Just a couple of fleas on a property can multiply to thousands in just four to twelve weeks, depending on the circumstances, the species, food source, etc. The fleas you are likely to encounter in the UK generally thrive on animal blood, but when there isn’t an animal around to suck blood from, fleas do feed from humans as well.
The worst part is that since fleas only survive on blood, they can potentially transmit some of the most dangerous pathogenic, bloodborne diseases from animals to humans. This list includes the bubonic plague, rickettsia typhi, and bacillary angiomatosis.
Therefore, taking all necessary steps to prevent a flea infestation at their rental property should be at the top of every landlord’s priority list. In case there is already an infestation to deal with, then prevention measures will have to take a step back, as the existing fleas must be exterminated first. We will get to that as well, but let’s start with what can be done do to prevent flea infestations in the first place.
Seal, Clean, and Maintain Unoccupied Properties
Rats and mice also carry fleas, alongside most wild and feral mammals. Once it starts to get cold, they will often try to seek shelter inside a vacant house or apartment. Unless an unoccupied rental property has been sealed thoroughly to prevent animal entry, it could end up with multiple infestations.
Sealed entry points must be checked regularly, and the property should be vacuumed every few weeks. Before you use a vacuum to clean the mattresses and carpets, look for droppings, cocoons, eggs, and the fleas themselves.
Call for Pest Control in between Tenants
All rental properties must be fumigated before renting it out to a new tenant. This applies in all instances, which includes, but is not limited to the following:
- When the property is being rented out for the very first time.
- When the property was previously occupied by a tenant or anyone else, including the landlord.
Note that even if the previous occupant did not have a pet, landlords must make sure that the property has been thoroughly checked for pests before letting it out. Some places are more susceptible to flea infestations than others due to their geographical location, and Bristol is one of them.
Calling for pest control in Bristol before renting out any property to a new tenant should be considered as a mandatory step to both exterminate and prevent flea infestations. Landlords, homeowners, tenants, and business owners will find more information about the best pest control in Bristol at the linked site.
Include a No Pets Policy in the Contract
Fleas can be carried into a property by almost any mammal with fur on their body, including pets. In cities and towns, most flea infestations are caused by fleas that feed on common pets such as dogs and cats.
While a no pets policy is seldom a desirable clause to include in the contract, it can certainly lower the chances of a flea infestation significantly. As an alternative, you could include a clause that holds the tenant liable for pest control expenses if the fleas came from their pet.
Take these steps to prevent a flea infestation from becoming a major problem in your property.
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