a long day of playing in the grass.
Image source: Vera Larina / Shutterstock.com
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