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Affordable Exterminator Services

Early Summer 2019: FLEAS

FLEAS are making a comeback & in a BIG WAY. For many years exterminators were rarely necessary to control fleas, due to the effectiveness of the "Frontline" & "Advantage" products available for use on pets. However, within the last year or so many flea populations have developed resistance to "fipronil", the primary active ingredient in most of these products. As a result, the local flea population has exploded.

PREVENTION: If you own pets, keeping them on the Frontline or Advantage products is still the best preventive method available. However, it is imperative that you are consistent with the application. The way fleas develop resistance is by being exposed to "micro-doses" of the poison; not enough to kill them. Over several life cycles, the offspring will gradually develop more & more resistance. Inconsistent application of these products is what allows the fleas to be exposed to these "micro-doses".

If you bring a new pet home, you should always give them a flea “dip” or shampoo treatment before they are brought into your home. This is one of the most common ways fleas are introduced into the home.

If you live in an area with a lot of trees, foliage and/or wildlife (rabbits, squirrels, etc.) around your home, you should apply insect repellant if you spend a lot of time outside gardening, etc..

TREATMENT: It is always best to have a professional exterminate for your flea problem. Retail foggers & sprays are only marginally effective & rarely will eliminate a heavy flea infestation. If I had a dime for every time someone told me they wished they had called me first, before wasting so much money on "store bought" sprays, I'd be a rich man.

FLEAS: DSPM (dspest.com) treats for fleas using a liquid residual insecticide mixed with an IGR ("Insect Growth Regulator"). We perform a fan spray application to all carpeted areas, hardwood floors w/cracks, some furniture & concrete floors (usually basements & garages) throughout the home. There is some preparation involved on the homeowner's part. Thoroughness in this preparation is crucial to the success of the initial treatment.

The average flea service takes approximately 1 - 1.5 hours to complete.

The base rate for a flea service is $160. This will cover most homes up to about 2000 sq. ft. The size of the home & the amount of carpeted areas in the home are the biggest factors in determining the final price. Outside treatment is usually not advised, but can be performed for an additional charge.

There is a "90 day, half price, re-application" warranty included with all flea services. Due to the life cycle of fleas, it is often necessary to allow up to 4 weeks for the initial service to achieve the desired result. However, if re-applications are requested, we will perform these at half price for up to 90 days from the initial visit. These are often necessary in situations where pets go outside & inside regularly in areas that are wooded & have wildlife ever present.