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UK Floor Cleaning Forum => Carpet Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Graeme Smith on August 19, 2012, 09:11:42 pm

Title: massive flea problem in oxford
Post by: Graeme Smith on August 19, 2012, 09:11:42 pm
Got a friend in oxford with a house leaping with fleas. she has had a pest control company in for 250 quid (and more for follow on visits) to eradicate flea problem which seems to have got worse after coming back from holiday. The treatments carried out have not worked and she is at the end of her tether. Anyone got a good contact for this kind of work in oxford? The area that is the worst is on the wood floors. I have done a bit of work on pest treatments but this seems to be quite severe. Any help would be appreciated.
Title: Re: massive flea problem in oxford
Post by: petermaybury on August 19, 2012, 09:38:18 pm
can you find out from the pest report sheet what insecticide has been used?
Most firms will charge a nominal fee for a retreatment and if that does not work will look at why. The imsecticides take massive investment to get them from r&d to the market place there is no question about their effectiveness. Has your friend been mopping the surfaces after treatment and therefore taking away the insecticide. Have inferior or diy products such as smoke bombs been used?  You can expect an explosion of pupae if the house has been left unattended for a while, but this should be controlled as the insects come into contact with the insecticide that should still be active if not mopped off. There have been times when on floorboards and eggs have dropped into the gaps that early on in my carreer I had problems but experiience teaches you. If your friend wants to disscuss I am happy to advise Peter 07788621555. Or tell them to read the info  www.fleascardiff.co.uk (http://www.fleascardiff.co.uk)

Peter
www.carpetcleanercardiff.com (http://www.carpetcleanercardiff.com)
Title: Re: massive flea problem in oxford
Post by: Paul Moss on August 19, 2012, 10:16:22 pm
It is a big problem at the moment right across the country. I treated a bungalw last week with a major infestation. I had to use two shock treatment ozone machines for two days and then fogged the place with a pesicide to get rid.
Hidden larve can still survive for many days and fleas will be present in small numbers. As long as a growth inhibiting chemical has also been used in the process along with the die chem then they will soon die off.

My local vet told me that this has been the worst year that he has ever known in 30 years of trading for fleas. We have also got a massive mosquito problem due to the amount of rain we have had this summer.
Title: Re: massive flea problem in oxford
Post by: Ian Gourlay on August 20, 2012, 10:07:37 am
Up until now I have always left this to local council , but service is now no longer.

Although Pest Control is a Big area  apparently you do not need a pest control certificate etc ,

I would like to know more about flea control

I was watching I think it was extreme cleaners or something and they apeared to light bombs etc to fog rooms anybody know anything about these.

 I think our Local Council used to charge £60 for fleas anybody know of a good charging structure
Title: Re: massive flea problem in oxford
Post by: james roffey on August 20, 2012, 11:33:38 am
Picked a rug up from a customers house last Friday, wondered why she brought the rug out soon realised when i got it home it was infested with the blighters now my home is crawling with them, sprayed the carpet with M Power as i thought this kills them, this morning i was walking on the carpet with bare feet and they were jimping onto me aahahahahahahhaaaaaaaaaaa bloody things feel like charging the customer to get rid of them.
Title: Re: massive flea problem in oxford
Post by: Jim_77 on August 20, 2012, 12:20:46 pm
Blimey Jim that's a bit off, for the customer to do that without any warning to you.  I would give her a call and very subtly try to work the conversation in to her admitting she knew about the fleas, then whack a load on the bill.

Although I agree with the theory that a colloidal product should kill small insects I await keenly for any solid evidence.  Yes, if you bathed them in it maybe it would be very effective, but spraying a very small amount on a carpet in hope they'll walk in it?  Remain to be convinced

Get yourself some Ficam-W, follow the instructions and it should sort them.

If that happened to me I'd be properly cheesed off, to put it politely.  I'd wrap the rug back up and go dump it on her doorstep, to hell with the job.
Title: Re: massive flea problem in oxford
Post by: james roffey on August 20, 2012, 04:51:42 pm
Been down to petsmart this morning and got a can of something to spray seems to have done the trick feel like putting it on the customers bill though, i spoke to Nick at solutions and he confirmed that M Power does kill the, but takes 24 hours i just could not wait that long just the thought of these things hopping every where makes me itch  >:(
Title: Re: massive flea problem in oxford
Post by: Doug Holloway on August 20, 2012, 05:01:22 pm
Hi Guys

If you want to kill fles you nmeed to use an insecticide.

Jim if your probleems persist I have a very effective one I got from Altec.

Cheers

Doug.

Title: Re: massive flea problem in oxford
Post by: petermaybury on August 20, 2012, 06:53:10 pm
Any responsible supplier should not supply professional use products to unqualified people and rightly so. It is one thing having the tool to do a job and another knowing how to use them. Get trained ! and understand what you are exposing yourself to and what you are exposing yoiur customers to. These are potentially harmfull products do you not think that you should have an understanding of what they are?
As to Ians question about smoke bombs, smoke bombs are permethrin which is an insecticidal dust that is dispersed via a smoke generator they are sold to the diy market and proffessionals use them in voids and hard to reach areas the insecticed doe not have an active time long enought for fleas.
Dusts need to be used reponsibly and there is not enough time for me to instruct on their use. Fical is a dustthat is mixed with a water to disperse it, it then returns to dust again needs to be used responsibly.
Peter

www.carpetcleanercardiff.com (http://www.carpetcleanercardiff.com)
Title: Re: massive flea problem in oxford
Post by: Paul Moss on August 20, 2012, 08:51:33 pm
Peters coments are true, you need to use the correct pesicide to control fleas and i mean control them, the only way to truely kill them is by gas and that is very specialised and costly. Coliods will not do it so dont take in suppliers verb of vibrating them to death as it is marketing BS :-)
Title: Re: massive flea problem in oxford
Post by: wynne jones on August 20, 2012, 09:21:14 pm
Just thinking how lucky we are that customers see a flea on the sofa and call us.

If they saw it on the wallpaper they wouldn't ring a decorator.
Title: Re: massive flea problem in oxford
Post by: james roffey on August 20, 2012, 11:31:34 pm
Hi Guys

If you want to kill fles you nmeed to use an insecticide.

Jim if your probleems persist I have a very effective one I got from Altec.

Cheers

Doug.


Cheers Doug, it seems to have done the trick although it said on the can it was "safe" to use in the home i still put my respirator on while spraying, only taking it off just before i went out for a couple of hours it still took my breath away though, severe infestations should i think be dealt with by the professionals 

Title: Re: massive flea problem in oxford
Post by: Craigp on August 21, 2012, 07:28:20 am
Actually fleas will go in their own as soon as the source is gone (the animal)

They live on them and drink their blood, they don't live humans so will die off without the animal. Though it may take months amittedly.

Regular vaccing helps, and don't leave piles of cloths on the floor.

I had some in my home that had must have come on my work cloths from other people's homes, (i have no pets) they died off after a few months never seen any since.

When our dog died years ago it took about 4 months then we never seen another flea again.
Title: Re: massive flea problem in oxford
Post by: Steve Chapman on August 21, 2012, 08:32:26 am
I always find ultra fresh from chemspec does the trick and cost effective too .

We've had three calls in last 7 days so must be the warm weather bringing them to life .

Steve
Title: Re: massive flea problem in oxford
Post by: Griffus on August 21, 2012, 08:53:53 am
Got a friend in oxford with a house leaping with fleas. she has had a pest control company in for 250 quid (and more for follow on visits) to eradicate flea problem which seems to have got worse after coming back from holiday. The treatments carried out have not worked and she is at the end of her tether. Anyone got a good contact for this kind of work in oxford? The area that is the worst is on the wood floors. I have done a bit of work on pest treatments but this seems to be quite severe. Any help would be appreciated.

I think that in all such cases you can contact your local authority and they'll send someone out without charge.

This may not be the case in all areas but worth a call.

We had a problems many years ago with flour mites and they sorted after several free visits.

They used 'Bayer Pro-Control - Crawling Insect Killer' which I did get to see in action, in a word awesome.

This is it: -

http://www.pestcontroldirect.co.uk/acatalog/____Protector_Crawling_Insect_Killer_Aerosol_400ml.html

Title: Re: massive flea problem in oxford
Post by: peter maybury on August 21, 2012, 11:31:58 pm
Paul
would you like to tell us about your understanding of growth inhibiting hormones in insecticides as I am sure that others on the forum would be interested.

Peter
www.carpetcleanercardiff.com (http://www.carpetcleanercardiff.com)
Title: Re: massive flea problem in oxford
Post by: Paul Moss on August 21, 2012, 11:33:36 pm
No, look it up yourself, lazy git  ::)
Title: Re: massive flea problem in oxford
Post by: Craigp on August 22, 2012, 12:50:46 pm
Hahaha, excellent come back Paul!
 ;D
Title: Re: massive flea problem in oxford
Post by: petermaybury on August 22, 2012, 06:27:11 pm
Do not need to look it up, I was going to ask why you recommend an insecticide with igr or juvenile hormones. Do the growth inhibitors (juvenile hormones) restrict their growth before the insecticide kills them or does the inhibitor kick in after they are dead.
I am using this new fangled stuff called insecticide which kills them, then as if by majic they stop developing.
 ???

Peter
Title: Re: massive flea problem in oxford
Post by: Paul Moss on August 22, 2012, 06:46:45 pm
Peter, the insectrcide will not kill a well concealed pupae that will develope into an adult flea over the next few days /weeks. When you have major infestations as we have at the moment, I am finding that i am going into several thousand flea infested rooms with  a possible several thousand consealed little shell s hidden and ready to hatch over the coming weeks.
You will also find that the house pet will be allowed back in after a short period ( even though it has been traeted with a flea growth inhibtor) and thats why i apply an insectorcide plus a growth inhibitor.

Title: Re: massive flea problem in oxford
Post by: petermaybury on August 23, 2012, 12:41:51 am
Where have you done your training Paul?
A residual insecticide is crucial, regardless of the developement time of the target species. IGR have their use but in a different aspect.
Why are you discussing a subject like this on a carpet cleaning forum do you not think it would be a better option to join a pest control forum where you can talk about the subject responsibly with like minded people?
Peter
Title: Re: massive flea problem in oxford
Post by: Ian Gourlay on August 23, 2012, 10:35:30 am
In my post I was asking if anyone new of any training course that specialized in fleas.

I know you can due a full pest control course and get certificates etc.

I also referred that you do not need certificates , according to a recent Panarama on rat infestation anybody can set themselves up in The Pest Control business

I also said up to now I have always suggested people call local Council but like many Councils are pest control service is no longer.

So there is a genuine opportunity for Carpet Cleaners in Fleas Bed Bugs etc  but best to learn about it and not just by chemicals from suppliers and get a certificate as we do for other forms of cleaning.

Peter you seem to know where did you train?
Title: Re: massive flea problem in oxford
Post by: Neil Williams on August 23, 2012, 01:27:03 pm
Yes, come on Peter enlighten us with who does the industry required training, where and how much.
Title: Re: massive flea problem in oxford
Post by: Paul Moss on August 23, 2012, 07:16:24 pm
Peter im discussing a problem like this on here as YOUR asking all the questions you donut   ::)

My training was with the RIPHH up to consultancy level in lots of hygiene disciplines, I even had my own  training and examination centre up untill 2004  with RIPHH. If you would like to check out my credentials with the Royal Intitute of Public Health then my consultancy/training centre number was 1519.
My training in all took about 5 years starting in 1988. I got to advanced accredited status in 1991, INCLUDING BSc MCIEH

And Peter what training credentials do you have in our industry my friend ?
Title: Re: massive flea problem in oxford
Post by: AC Pressure on August 23, 2012, 07:41:49 pm
Up until now I have always left this to local council , but service is now no longer.

Although Pest Control is a Big area  apparently you do not need a pest control certificate  etc ,

I would like to know more about flea control

I was watching I think it was extreme cleaners or something and they apeared to light bombs etc to fog rooms anybody know anything about these.

 I think our Local Council used to charge £60 for fleas anybody know of a good charging structure

The above is true and that is the problem because everyone thinks they can do the job. Man with a can unqualified uninsured just to earn a few quid.
Title: Re: massive flea problem in oxford
Post by: AC Pressure on August 23, 2012, 07:42:50 pm
It is a big problem at the moment right across the country. I treated a bungalw last week with a major infestation. I had to use two shock treatment ozone machines for two days and then fogged the place with a pesicide to get rid.  Hidden larve can still survive for many days and fleas will be present in small numbers. As long as a growth inhibiting chemical has also been used in the process along with the die chem then they will soon die off.

My local vet told me that this has been the worst year that he has ever known in 30 years of trading for fleas. We have also got a massive mosquito problem due to the amount of rain we have had this summer.

You are joking seems a little over the top to control fleas all you need to do is give the customer the correct advice as regards preperation go in treat with an approved insecticide which also contains an IGR advise customer not to vacuum for 10 to 14 days after treatment and if they have pets tell them to keep up with flea treatments.
Title: Re: massive flea problem in oxford
Post by: Paul Moss on August 23, 2012, 07:54:42 pm
I just love it when people comment on jobs other people have done when they have no knowledge of it    ???

Not over the top at all as this was a major infestation. ::)

You do it your way pal and I will do it the way I feel is correct for the job and the customer. >:(

Title: Re: massive flea problem in oxford
Post by: AC Pressure on August 23, 2012, 10:32:54 pm
I just love it when people comment on jobs other people have done when they have no knowledge of it    ???

Not over the top at all as this was a major infestation. ::)

You do it your way pal and I will do it the way I feel is correct for the job and the customer. >:(



Sorry if you are offended but why would you use shock ozone machines to treat fleas please explain how this works as i do not understand this approach.
Title: Re: massive flea problem in oxford
Post by: AC Pressure on August 24, 2012, 07:22:08 pm
Peters coments are true, you need to use the correct pesicide to control fleas and i mean control them, the only way to truely kill them is by gas and that is very specialised and costly.  Coliods will not do it so dont take in suppliers verb of vibrating them to death as it is marketing BS :-)

Sorry Paul you may be offended again i look forward to the angry face.

Where do you get your ideas from this is a complete load of BS is this what you tell customers so you can charge a fortune to treat. Peter is correct you do need to use the correct pesticide to control fleas however you also need to give the customer the correct advice on what to do before and after treatment. The peticide i use controles and kills them it has a good residual effect as well as an IGR it is proffesional use only. If the customer has pets DE can also be used in the pet beds. this is quite safe.
Title: Re: massive flea problem in oxford
Post by: Paul Moss on August 24, 2012, 07:42:28 pm
Hey im not offened at all  ;D

Not bad for a guy that does pressure washing for a living ;D
Title: Re: massive flea problem in oxford
Post by: Neil Williams on August 24, 2012, 09:27:31 pm
The peticide i use controles and kills them it has a good residual effect as well as an IGR it is proffesional use only. If the customer has pets DE can also be used in the pet beds. this is quite safe.

As Peter has yet again decided not to answer a direct question put to him (he has history for this), perhaps you would be kind enough to tell us what you use, where you get it, any restrictions and do you need any formal training in applying it? If you do need training where you get it?
Title: Re: massive flea problem in oxford
Post by: Paul Moss on August 24, 2012, 10:13:41 pm
Neil, look it up you lazy git  :P ;D
Title: Re: massive flea problem in oxford
Post by: AC Pressure on August 24, 2012, 10:28:24 pm
The peticide i use controles and kills them it has a good residual effect as well as an IGR it is proffesional use only. If the customer has pets DE can also be used in the pet beds. this is quite safe.

As Peter has yet again decided not to answer a direct question put to him (he has history for this), perhaps you would be kind enough to tell us what you use, where you get it, any restrictions and do you need any formal training in applying it? If you do need training where you get it?

Ok to answer your questions.

1) What do i use: Stingray ME
2) Where i get it: Killgerm or SX Environmental
3) Any restrictions: Yes there are restrictions it is a proffesional use pesticide you should not be able to buy it if you are not qualified.
4) Formal training in applying it: Yes you should should have some training in the safe use of pesticides.
5) Where to get training: Killgerm run courses also the BPCA and the NPTA as well as SX Environmental.

Hope this helps.
Title: Re: massive flea problem in oxford
Post by: Neil Williams on August 24, 2012, 10:34:57 pm
AC: Thank you very much for the info.

Paul: Yes I could have found it but I was just proving a point that some people like to offer help/information (Like AC) whilst a few just love to pick holes and tell us what we can't do without offering the information on how we could be able to do something.
Title: Re: massive flea problem in oxford
Post by: AC Pressure on August 24, 2012, 10:35:52 pm
Hey im not offened at all  ;D

Not bad for a guy that does pressure washing for a living ;D

Glad your not offended Paul  ;)

Yes i do pressure washing for a living as an ad on to my Pest Control Business i have the Safe use of pesticides certificate from Killgerm, i hold the RSPH level 2 certificate in pest control and am a member of both Basis Prompt (The Proffessional Pest Controllers Register) and the NPTA (National Pest Technitians Association).

can i take it that you are not going to answer the questions i asked you about your flea treatment.  ;D
Title: Re: massive flea problem in oxford
Post by: Griffus on August 24, 2012, 10:48:30 pm
There are a few hard to deal with pests knocking around the various cleaning forums  :o
Title: Re: massive flea problem in oxford
Post by: Jim_77 on August 25, 2012, 12:52:10 am
I hope after all this confusion that some customers haven't cancelled on Mr Maybury, only to re-book with Mr Moss.... it would be like robbing Peter to pay Paul :-\
Title: Re: massive flea problem in oxford
Post by: dan paton on August 25, 2012, 02:18:31 am
lmfao jim ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: massive flea problem in oxford
Post by: Ian Gourlay on August 25, 2012, 08:37:36 am
Perhaps we should have a pest control section, opps we have the ban button ;D ;D
Title: Re: massive flea problem in oxford
Post by: AshWhite on August 25, 2012, 08:48:36 am
I hope after all this confusion that some customers haven't cancelled on Mr Maybury, only to re-book with Mr Moss.... it would be like robbing Peter to pay Paul :-\

So, Jim..how long have you been waiting for the right thread to use that one?

 :P
Title: Re: massive flea problem in oxford
Post by: Paul Moss on August 25, 2012, 11:33:36 am
 ;D  Ash he gets all his witt from here

www.dingbatcomments.co.uk  ;)
Title: Re: massive flea problem in oxford
Post by: William McCafferty on August 25, 2012, 04:10:36 pm
a couple of years ago my house was badly infected by them, my cat was the carrier, I use different flea sprays and bombs which didnt work, so I tried fly spray, the carpets where vac first them the fly spray was evenly sprayed over the whole carpet, I did this every day for 5 days and the fleas have never come back.
Title: Re: massive flea problem in oxford
Post by: Griffus on August 25, 2012, 05:31:13 pm
a couple of years ago my house was badly infected by them, my cat was the carrier, I use different flea sprays and bombs which didnt work, so I tried fly spray, the carpets where vac first them the fly spray was evenly sprayed over the whole carpet, I did this every day for 5 days and the fleas have never come back.

Probably just went underground, like the French Resistence back in the day  :)