The most common flea to come across is the cat flea and although named the cat flea they will readily bite dogs and humans too. A flea infestation can be quick to take hold and difficult to get rid of because they are so quick to multiply. 
Fleas lay their eggs mostly in soft furnishings, pet bedding, carpets and furniture, a flea egg can lay dormant for many months so just because you don’t have a pet doesn’t mean that you can’t get a flea infestation.

Signs that you might have a flea problem in your home.

• Your pet is scratching or riffing more than usual, can be a good first clue that something might be lurking on their coat even if you have treated them with a flea treatment do not discount this.

• You might notice tiny little things “jump” from soft furnishings or furniture.

• Bites on your legs and around your feet, though this is not a guarantee of fleas as sometimes you can be bitten on your upper body if you have been holding your pet.

Flea infestations can exist at anytime throughout the year because we have centrally heated homes, however they are far more comfortable in the heat so during the summer infestations can quickly grow and become a problem.

When it comes to any insect infestation, a correct identification is essential to gaining control and carrying out treatment, if you are in any doubt always ask for a professional opinion.

They are very small in size, only about 3mm so can be tricky to see. An adult can lay up to 50 eggs per day!

Facts about fleas

• They can jump significantly far compared to their size, around a hundred times the length of their body.  This allows them to move between hosts as they are unable to fly.

• They have claws at the end of their legs allowing them to hold on to our pets without being knocked or scratched off.

• They have hard shells enabling them to remain protected from attempts to be displaced from a host.

• Fleas have six legs but the two back legs are a distinguishing feature often visible.

Are there any ways to prevent a flea infestation?

• As mentioned just because you haven’t got a pet doesn’t mean you can’t have a flea infestation, dormant eggs can be transferred on clothing and furniture, or even be in a house before you move in, "waking up” when they hear the vibrations of sounds we make.

• Vacuuming regularly all carpets, pet bedding, soft furnishings can be a good way to clean up any unhatched eggs that may have simply been transferred before hatching.

• Washing all soft furnishings and pet bedding regularly can be a good preventative tool.

• Keeping your pet up to date with any flea treatments your vet recommends.

• Checking your pets coat regularly for any signs of eggs or fleas.

What to expect from a flea treatment?

• It is a good idea to thoroughly vacuum the house on the day of treatment, remember to place the contents of the vacuum directly into a bin and leave the vacuum to be treated along with the rest of the house.

• Wash all pet bedding and any soft furnishings you think might have been in contact with them.

• A residual insecticide is a good option for treatment, a wet residual spray around the house. If you have pets they will need to be excluded for the duration until its dry.