AGL asked 6 years ago
hello, Found your website can you seem to know your stuff about fleas. Was wondering if you could help me.
I have had fleas in my home for about 2 months now, I have a pet cat and he has been treated. but I still have fleas in my home. I have wash and hoover the carpets and sofa’s but still was getting bit a lot so we got a a professional flea treatment from the council. He did the whole house 9 days ago now but am still getting bit. I got bite 10 times on both my arms altogether just last night.
How long will it take for them all to die off or will I have to get him back out again?? I am going to wait up to 14 days or just after to see if I stop getting bit. I would just like to know if they are dying or are all coming back again as its driving me mad! I got bit 3 times in the first week of him coming out but now just getting bit loads. could you please let me know what you think.
Adam Retzer Staff answered 5 years ago
Hello,
First, I am sorry that I took so long to respond. I am working alone and got overwhelmed with the website.
If your cat and home are properly treated, it will take around 8 weeks for the infestation to end. Sometimes it can take longer, depending on the severity of the infestation.
The cat treatments will kill adults fleas before they have a chance to lay eggs. So there should be no new generation of fleas. However, adults only make up 1-5% of infestations.
The bulk of infestations are eggs, larvae, and pupae living in the environment. Larvae avoid light, and move deep down into the substrate upon hatching, usually the base of carpets. There, many are protected from insecticide treatments and vacuuming. Patience is required for these stages to mature into adults, emerge, and die.
That said, insecticide treatments and vacuuming in homes aren’t completely ineffective techniques. They will kill some of the fleas. And if the spray contained an insect growth regulator (IGR), it will remain active indoors for 7 months. IGRs mimic insect hormones. Exposed eggs and larvae won’t be able to mature into adults. Many of the existing fleas in the environment may be protected, but any new eggs that fall onto the treated surfaces won’t survive. This is good for long-term control and prevention.
With the cat and home properly treated, the infestation should be coming to an end. It just takes a bit of patience. Ensure the cat gets monthly flea treatments until the infestation is over for certain.
In the meantime, applying an insect repellent (e.g. DEET) can help prevent bites.
Let me know if you have further questions.
Warm regards,
Adam
