Pest Control

Advice on preventing and dealing with household pests, infestations and common pest problems.

Getting Rid of Fleas Part One: What You Need to Know

15th September 2023

As far as unwanted guests go, fleas are among the least desirable. Not only do they make you feel grubby and have an annoying bite, but they multiply rapidly, which means that if you don’t sort the problem out quickly, you could end up with an infestation on your hands.

Signs of fleas

The first sign of fleas in your home will most probably be noticeable on your pets. You may notice your pets itching and scratching more than normal or that they have red bumps on their skin or balding patches; if this is the case, it is worth taking a closer look. Fleas are up to 4mm long – that is nearly half a centimetre – so they can be seen with the naked eye. Watch out for pale, black and brown dusty debris in your pet’s coat or even on your sofas and carpets – this is flea poo and eggs. If you notice bites or a strange rash on your skin, especially your ankles, it could well be down to fleas. While fleas are extremely annoying, they can actually be dangerous to pets as they suck blood; a serious infection can lead to excess blood loss (watch out for pale gums).

How long do fleas live for?

The average lifespan of a flea can be surprisingly long; anything from two weeks to a year, and in that time they can lay around 1,500 eggs (or 50 a day). A flea will lay eggs in any sheltered area: your pet’s fur, carpet and furnishings, or even long grass. Most flea eggs are laid in the environment, not on your pet. It takes up to three weeks for eggs to hatch, but if the conditions are not ideal, they will lay dormant until it gets warmer. This makes it even harder to spot flea infestations.

Is it easy to get rid of fleas?

Eliminating fleas from your home can be a challenge, particularly if you have a large, carpet-filled house, or the infestation has been allowed to get out of control. Imagine one flea that lays 2,000 eggs in 100 days. Over the next 100 days, those 2,000 “children” will lay another 40,000 eggs between them.

An organised and persistent approach is the best way to get results. Fleas on your pet can be treated immediately, but the wider problem of killing fleas as they hatch and getting rid of any existing and dormant eggs can be more of a challenge. If you are struggling to control the infestation, it may be worth calling a pest control specialist to help you.

Treating your pet for fleas

There are different types of flea treatment, but ideally you want one that doesn’t repel fleas from your pet’s fur, but kills fleas once they are on the pet. This will stop them in their tracks rather than displacing them. Speak to your vet about the best treatment for your needs.

In next week’s instalment, we will talk about how to get rid of fleas in your home and garden. Follow us on Facebook or X to avoid missing it.

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Looking for more pest control advice?

Find clear, practical answers to common pest control questions, helping homeowners understand everyday issues, know what checks they can carry out safely, and when it is best to contact a qualified professional.

How do I know if I have a rat or mouse infestation in my home?

Look for droppings (dark, pellet-shaped, usually along walls or in cupboards), gnaw marks on packaging, wiring, or woodwork, scratching sounds (especially at night) and shredded material used for nests in hidden spots. Dark smear marks along skirting boards are a strong sign of rats, specifically. If you notice any of these, act quickly - rodent populations grow fast and they cause more damage the longer they're left.
Can I get rid of a wasp nest myself or do I need a professional?

For a small, accessible nest in a quiet spot away from foot traffic, a confident DIYer might manage it - but it's worth knowing that wasps can become aggressive when disturbed, and things can escalate quickly if it doesn't go to plan. For anything inside walls, a loft, or an enclosed space, it's really best left to a professional. And if anyone in the household has an allergy to wasp stings, it's definitely a job for an expert rather than something to tackle yourself.
What should I do if I find bed bugs in my home?

Move quickly. Wash and heat-dry all bedding, clothing, and soft furnishings, and bag up what you can't treat immediately. Don't move things between rooms - that's how infestations spread. Over-the-counter treatments rarely deal with a proper infestation. Professional treatment, whether heat or chemical, is far more thorough and reliably gets into the places bed bugs actually hide.
How do pest controllers treat a property and how long does it take?

It depends on the pest. Crawling insects typically get insecticide sprays or gels, rodents are handled with baiting systems, and bed bugs often need heat treatment. Most single-pest treatments take a few hours, but many - rodents especially - need follow-up visits at two to three week intervals to make sure the job's properly done. Your pest controller will discuss the plan upfront and tell you what preparation is needed before they arrive.
How long does it typically take to get rid of a pest infestation?

Timelines vary depending on the pest. Wasp nests are usually dealt with in a single visit, while ants and cockroaches typically need two to three visits over a couple of weeks. Rodents generally require a longer programme - usually four to six weeks with regular bait checks. Bed bugs can take the most time, often needing multiple treatments over several weeks depending on how established the infestation is.
A good pest controller should give you a realistic sense of the timeline upfront, along with a clear picture of what follow-up visits are required.
Can I treat an ant infestation myself or do I need a professional?

For a small trail of ants making their way to a food source, DIY can work well. The key is finding and sealing the entry point, removing whatever's attracting them, and using a gel bait that worker ants carry back to the nest - spraying the ants themselves tends to disperse them without actually tackling the colony. For a larger or more established infestation, especially if ants are appearing throughout the property or inside walls, professional treatment is likely to be more reliably effective. Pharaoh ants are worth a particular mention - if handled incorrectly, the colony can fragment and spread, making the problem harder to resolve.
Are pest control treatments safe for children and pets?

In most cases, yes - once the treated area has dried or cured, which is typically a few hours for sprays. Your pest controller should give you clear instructions on how long to stay out of the treated area. If you have very young children or pets that are particularly sensitive (cats can react badly to some insecticides), mention it before treatment so the right products can be chosen. Gel baits are generally the lower-risk option as they're placed in contained spots rather than sprayed.

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