Signs of Flea/Tick/Mite Infestation?
Check for common signs like flea dirt, eggs and scratching pets to see if you have a flea problem
Call us for a free quote on (852) 2954 6888
Fleas, Ticks and Mites
Fleas and ticks are a common problem at home, especially for those with pets. Even if you do not own any pet, you may still have flea or tick problems if your house was previously occupied by pet owners. Fleas and ticks depend on blood from a host in order to survive hence most usually travelled into the house through pets. Fleas may also be carried on other mammals, such as rabbits and rats.
As parasites, the greatest concern about their presence in your home or business premises comes from their bites. Although their bites are not painful, they can result in an uncomfortable itch or rash. Your pets could also develop allergies to flea saliva which causes severe irritation and itchiness.
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Interesting Facts
There are many species of flea, but most are 2-3mm long and red or brown in colour.
Adult fleas pierce the skin of mammals or birds to feed on blood. However, flea larvae feed on organic matter in carpets or bedding and so high levels of hygiene can slow the life-cycle.
Flea cocoons can remain dormant for two years or more and are awoken by the vibration of footsteps. It is very common for a flea infestation to remain dormant in an empty home but to awaken when people move in.
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Fleas
- Female flea can lay around 2,000 eggs in her lifetime.
- In almost all flea species, the females are larger than the males.
- Female fleas can lay 4-8 eggs after each blood meal.
- Adult fleas can jump about 6" vertically.
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Ticks
- The brown dog tick is the species most often found indoors and is common on dogs.
- Adults are about ⅛” long, and when engorged can expand to ½” long.
- Adult ticks can survive up to 8 months without food or water.
- When a tick found a feeding spot, it grasps the skin, cuts into the surface and then inserts its feeding tube into the skin.
- A single adult female can consume 0.6 mL of blood or more.
- Females can lay up to 5,000 eggs which she places into cracks and crevices. After feeding, they hide in cracks and crevices and can survive for months without food.
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Mites
- Bird mites are tiny parasites typically associated with bird nests. Bird mites will feed on people and their bites can cause tremendous itching.
- When a bird leaves an infested nest, the mites may come inside, where they can infest bedding.
- Clover mites are slightly larger than bird mites and are bright red. They typically enter homes during the fall, sometimes in large numbers, when vegetation dies, but spring invasions may also occur. Clover mites will leave red stains on walls and furnishings if crushed.
Flea and Tick Species & Guides
Rentokil’s Flea/Tick/Mite Treatments
Although fleas do not have wings, they have incredibly powerful elongated legs that allow them to jump long distances and move easily between you and your pets. A successful flea control requires treatment for both your property and pets, if you have them.
At Rentokil, we offer safe and effective treatments for your home or business to ensure complete control of your infestation. For more information, talk to our pest experts at (852) 2954 6888 for your home or business premise.