Pests and Nuisance

Fleas are small (pinhead) sized laterally compressed insects that are light brown to black in colour that often appear to 'vanish' if caught as they escape by jumping. Flea bites will be seen as a tiny dark red spot surrounded by a reddened area. The bite will remain irritating for one or two days. All fleas live on warm-blooded animals and although they have a preferred host, they will feed from others if their preferred host is removed.

What may cause an infestation?

Most often fleas are brought indoors by a primary host (cat or dog) - but local bird nests or hedgehogs may produce an infestation.

Fleas usually feed on the primary host and lay eggs which, if still on the host fall off as they are not sticky. If pets sleep on furniture, run up and down stairs etc. then eggs can occur in places that are not vacuumed. The vacuum cleaner incidentally, is one of the best pesticides but must be emptied after use.

What treatment is available?

Pesticide use may be necessary where a house that previously held animals, particularly cats, has been left empty for some time. A great number of fleas may then exist as pupae waiting for vibrations to cause a hatch.

We offer a chargeable service for treatment of fleas on both residential and commercial premises.

How do I control a reoccurrence of fleas after treatment?

Following on from a treatment, vacuum once a fortnight, paying particular attention to behind settee cushions, skirting edges, under chairs etc. Put the vacuum cleaner bag in the outside bin immediately.

Generally, cylinder type vacuum cleaners have more suction than uprights with attachments.

Small flea infestations usually go unnoticed as the fleas bite the primary host and good housekeeping (vacuuming), prevents serious infestation.

Check your pets for fleas and treat if necessary, either with a pesticide or a flea comb.

Even slight infestations may become noticeable when:

• The animal is treated. Many pesticides are also repellents and fleas look elsewhere for their meal.
• The house is empty following holiday's etc. hungry fleas and a pupa hatch may spoil your return home. 
• The primary host (cat or dog) dies.
  

In all flea problems the vacuum cleaner should be the preffered option (except possibly vacant houses).

If you require further information, or require treatment please contact the environmental health department on 01200 414464. Prior to treatment by the Council, clearing of furniture from the edges of the room and other similar activities may be required.

Charges for the control of all insects excluding cockroaches and bedbugs

Domestic £40.00 inc vat
Pensionable age £20.00 inc. Vat
Receipt of relevant Benefit £20.00 inc Vat
Commercial £40:00 per hour + £40.00 part thereof inc Vat.

Missed appointments will be charged £25.00