Flea treatment in The Hague: how to be sure
A flea is tiny, dark brown and jumps surprisingly far. You will not always spot the fleas themselves, but you will notice the signs:
- Clusters of red, itchy bumps, often on ankles and lower legs.
- A pet that scratches or licks a lot, especially at the base of the tail and the neck.
- Black specks in the coat or basket that turn red on damp kitchen paper: flea dirt.
- Small jumping dots on a light-coloured rug or on white socks.
Getting rid of fleas is about far more than the adults you can see. Most of the population is hidden around the home as eggs, larvae or pupae.
Where the fleas come from
Usually a dog or cat brings them in after a walk or a wander through the garden. The cat flea is the species we come across most, even on dogs. A female lays her eggs on the animal, and they drop onto the floor, into the basket and into the sofa, where they develop into larvae and pupae.
Sometimes there is no pet at all and you still get bitten. Then think of a home where the previous occupant had a cat, or an abandoned bird's nest under the roof tiles or on the balcony. Pupae can wait a long time and hatch as soon as they sense vibration and warmth. That is why people sometimes get lots of bites right after a holiday or a move.
Our approach to flea treatment
A flea treatment only works when the animal and the home are treated at the same time. Your pet goes to the vet for a suitable product; we take care of the house. During the inspection we look at where the animal sleeps and lies, what kind of floors you have and how far the fleas have spread.
We then treat floors, cracks, skirting boards, rugs and upholstered furniture with a professional product that also works on the young stages. We tell you beforehand how long you and your pets need to stay out of the treated rooms and when you can vacuum and mop again. After a few weeks we check together whether new fleas are still appearing.
After treatment: your vacuum cleaner is your best friend
It sounds dull, but vacuuming makes all the difference. It removes eggs and larvae, and the vibration tempts pupae out of their cocoons so they come into contact with the product. Keep it up for a few weeks, even when you think it is over.
- Vacuum daily, including under the sofa, along skirting boards and in the gaps of wooden floors.
- Empty the bag or the dust container outside straight away.
- Wash your pet's bedding and blankets at a high temperature.
- Do not mop everything straight away; ask us when that is fine again.
Preventing fleas in future
A pet that is protected against fleas all year round is far less likely to bring them indoors. Ask your vet which product suits your animal and stick to the schedule, in winter too, because fleas carry on happily in a heated home. Wash the basket regularly and vacuum more often where your pet likes to lie.
Bites, but no pets and no jumping specks, and small spots on the mattress instead? Then it may be bed bugs; read more about bed bug treatment. Mice, wasps or ants? Those are covered by our pest control in The Hague too.
