Deena_Govender
Our pest expert is the Quality Assurance Manager for Rentokil South Africa and has been with the company for 21 years. Read more
Recent Questions
QUESTION
How do I remove a flea infestation?
I have used the aerosol bombs, not washed the tile sections, but vacuumed judiciously.
I have applied doom to the skirting boards and in the cracks and bombed again.
I live in Zululand. I have one cat and we have very little sand around the house.
Our courtyard jusst has so many that even our domestic lady said that "her legs were brown", when commenting on quantity of fleas.
I cannot afford a Pest Control company to do it so am at a loss as its already costing me.
It seems to be fairly common in Zululand at the moment.
Your advice would help.
Thank You
ANSWER
Dear Terence,
Aerosol bombs and Doom will only kill some of the exposed adult fleas and they do not leave any residues to kill the other stages in the life cycle. One has to apply a residual spray or dust formulation for long term and effective control. The chemical has to be applied properly into the carpets and left for about a week for the best results. It should then be re-applied at regular intervals to ensure complete eradication. Regular vacuuming of the carpets and other areas will also help to remove a lot of the fleas and their food source. The vacuum bag should then be sprayed and then washed or disposed.
The pet cat needs to be treated with appropriate remedies as it may also be the source of the ongoing infestation.
Some home remedies suggested by several people include the use of Borax powder, vinegar, lavender oil (on pets), citrus peels and spray in the infested areas. Several treatments will be needed to control this heavy infestation.
Hope this helps - otherwise call in the professionals.
Good luck.