Flea treatment in Arnhem: pet and home together
A cat or dog mainly carries adult fleas. Their eggs, however, drop off wherever the animal lies or walks, and that is where larvae and pupae develop: in rugs, between floorboards, in the pet bed and in the sofa. The pupae are well protected and barely affected by any product. They only hatch when they sense vibration or warmth, sometimes long after the treatment.
Our approach takes that into account. We treat the home with a professional product on the floors, along the skirting boards, under furniture and in the places where your pet sleeps. At the same time, you have your pet treated by the vet. Timing the two together breaks the cycle.
How to spot fleas
Fleas are small, dark brown and leap away when you try to catch them. Often you notice their effects before the insects themselves.
- Bites in clusters around the ankles and lower legs that itch badly.
- A pet that scratches, licks or nibbles its coat more than usual.
- Black grains in the fur or basket that turn reddish-brown on damp kitchen roll – flea dirt.
- Tiny jumping dots on a pale rug or a white sock.
Where fleas come from
Most fleas found indoors are cat fleas, which are just as happy on dogs. Pets pick them up in the garden, on a walk or from another animal. You can get them without a pet too: after moving into a home where a cat used to live, or from a bird's nest under the roof tiles or in the gutter. After a long holiday, pupae that have been waiting all that time suddenly hatch as soon as you walk around the house again.
No pet, but bites that appear mainly at night in bed? Then something else may be going on; read more about bed bug treatment.
Before and after treatment: how you can help
Good preparation makes the treatment far more effective, and afterwards it is mainly the vacuum cleaner that decides how quickly you are rid of the last few.
- Beforehand, vacuum all floors, rugs, sofas and the edges along the skirting thoroughly, and empty the bag or canister into the outside bin.
- Wash cushions, throws and the pet bed as hot as the material allows.
- Clear toys and loose items off the floor so we can reach everywhere.
- Don't mop for a while after the treatment, so the product can keep working.
- Keep vacuuming daily; the vibration coaxes the last pupae out.
Preventing fleas in dogs and cats
The best prevention is a pet that is protected all year round. Your vet can advise which product suits your dog or cat. Wash the basket and blankets regularly, and run a flea comb through the coat after a walk in the woods or park.
If you have had bird fleas, first have the species identified: nests of house sparrows and swifts, among others, are protected all year round and may not simply be removed or blocked. With pigeons, an abandoned nest can usually be removed after the breeding season and the opening screened off. For mice, wasps and other unwanted visitors in and around the house, our pest control in Arnhem can help.
