Are you experiencing numerous irritating bites that worsen when they are scratched? Or noticed a sweet, sickly odour around your premises? Then call TDC Pest Control today. With over ten years experience in pest control management, TDC Pest Control have developed a reputation for excellence and professionalism. Whether you have an infestation in your home or commercial property, our locally based Cornwall pest controllers cover Saltash and throughout the Cornwall postcode. Our fully qualified pest controllers will ensure your pest problem is resolved quickly and efficiently, all whilst being safe and discreet.
Every member of the TDC Pest Control, controller team, is fully certified and highly skilled in all methods of fumigation, poison and insecticide handling as well as extermination. If you have a pest problem that needs a professional, then call TDC Pest Control today on: 0800 987 0109
TDC Pest Control have a dedicated hotline for any pest related problem. Our fully trained and knowledgeable operator team are available to help resolve your pest dilemma any time, 24 hours a day*, 365 days* a year. If you have an emergency pest problem, our experienced pest controllers can be with you within just 30-90* minutes.
TDC Pest Control specialise in all types of pest management, including, but not restricted by:
- Cluster fly control
- Bed bug extermination
- Ant pest control
- Moth infestation
- Beetle treatment
- Rodent control
- Flea fumigation
TDC Pest Control: Bed Bugs & Fleas
If you suspect you may have an infestation in your property, we can help. We have included some helpful tips and information about just some of the pests our expert controllers treat, and how to recognise the signs of an infestation.
Bed Bugs: What are they and what do they do?
Bed bugs are small, oval parasites that feed on human blood. Aptly named, bed bugs live around the seams of mattresses and headboards. However, these pests can also live in small, dark spaces; this includes the back of furniture, a chest of drawers and even a crack in the wall. The reddish-brown insect measures at around 5mm in length and can leave bites all over the body, in which can cause great irritation, escalating when scratched.
Identifying a Bed bug infestation
There are a few tell-tale signs of identifying a bed bug infestation in your home, including the following:
- Bites – If you are regularly finding yourself covered with small, red marks and they swell or itch when scratched, it is likely you have a bed bug infestation, as these pests feed on sedentary or sleeping humans.
- Checking your mattress and headboard – It is important to check your mattress, headboard and bed frames thoroughly for signs of both the small, black bugs and their eggs. Bed bugs often leave behind small, black traces in which can be identified as faeces, or sometimes rust-coloured stains are left on mattress tags and seams.
- Sweet odours – When there is a large colony of bed bugs, they will tend to emit a sickly sweet almond smell. Bed bugs produce these chemicals in which help them to communicate, thus leaving an odour. It is important to note however, that not everyone will be able to notice the smell, and a sweet odour is dependent on a particularly large infestation present.
- Eggs and exoskeletons – Bed bugs have an outer shell that they shed and leave behind. If you see shell-like remains on your mattress, this can be a strong indication you are suffering from a bed bug infestation. There can also be eggs present in which female bed bugs lay in small crevices. These appear to be white and oval shaped, and can be difficult to spot considering bed bugs measure at approximately 5-7 millimetres.
Fleas: What are they and what do they do?
Fleas are parasitic insects that feed on blood. Measuring at approximately 1-3mm in length and reddish brown to black in colour; they have six long legs which enable them to jump great distances, leaving bites on humans and other mammals, including household pets. Their bodies are flat without wings and completely covered in hair, allowing for quick movement and the ability to root themselves to the host with ease.
What is the life cycle of a flea?
Measuring at just 0.5mm, fleas start their life as eggs living on your pets’ hair coat, hatching within 2-5 days. After hatching, these eggs then begin to form a larvae, beginning life at around 1-2mm long. Larvae feed off flea dirt and debris in the environment, and are hardly seen. Larvae eventually spin cocoons within the carpet fibres for pupation. Pupae can lie dormant for up to 12 months before re-emerging and infesting your household pet. They are stimulated to emerge as adult fleas from components such as vibration, an increase in temperature or carbon dioxide. Most commonly, fleas emerge from 1-4 weeks, and can begin feeding within hours of finding a cat or dog. However, the flea can only survive a short time without feeding if it is dislodged from its host.
How can I tell if I have a flea infestation?
Some of the most effective ways to identify a flea infestation in your home or commercial property can include:
- Experiencing numerous flea bites. These are generally below the waist but in severe circumstances can be all over the body.
- Checking your pets for any flea bites on the skin and noticing any eggs present.
- Identifying small, reddish-black bugs around your household or commercial property.
If you suspect you may have a bed bug or flea infestation in your commercial or domestic property, call TDC Pest Control today on: 0800 987 0109. Our expert pest controllers will resolve your pest problem quickly and efficiently.
