A warning has been issued to the public by Ireland’s leading pest control provider to watch out for a particularly pesky pest as we begin to enter the warmer spring and summer months of the year.
Expert pest control specialists at Rentokil have urged the Irish public to be aware of fleas during this period, as this is when the insects generally tend to become more active and multiply in massive numbers as they breed.
The bite from an adult flea can cause itching and discomfort, particularly for animals, so as we enter the most common period of the year for fleas to appear - here is everything you need to know about keeping your home free from the mini blood-sucking creatures.
READ MORE: Rentokil issues pest warning as five counties with most callouts revealed
Where will you most commonly find fleas?
The top four counties which have accounted for the most callouts for fleas from September 2022 until February 2023 were: Waterford (which accounted for 13 per cent of total callouts); Kerry (10 per cent); Dublin (10 per cent); and Cork (4 per cent).
Why are these months the most common to find fleas?
Colm Moore, Area Technical Manager with Rentokil explained: "Fleas will start to become more common over the coming months as their activity increases in warmer temperatures. It is important that members of the public are aware of this and take steps to guard against infestation becoming established."
What are some preventative measures I can take at home?
Steps people can take to help prevent the presence of fleas in their homes include:
- Vacuum your floors and soft furnishings regularly and thoroughly and empty your vacuum cleaner carefully either directly into an outside bin or into a securely sealed bag
- Eliminate clutter on your premises
- Wild animals such as foxes, rabbits, rodents and deer often carry fleas - so when your pets are outside, they can easily pick up these fleas and bring them back therefore, groom your pets regularly with a flea comb and wash pet bedding weekly, ideally at temperature above 50C
- If your pet is scratching or biting its fur, you should talk to your vet. They can recommend the best flea sprays or powders to use to treat your pet
- When moving into a new home inspect carpets and flooring carefully for signs of eggs or ‘flea dirt’. If the previous owners had pets the flea larvae might be waiting for you
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