How to Get Rid of Fleas

What are fleas?

Fleas are flightless parasites that survive by feeding on warm-blooded animals.

In the UK, the majority of pest problems involving fleas are caused by domestic pets such as dogs and cats carrying fleas picked up outside, and back into the home.

However, wild animals such as squirrels, rats, and foxes can also host fleas and if you have been dealing with an infestation of another pest species, fleas may be an unwelcome by-product.

The most common flea species that is found in the UK is the Cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) although Dog flea (Ctenocephalides canis) infestations are also regular culprits of pest problems.

Despite their names, both dog and cat fleas will happily bite any number of different mammals, including humans.

In rare instances, another flea species called the human flea (Pulex irritans) also cause pest control issues.

Appearance

Adult fleas are wingless with an extremely thin body that allows them to move more effectively through the fur of their host.

They are reddish-brown in colour due to their diet of blood and have very powerful back legs, allowing them to jump extremely high.

They also have backwardly directed spines that allow them to grip onto their hosts more efficiently when travelling.

The appearance of the flea does vary between species, but only very slightly, and the differences are virtually indeterminable to the human eye.

The most significant is in terms of size with adult dog fleas being slightly smaller at around 2 mm in size and cat fleas being slightly bigger at around 3 mm.

Due to their tiny size, the appearance of fleas can only really be examined in detail with a microscope.

Lifecycle

Adult fleas live for around 2-3 months on average.

Female fleas in perfect environmental conditions with easy access to a host for a blood meal can live and breed for as long as two years.

The life of a flea is comprised of 4 very distinct stages.

• Egg
• Larvae
• Pupae
• Adults

When laying its eggs, a female flea must first take a blood meal from a host animal.

Eggs

Laying 30-50 eggs every day is thirsty work and females can consume an incredible 15x their own body weight in blood each day to fuel their activities.

They will usually lay eggs on the fur of their host but these eggs can easily fall onto carpets, furniture, and into floorboard cracks when targeting domestic pets.

Larvae

Once they emerge from their egg, larvae will shed their skins several times on the way to pupation.

When grown, they will spin silk cocoons from which they will only emerge once they detect the movement of a host nearby.

Pupae

Pupae make up around 10% of the average flea infestation and refers to the stage of the life cycle where the flea develops within a cocoon.

The length of the pupae stage will vary depending on environmental conditions as the adult flea will not emerge until a possible host is identified nearby.

To identify potential hosts, fleas inside their cocoons will measure vibrations, carbon dioxide levels, and heat in their immediate proximity.

Adult

Once a flea emerges from its cocoon the first and most important task is to find a host.

Fleas consume a huge amount of blood in comparison to their body weight and if they are unable to find a suitable source they won’t survive very long.

Fleas can change dramatically in looks after feeding taking on a lighter and plumper appearance than the flat dark shape they had when emerging from the cocoon.

Why control fleas?

Fleas are not prolific disease spreaders, but their bites can cause extreme irritation to both humans and pets.

Scratching of bites can lead to infection and skin irritation and has also been found to exacerbate symptoms of some respiratory illnesses.

If a large number of fleas are allowed to feed on your pet for a prolonged period, it is possible that they could develop anaemia due to a loss of blood, although their discomfort should raise alarms a long time before this occurs.

How to spot a flea infestation

If you are the owner of a cat, dog, or any other furry pet that spends time in the great outdoors, fleas are a constant threat.

These pests are not exclusive to properties with pets, however, and knowing the common signs to look for can help you catch flea infestations before they get out of control.

If you have spotted that your pet seems to be scratching themselves constantly or have seen black flecks hopping around on your skin this is a pretty clear indication that fleas are present but other signs can be a lot more subtle.

Here are some of the most common indications of a flea infestation:

Scratching

Probably the sign that most people would associate with fleas is excessive scratching by their cat or dog.

Flea bites cause irritation to the skin of both humans and animals and pets will attempt to scratch affected areas in the search for relief.

Of course, your pets will scratch themselves to some extent pretty often anyway but if you notice they are focussed solely on a particular area, or are scratching for an extended period, it is time for a closer examination.

Bald Patches

If your pets are constantly scratching certain areas of their bodies, you may well see bald patches appear as a result of sudden hair loss.

Although hair loss, or alopecia as it is also known, can be caused by pets themselves, it can also be the result of a certain type of flea whose bites actually causes nearby hair to fall out on its own.

Even if it is not being caused by fleas, unexplained hair loss can be a sign of a multitude of different health problems in cats and dogs so a trip to the vet is recommended to get to the root of the issue.

Bites on your own skin

Many people assume that fleas target only their pets, but if you are dealing with a major flea infestation you may find that you also start to look like a tasty snack.

If you find that you have small itchy welts on your ankles and lower legs, fleas could well be the cause.

Those who spend a lot of time around the home barefoot are most susceptible to flea bites which can be identified by a single small puncture point where the bite occurred.

Flea dirt

If you notice tiny dark specks within the fur of your pet or on the carpeted areas of your home, this could be flea dirt, a sure sign that flea treatment is required.

Flea dirt is the name given to flea feces, a combination of blood meal and waste product.

Flea droppings can appear very similar to general household dust or dirt and it is the reddish hue that will give away its true nature.

If you are struggling to tell the difference put some of the specks onto a tissue or white kitchen roll and apply a few drops of water. The red or brown hue will then become more apparent.

Strange pet activity

Fleas will make your pet uncomfortable and although scratching is the most common indication of this, they may also begin acting in an unusual manner.

Even the calmest of family dogs will suddenly restless and unable to sit still.

Any dramatic change in demeanour in your pet is worth a trip to the vet but if you see a rise in fidgeting in particular it is time to get out the flea comb.

Anaemia

Anaemia is a condition that occurs in animals when there is a lack of healthy red blood cells within the body to circulate oxygen.

Fleas are by far the largest cause of anaemia in dogs, especially puppies or smaller dogs with fewer red blood cells than larger breeds.

Flea anaemia is caused when fleas feed on the pet regularly, drinking such a large amount of blood that there are no longer enough red blood cells present to maintain a healthy body.

Symptoms of anaemia in dogs include lethargy, a refusal to eat or exercise, and pale gums.

If you are the owner of a growing puppy, you will know that a lack of energy and desire for food are not exactly common traits, so these signs shouldn’t be too hard to spot.

Whilst anaemia can be a result of fleas it can also be the result of a number of other health conditions, many of which can be extremely serious, so your first step when seeing any of these signs is to visit your local vet.

Flea Eggs

Spotting flea eggs is another reliable way to determine if these jumping critters have infiltrated your home.

Female fleas can lay as many as 50 eggs per day, 20 on average, and given that a flea’s life cycle can see them reach adulthood in just a few weeks, a population can grow incredibly quickly without preventative flea treatments.

A female flea will lay eggs close to a suitable host so that as their young move through their life stages, from egg to larvae to pupae to adult, they have a reliable food source close at hand.

Adult fleas will lay flea eggs on the fur of cats, dogs, and other pets, as well as on pet bedding, carpets, and other soft furnishings.

You may also find them in the cracks between floorboards on hardwood floors where they have fallen as your pet moves around the home.

Unfortunately, if you find flea eggs this is a sign that you could be dealing with a pretty nasty infestation and that professional pest control will probably be required to remove all the fleas from your property.

Physical Sightings

Fleas are small insects, but not invisible, and physically seeing these pests in action is the best way of identifying fleas quickly.

Adult fleas are around 3mm in length, flat-bodied, and dark brown.

Your best chance of spotting one is on the fur of your pets or hopping around on your carpet, pet’s bedding, or furniture.

It is important to remember that only around 5% of most flea infestations are made up of adult fleas, with the remaining 95% a combination of eggs, larvae, and pupae.

Don’t assume that your home is free of dog or cat fleas just because you haven’t spotted an adult flea yet.

How to get rid of fleas at home

As with all pest infestations, prevention is better than cure when it comes to dealing with fleas.

Safeguarding your home against fleas using these few simple tips will dramatically reduce the risk of your pets, yourself, and your home being the victim of an infestation.

Flea treatments

Flea infestations stem, almost always, from pets carrying these critters into your home on their fur.

There are a huge variety of pet flea treatments that work to either eradicate fleas or prevent fleas from choosing your pet as a host.

Liquid medications, or spot-on treatments, for example, work as an insecticide to kill fleas attempting to hitch a ride on your cat or dog.

Once applied, the substance will release chemicals around the body by releasing the active ingredient through the sebaceous glands.

Any flea that comes into contact with these oils will become paralysed and die, almost straight away.

These treatments will remain in the hair follicles of your pets for a sustained period and continue releasing these pesticides until they wear off.

The most popular dog and cat flea treatments currently available will remain effective for at least 30 days and often longer.

Flea Shampoo

Flea shampoo works in a similar way to spot-on treatments, coating your beloved pets with active ingredients that kill fleas upon impact.

Apply flea shampoo the same way as you would any other, lathering your pet’s fur before rinsing thoroughly with hot water and drying off, all whilst trying to avoid getting soaked yourself in the meantime!

Be very careful if you choose to use flea shampoos that contain chemical medications as some pets are extremely sensitive to the contents and could have serious side effects such as major allergic reactions or seizures.

For example, some flea treatments that contain the insecticide permethrin are safe for use on dogs but are highly toxic to cats.

If you are at all concerned, consult with your vet or use a shampoo that contains natural ingredients that have a similar effect on fleas.

Essential oils such as cedar and peppermint are fatal to fleas, and can be used as part of both preventive care, fleas will avoid animals with these scents, and remove an existing infestation.

Flea Combs

Combing your cats and dogs on a regular basis with a flea comb is one of the easiest ways to remove these pests in a non-toxic way.

Flea combs, which can be purchased in pet shops and many supermarkets, have extremely finely spaced teeth and will remove fleas at all stages of life, as well as flea dirt.

When using a flea comb, comb in the direction of the fur itself and submerge it in water every few strokes to remove trapped fleas.

To avoid fleas being dislodged and falling onto carpets or bedding, comb your pet in the bathtub or outside your home.

Flea collars

Flea collars are another popular tool for eliminating fleas that target cats and dogs.

There are many different types of flea collars available for purchase, each of which operates in a different way.

Firstly, there are collars that are actually harmless to fleas but do emit a gas that repels them through scent.

Then there are the collars that are fatal to fleas.

Some of these secrete a medication that seeps into the fat layer of your pet and kills fleas that bite them, whilst others spread active ingredients using a dog’s natural skin oils and kill fleas upon contact.

As with spot-on flea treatments, it is worth checking with your vet if you are concerned about any potential allergic reaction that your pet may have to the medications applied by these collars.

Vacuum regularly

Vacuum furniture, carpets, and rugs on a regular basis to remove any fleas that may have entered your home.

When using your vacuum cleaner for this purpose, make sure to empty the vacuum bag outside immediately after you have finished so that fleas do not make a last ditch escape.

Steam cleaning upholstery can also be an effective way to get rid of fleas.

Clean bedding

Fleas are often found on pet beds so make sure to clean these regularly and check for signs of flea activity while doing so.

Wash all of your pet’s bedding, as well as other potentially contaminated fabrics, such as a favourite throw rug, with hot soapy water to eliminate any flea eggs, larvae, or pupae that may be hiding there.

Keep pets away from flea hideouts

There’s little you can do about your pets coming into contact with fleas when you are out for a walk in the local park or they are rummaging through bushes.

There are some common flea hideouts closer to home that you should try to keep them away from, however.

Bear in mind that fleas are parasites and will happily feed on pretty much any mammal you can think of.

They are, therefore, frequently found in areas frequented by wild animals such as rodents, foxes, and badgers.

Try to keep your pets away from any areas that these animals may roam such as crawl spaces and under the shed.

Rabbit hutches, dog kennels, and anywhere else that your pet spends time outside frequently should be treated with flea repellants.

Outdoor cats are probably the hardest pet to keep flea free as they are constantly moving between indoors and outdoors without supervision and you have very little control over where they go.

Before getting a cat that you intend to allow to roam freely, know that the chances that you will have to deal with fleas at some point is very likely, and get ready for some scratched arms when it is time to break out the shampoo or flea comb.

Using plants to deter fleas

One of the simplest and completely natural ways to reduce the likelihood of fleas in your hard is simply to plant a few new plants.

Fragrant herbs are despised by many pest insects, including fleas, and many of these thrive during the warmer months of ‘flea season’.

Some of the most effective plants for this purpose include:

• Mint
• Lavender
• Wormwood
• Catnip
• Citronella
• Sage
• Eucalyptus
• Fleawort

Place these plants around the entrances to your home, in your garden, on the patio, around your foundations, on windowsills, and anywhere else you think fleas may gather.

WARNING – Some plants are highly toxic to animals so make sure never to position them within reach of your pets.

You should also be aware that some of these plant species are invasive and should, therefore, be kept in pots to prevent them from taking over your garden.

Use smell to deter fleas

There is a wide range of chemical insecticides that can be used to keep fleas at bay.

Sometimes, however, natural solutions are enough to deter these pesky insects from targeting your home.

Like with many insect pests, there are certain scents that are despised by fleas, and by spreading these around your home you will create an environment that they will do their best to avoid.

IMPORTANT: One of the more unique factors in treating a flea infestation is that your pets are often the primary target of flea activity. This means that many of the methods that can be used on other insects, such as the DIY spreading of insecticides, are not suitable for tackling a flea infestation due to the harm that they can do to your beloved furry friends.

With that in mind, here are 5 safe and pet friendly scents that can be used to repel fleas:

Mint

Pleasant and refreshing to most humans, fleas are not a fan of mint and will tend to steer clear of areas that smell of it.

Rather than concocting your own mint smelling spray, this would be effective but sprays must be reapplied often to retain their potency, place some mint plants in pots and place them around your home.

This adds some colour to your home, gives off a nice smell, and even helps you out with some home recipes, all whilst repelling fleas and a variety of other insect pests.

Vinegar

Vinegar, and particularly white vinegar, produced a harsh aroma that is disliked by most insects.

Now, a strong smell of vinegar around your home probably isn’t your favourite thing either, but even a small amount that you can barely detect will be extremely harsh for fleas.

Given their acute sense of smell, any vinegar scent around your home will be magnified dramatically for fleas and is a good way to keep them out.

The best way to apply this scent to your home is by combining vinegar with water in a spray bottle and spraying it anywhere you suspect flea activity.

Whilst vinegar will do no harm to your pets, they may not be that fond of it so this approach may be best in pet free home.

Cedar

Cedarwood oil is incredibly effective in repelling fleas and other pest insects.

In fact, unlike the scents mentioned above cedarwood oil not only deters fleas through scent but can be fatal to them and can be used to kill fleas already inside your home, even whilst they are on your pet.

Cedarwood oil will kill adult fleas through suffocation as well as eliminating flea eggs and flea larvae.

Cedarwood oil can be used around and on cats and dogs but make sure you use the correct concentration to avoid irritating your pet’s skin.

The best way to make sure of this is to purchase a pre-formulated product containing cedarwood oil, rather than attempting to concoct your own.

Rosemary

You may have heard the old tale that the scent of rosemary is effective in getting rid of fleas.

There isn’t much, or in fact any, scientific backing for this theory but anecdotal accounts suggest that infusing the air of your garden and home with the aroma does help to keep fleas away.

There are a number of different ways to effectively spread the scent of rosemary or other herbs around your property.

These include:

Soaking cotton wool balls with rosemary oil and leaving them near potential entry points such as on windowsills.
Crush dried rosemary into a powder and sprinkle it around your home.

Avoid applying undiluted rosemary oil onto your pet’s skin as this could cause an allergic reaction, although flea shampoo containing the oil is safe to use in most situations.

Lemons

Fleas dislike the scent of lemon and many shop-bought flea repellents contain an extract called D-limonene that will deter and even kill these nuisance pests.

To make your own homemade lemon spray, thinly slice 2 or 3 lemons into disks and boil them in a pot of water on a high heat for around half an hour.

Once the liquid has cooled, remove the lemon slices and pour into an open spray bottle.

Apply this spray in a similar manner to any other insect repellents close to entry points and anywhere that you suspect flea activity.

It is possible to purchase flea collars for your pets that emit scents such as lemon to deter fleas from settling on their fur.

Professional Flea Control

By far the most effective way to rid your home and your beloved pets of fleas is to use the services of a professional BPCA approved pest controller.

Highly trained and experienced, pest control experts will use their in-depth knowledge of flea behaviour to design the perfect eradication plan for each flea infestation.

Here at Clark Pest Control, we offer the most effective safe treatments currently available to help our domestic and commercial clients keep their properties flea free.

Some of the treatment options that we offer for tackling flea infestations include:

• Heat Treatment – Fleas and their eggs cannot survive in very high temperatures so heating affected areas of carpet, rugs, and furniture can help to eradicate infestations.
• Chemical Fumigation – Spraying or fogging using insecticides will kill active fleas as well as killing any fleas that hatch from their eggs in the near future. As fumigation does not eliminate eggs immediately, a return visit will be required and success, although guaranteed will take lightly longer than with heat treatments.

Get in Touch

If you suspect that you or your pets are suffering from a flea problem, call Clark Pest Control now for expert assistance.

We know just how distressing a flea infestation can be, especially to your beloved pets, and understand that keeping your home free of these biting nuisances is a matter of urgency.

Many of the symptoms of a flea infestation are similar to other biting insects such as bed bugs and proper identification is vital to successful eradication.

All our technicians are highly trained as part of their BPCA accreditation and backed by an industry leading support team.

They will use their experience to quickly identify the pest that is plaguing your property, before designing and implementing a plan to eliminate them.

For more information on any of the pest flea control services that we provide, or to arrange for a survey of your property, get in touch with our expert team now on 0141 280 0339.