Flea season isn't over: why September could be the month to check your home

Victoria Robinson, product specialist at Hillarys, explains why you should take a closer look at places you might not immediately think to clean, as they are likely to deserve your attention during the current infestation period.

3 tips to make your home less inviting to fleas

Vacuum frequently

Focus particularly on carpets, rugs, sofas, underneath furniture and cracks around skirting boards to ensure all areas have been covered. Flea eggs can hide deep in fibres so it’s important to keep on top of this regularly. Make sure you empty the vacuum outside afterwards.

Wash pet bedding once a week

Flea larvae do better in warm, humid environments which can be caused by pets lying around.

Pets regularly lie on blankets, beds and cushion covers so ensure that you clean these weekly to keep fleas away. 

Avoid relying only on flea bombs/sprays as your main solution - treat your pet as well as your home

These often don’t reach the protected places that eggs and larvae hide. Thorough cleaning in addition to effective flea treatment of pets is much more useful.

Victoria Robinson, product expert at Hillarys, says:

“Curtains are a significant part of the home yet they are often overlooked when people are hoovering, washing pet bedding and cleaning sofas. Ensure you regularly hoover around and beneath curtains to help remove debris and potential flea eggs. For washable curtains follow the manufacturers care instructions and wash appropriately. During an established infestation, I recommend laundering floor-length curtains as part of the wider cleaning process as the hem sits close to the floor and can be where pets sleep, sit or brush past it. Look at folds, seams and reverse of the fabric, not just what is visible”.

Why are fleas a concern?

Ctenocephalides felis, more commonly known as cat fleas, are one of the most common flea species found on cats and dogs, and they are responsible for household infestations in the UK. 

Flea activity typically increases through the warmer months, however the traditional ‘flea season’ is becoming less useful for pet owners as centrally heated homes can provide warm, suitable conditions for fleas to develop all year round. Fleas can also cause significant irritation to people, as their bites tend to become swollen and itchy, often causing flea allergy dermatitis, an allergic skin reaction. In rare cases, fleas can also become the cause of transmitting tapeworms to humans from dogs.

Although cat fleas do not cause structural damage to buildings, an established infestation can be difficult, time consuming and costly to eradicate. Veterinary guidance estimates that around 95% of a flea infestation can be found in the home rather than on the pet itself.

Symptoms of fleas in cats

Heavy infestations can be particularly serious for cats, particularly kittens, as blood loss can contribute to anemia. For owners concerned about their pets, some of the most common signs to look out for include:

• Scratching, licking or biting fur more than usual

• Small dark specks of flea dirt in their fur

• Red, irritated or inflamed skin

• Hair loss through excessive scratching

• Scabs, especially around the neck or base of the tail