Understanding Flea Infestations
Fleas are parasitic insects that feed on the blood of mammals and birds, causing significant discomfort to pets and humans alike. These persistent pests can rapidly establish large populations in your carpets, soft furnishings, and throughout your home, continuing to bite even after pets are treated.
The most common species in UK homes is the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis), which actually affects both cats and dogs. These tiny, dark brown insects are exceptional jumpers and can survive in your home environment for months without a host, making professional treatment essential for complete elimination.
Signs of flea infestation: Pets scratching excessively, small dark insects jumping on carpets or furniture, tiny black specks (flea dirt) in pet bedding, red itchy bite marks on ankles and lower legs, pets losing hair from constant scratching, and seeing fleas on light-coloured surfaces.
Fleas have a complex life cycle involving eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults. The majority of the population (95%) exists as eggs, larvae, and pupae hidden in carpets, upholstery, and cracks, whilst only 5% are the adult fleas you actually see. This hidden population can continue emerging for weeks after initial treatment.
Professional treatment is crucial because flea populations multiply exponentially, with females laying up to 50 eggs daily. Over-the-counter treatments often fail to address the entire life cycle and environmental infestation. Our comprehensive approach targets all life stages and eliminates the environmental reservoir that keeps reinfesting your pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can you respond to a flea problem?
We understand the distress that flea infestations cause for both pets and families. We typically respond within 24-48 hours of your call, with priority service available for severe infestations where pets are suffering or where young children are being bitten extensively.
What methods do you use to eliminate fleas?
We use professional-grade insecticides that target all flea life stages, including insect growth regulators to prevent development, thorough carpet and upholstery treatment, crack and crevice applications, and residual treatments for long-lasting protection. We coordinate with your vet's pet treatment programme.
Do I need to treat my pets as well?
Yes, successful flea control requires treating both the environment and pets simultaneously. We coordinate with your veterinary treatment plan and recommend pets are treated by your vet before our environmental treatment. This ensures complete elimination and prevents reinfestation from untreated animals.
Why am I still seeing fleas after treatment?
It's completely normal to see fleas for 2-3 weeks after treatment. Our treatment kills adult fleas but cannot eliminate pupae in cocoons. These continue to emerge and are killed by residual treatment. Seeing new fleas actually indicates the treatment is working by forcing emergence from hiding.
How long does flea treatment take to be completely effective?
Complete flea elimination typically takes 3-6 weeks due to the flea life cycle. You should see a significant reduction in adult fleas within 7-14 days, but emerging pupae may continue for several weeks. Follow-up treatments are sometimes necessary for heavy infestations.
Is flea treatment safe around pets and children?
Yes, we use treatments that are safe for pets and families when applied correctly. We provide specific instructions about keeping pets and children away during application and drying time. Once dry, treated areas are safe for normal use whilst remaining effective against fleas.
What's included in your flea elimination guarantee?
Our guarantee covers complete elimination of the flea infestation in treated areas, providing pets are also treated by your vet. If fleas persist after the complete life cycle (6-8 weeks), we'll return to re-treat at no additional cost. We're committed to freeing your family and pets from flea problems.
What should I do to prepare for flea treatment?
We'll provide a detailed preparation checklist including: vacuuming all carpets and upholstery thoroughly, washing pet bedding in hot water, arranging for pets to be treated by your vet, removing pet food and water bowls, and ensuring access to all areas where pets spend time.
