Rentokil Can See Winter Heating Gets Fleas Hopping!

Nov. 17, 2009 - PRLog -- Rentokil have seen a 30% rise in the number of enquiries about Fleas. Sightings of fleas are likely to have coincided with the start of colder winter nights, when most households switched on their central heating for the first time this year.

According to the experts at Rentokil, flea activity peaks when humans head inside and turn up the temperature during the colder months. Thanks to cosy conditions with pets and people staying indoors and offering a ready meal, fleas are given the perfect environment in which to thrive during winter.

So if you’re reaching for the thermostat, be aware that you could be raising more than just the temperature in your home. Flea cocoons lie dormant during the summer when there are no animals or humans in a house to supply them with food, and can spring to life once we come inside and start moving around the home more regularly.

Savvas Othon, Technical Director at Rentokil, explains what to look out for and how to deal with fleas:

“Fleas are a common problem in homes especially for those with cats and dogs. They are also frequently found when moving into a home that previously had pets, so it’s always worth checking who previously occupied your property.

The parasites can be easily identified; they are brownish-black wingless insects between 1 and 4 mm long with a characteristic jumping movement. Common places for them are around animal bedding, on carpets, in bird nests and the primary concern is the distress that flea bites cause.

Fleas most often bite people around the legs and ankles, usually 2 or 3 bites in a row. The bites are felt immediately and can remain sore for up to a week. Infants are at greater risk of being bitten by fleas particularly when playing on the floor. They also tend to be more sensitive than adults to flea bites. We would advise anyone bitten by fleas to consult a pharmacist for advice and treatment.

With regard to removing fleas from your home, simply vacuuming will not combat the problem, as the fleas jump to avoid the hoover. However, good housekeeping does have a role in preventing them as larvae feed on organic matter in carpets or bedding. Whilst DIY pest control products can be effective, more established flea infestations will require professional treatment.”

For more information about Rentokil's call out service to treat fleas call the national service team on 0800 218 2210 or visit http://www.rentokil.co.uk/residential-customers/household...

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About Rentokil Pest Control
Rentokil offers comprehensive pest control services in 40 countries and supplies Rentokil branded pest control products to industry. The highly regarded Rentokil European Technical Centre continues to introduce leading innovations and effective solutions for pest control with specific emphasis placed on health, safety and protection of the environment. It is one of the market leaders in household pest control worldwide.

Further information, please contact
Natalie Godsell
Brands2Life
0207 592 1200
Natalie.godsell@brands2life.com