Rentokil reports surge in calls relating to fleas

PEST control expert Rentokil is advising homeowners to be on the lookout for signs of flea infestation in their homes after a 77 per cent surge in residential flea inquiries for May, June and July 2018, compared to the same period last year.

Wicklow was the fourth most affected county and accounted for ten per cent of Rentokil’s call-outs related to flea infestations during that period. Dublin homeowners were the most affected at 39 per cent.

The wingless bloodsuckers thrive in humid conditions and Ireland’s warm and dry summer has provided ideal breeding conditions for fleas.

Fleas typically live outdoors but attach themselves to pets or people – in particular, those who have come into contact with wildlife, such as foxes, rabbits, rodents or deer – and are then carried into homes by the host.

The most common indication of a flea issue is a bite or skin irritation.

Fleas most often bite people around the ankles and legs. The bites are felt immediately and can be sore for as much as a week.

Fleas can also cause allergic reactions to sensitive individuals, transmit tapeworm and, in very rare cases, even transmit serious diseases.

It can be incredibly hard to detect fleas as they are barely visible to the naked eye and they hide deep in the fibres of carpets and furniture. When active, a small flea problem can escalate very quickly as they breed rapidly.