Winter is a demanding time of year not just for pest control technicians in Niagara, Ontario but FLEAS! Fleas have to adapt to the changing climate and the reduced food supply available, and changes in animal behavior, affecting their ability to reproduce.
They tend to be more challenging to see with the naked eye during this time, but it's important not to let your guard down. The presence of a few fleas in the house can turn into an infestation.
When the temperature drops, fleas can enter an idle state called diapause. This is similar to hibernation, except that they are less vulnerable to harsh environmental conditions or insecticides during this time. They will remain this way until they are fully warmed again.
To keep the winter from being more profitable for these parasites, you need to take the proper steps.
First of all, you must rid your house of fleas and their eggs. You can do this by vacuuming and using an insecticide. Make sure to get deep into carpets, rugs, and furniture and give special attention to areas where your animals sleep and rest.
Afterward, seal off any possible entry points for the intruder to come back in. Make sure windows and doors cannot be opened from the outside, and consider using screens when you are letting your animal out for some fresh air.
The best thing to do is start out with suitable materials, so you don't have to use harsh chemicals later on, or worse, put your pet's life in danger by using products not meant for them.
Preventive treatment can be done as early as September, but try not to start right before winter, as the pesticide won't last as long due to the harsher weather conditions. The ideal time is October or November - once this window closes, it will be difficult to treat your house for fleas until the following spring.
You want to start with a higher concentration of pesticide than what you'll need for complete coverage, and the ideal solution is to opt for ready-to-use products that anyone can safely handle.
An aerosol sprayer is recommended because it will allow you to get into hard-to-reach areas such as cracks and crevices.
If you have an infestation, treatment will be more difficult. Ready-to-use products are still recommended, but it's best to use them in conjunction with a fogger for the most significant impact on the population. To get rid of eggs that may already be present in your home, seek out professional help.
Because they are tiny, if you start looking for them early enough, you can prevent a full-blown infestation by using the right products at the right time. You should be looking for “flea dirt”, very dark in color, and you can see it in little piles.
If you see this fecal matter, that's where the larvae are. That would be an infestation if you see them moving around and jumping on your cat or dog.
What if you don't want to get your hands dirty? What if you'd rather hire a professional for getting rid of fleas in the house? Unfortunately, this isn't always such a great idea. Some exterminators will use pesticides that are not safe for your pets or children, and it's best to call around before deciding on one.
Need help with getting rid of fleas this winter? Contact a pest control company in your area now!
Need the pros to treat your home for fleas and other pests? Contact Pest Control Niagara Ontario today!
Pest Control Niagara Ontario is the best choice in your area when you need to treat fleas and other pests in the winter! Contact us today!
We’ve worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, like Truly Nolen pest control, Alpine pest control, and other major service providers.