Fleas are a year-round problem in Port Coquitlam, particularly in homes with pets. They reproduce rapidly, bite both animals and humans, and can establish large populations in carpets and upholstered furniture within weeks of being introduced. Here’s what you need to know about flea control in Port Coquitlam.
Understanding the Flea Lifecycle
Fleas have a four-stage lifecycle: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Most consumer flea treatments only kill adult fleas — the stage that represents less than 5% of the total flea population in your home at any given time. Eggs, larvae, and pupae in carpets, bedding, and furniture survive and hatch over weeks to months, causing re-infestation after what appears to be a successful treatment.
Signs of a Flea Infestation in Port Coquitlam
Pets scratching excessively and small red bites on ankles and lower legs are the most common signs. You may also see tiny dark specks (flea dirt — dried blood) on pet bedding or light-coloured fabrics. In heavy infestations, you can see fleas jumping on white socks when walking through carpeted areas.
Professional Flea Control
Effective professional flea treatment combines an adulticide to eliminate adult fleas with an insect growth regulator (IGR) that prevents eggs and larvae from developing into reproducing adults. This breaks the lifecycle and prevents the cycle of re-infestation that makes DIY flea treatment so frustrating. Treatment is applied to all carpeted areas, upholstered furniture, pet bedding areas, and along baseboards.
Your pet must be treated by a veterinarian at the same time as the home treatment — treating the environment without treating the pet guarantees re-infestation.
Preparation Before Treatment
Vacuum all carpets and upholstered furniture thoroughly before treatment and dispose of the vacuum bag outside immediately. Wash all pet bedding on the highest heat setting. Clear floors of clutter so the technician can treat all surfaces.
Top Line Pest Control provides professional flea control in Port Coquitlam and across the Lower Mainland. Learn about signs of a flea infestation to confirm you’re dealing with fleas, visit our Coquitlam pest control page for all services, or contact us for same-day service.