Rocio Riden asked 5 years ago
We moved into a house at the beginning of July 2019. I got bit starting that day, but I couldn’t figure out what it was. On the 15th day of living there, I found out it was fleas. The tenant before me had pets, I have no pets. The first treatment was 07/16/2019. The exterminator has been back every 10 days since, because I’m still seeing some. They e been out 4 times at this point. It’s no where near to the level that it was in the beginning, but I still don’t go 2 days without getting a bite or seeing one. I just want to know what to do or how much longer this going to last? They are spraying nyguard plus.
Adam Retzer Staff answered 5 years ago
Rocio,
You shouldn’t need to spray anymore. The Nyguard will last 7 months, preventing any new eggs and larvae from maturing into adults.
You will likely continue seeing fleas here or there for another few weeks. Usually it takes 8 weeks for infestations to go away.
Unfortunately, the insecticide treatments won’t end an infestation immediately. This is because 95-99% of infestations are eggs, larvae, and pupae living in the environment. The larvae seek out dark, protected areas upon hatching. There, they are protected from many control efforts. Time is needed for these young fleas to mature, emerge as adults, and die. However, they should be the last generation since there is no animal host to reproduce on in the home (plus the Nyguard treatments).
Eggs become adults in 17-26 days. However, cocooned adults can elect to enter quiescent state for up to 5 months. Most don’t, but some do. This can make infestations last a while. Heat and pressure are what trigger these cocooned adults to wake up and emerge. Vacuuming is a good way to simulate these host cues.
I hope this helps!
Adam
Rocio
replied 5 years ago Is it normal that I still see one a day or am getting bit still once everyday? Even though they’ve been out 4 times in a month ?
Rocio
replied 5 years ago So it is normal that I still get bit once a day/see one ? Even after almost 6 weeks ?
Adam RetzerIt is somewhat normal, considering new adults may continue emerging for around 8 weeks (and as long as 5 months). However, if you continue seeing fleas daily past 8-10 weeks, then it may be cause for concern.
Rocio
replied 5 years ago Update: I’m on week 9 now and I get bit about once or twice every 2 or 3 days. I’m not sure next week will be any better. Should I be concerned? What do I do ?
Getting bites 9 weeks in isn’t completely out of the norm. However, if you continue to get bites, you may need to get professional pest control to come take a look in person, as your situation may require a more tailored approach.
I’ve had had four professional treatments, had the carpets, couch and mattresses steam cleaned, and bug bombed the house on my own four times. My infestation started on the 26th January 2019 and I’m still fighting it. Considering blow up mattresses and couches right now.