How to get rid of fleas on your pet and in your home
Getting rid of fleas is no easy task. While they can’t fly, these tiny pests can live for a long time (up to a year) and leap several inches in one bound. And seeing that females can lay up to 50 eggs in a single day, they’re quick to spread in our homes.
Fleas tend to be carried into homes by pets, and from here they can move on to humans, where their bites leave behind small itchy red bumps, often in clusters on arms and ankles. If you suspect fleas, they need to be dealt with as soon as possible. Flea bites can cause allergic reactions, prompting infections, as well as spread disease to both you and your pets. Luckily, there are ways to quickly deal with fleas.
What do fleas look like?
First, it’s important to know what to look out for. The most common types of flea found around the home include cat, dog and bird fleas. Adult cat fleas (the most common) are approximately 2mm in length and feature a flat, rounded reddish-brown body with six legs.
While they can bite us, fleas don’t live on humans. We lack the protective fur they like, which provides an ideal breeding ground. Because of that, they’re more likely to be residing on your cat or dog. They can create a make-shift home in warm textiles though, such as bedding and carpets, or indeed pet beds. They won’t stay there permanently without access to a host, but you should still treat any areas your pet frequents or where you’ve noticed signs of fleas to eradicate them fully.
Where do fleas come from?
Your pet has more than likely picked up fleas from contact with another animal. They can easily hitch a ride from encounters outside, neighbours’ homes, or kennels.
There’s little chance that an outdoor-dwelling pet will avoid fleas altogether in their lifetime. And regular scratching is a sure sign that fleas have made their presence known.
How to get rid of fleas on cats and dogs
If you notice your pet scratching more than usual, try to catch the problem early by grooming them with a flea comb, such as Masterclip Flea Comb. Spend extra time just in front of the tail, and around the face and neck. Should you spot fleas or eggs in the comb (holding it against white kitchen roll can help with this), dip it in a bowl of soapy water to kill them, then rinse the comb before continuing to brush your pet. If you have other pets in your household, be sure to groom them too even if they aren’t showing symptoms. It’s good practice to comb through your pet’s fur every few days until the fleas are gone.
There are a plenty of treatments you can use alongside combing. Always consult your vet to find the best options for your pet; make sure any treatment is suitable before use as some will be toxic to different species. Advantage is popular for spot on treatment with separate products available to suit dogs and cats, as is Frontline.
Sprays can be applied directly to the coat of your pet. For instance, Pets Purest Flea Pro is suitable for cats and dogs and contains a natural formula. There are shampoos you can purchase as well, such as animigo Flea & Tick Shampoo for Dogs and Cats. Plant-based spot-treatments are also available, such as Beaphar Cat Spot On, which you apply to the nape of the neck.
Repeat applications may be necessary, alongside regular grooming for all your pets. If the problem persists, consult your vet. Give your pet a routine flea treatment as advised by your vet. It is recommended that you worm your pet at the same time, because fleas can pass on tapeworms.
How to get rid of fleas in the home
If your pet has fleas, you'll want to remove any fleas from the home too. If you’re waking up covered in bites, they’re likely in your bedding. Wash sheets and covers at 60 degrees to kill any fleas and eggs. While the bedding is off, give your mattress a vacuum too. Seal the vacuum contents in a bin bag and dispose of it immediately so fleas can’t spread from your vacuum.
Fleas are very likely in the areas your pets frequent too, so wash pet bedding in the same manner (ideally at 60 degrees, but check the care label allows for this first). Vacuum everywhere on the strongest setting, including all carpeted areas, hard floors and upholstery in the home too, again sealing and disposing of the contents immediately. It’s a good idea to declutter and remove everything from your floors beforehand to ensure a thorough sweep, reaching up against the baseboards.
There are natural sprays you can apply around the home to help deter fleas, such as C&G Pets House Hold Pest Cleanse. You will need to routinely vacuum and wash any frequently visited spots until the fleas are fully eliminated.
Getting rid of fleas takes time and effort (often months). That’s why it’s a good idea to treat your pets routinely with a flea treatment and get into the habit of using a flea comb regularly, so you can catch the problem early on before it turns into an infestation.
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