Fleas are one of the most common UK household pests, hitchhiking into our homes through our pets, secondhand furniture or, occasionally, us humans.
Once they've made their way in, fleas and their eggs can be found everywhere from our pets' fur to bedding, rugs, flooring boards and furniture, and can be an absolute nuisance to get rid of.
If you've noticed your pet scratching a little more than usual or spotted a tiny black speck jumping across the carpet, you'll likely want to learn how to get rid of fleas fast. To help you get them out as quickly as possible, we've teamed up with three pest control experts who have shared their top tips below – from signs you have them to the top removal methods.
How do I get rid of fleas in my home?
1. Use flea treatment on your pets
First up, you'll need to treat all pets in your household with a vet-recommended flea treatment to tackle the problem at the source, recommends Daniel Steward, Managing Director at Shield Pest Control.
2. Vacuum your home
To physically remove adult fleas, eggs and larvae, Daniel advises using one of the best vacuum cleaners thoroughly several times a week, paying special attention to carpets, areas underneath furniture and skirting boards. You may also need to clean your car seats. Once finished, empty the vacuum immediately.
"The vibration of the vacuum can also stimulate flea pupae, encouraging them to emerge from their protective cocoons when they sense a potential host nearby. This can help bring them into contact with your flea treatment," he says.
3. Wash fabrics in your home
Next, to kill any leftover flea eggs, you'll need to wash your bedding, cushion covers, throws and pet bedding at 60°C.
"Most fleas will not survive a hot washing machine cycle, but the temperature is important," says Daniel. "At lower temperatures, particularly cold washes or those below 30°C, some adult fleas and eggs may survive. Fleas are also surprisingly resilient and can tolerate being submerged in water for a period of time."
Flea-banishing shopping picks
This top-rated treatment kills fleas and their eggs within just 24 hours.
This pet-friendly vacuum will remove stubborn dust, dirt and pet hairs from your home.
This vet-strength flea treatment tackles fleas, ticks and larvae, and is easy to apply.
With 24 years of experience in the pest control industry, Daniel has developed a deep understanding of the various diagnostic methods and techniques used to eliminate pests from homes and businesses.
What are the signs of fleas in the home?
Unsure whether you're dealing with a flea infestation or not? Tony King, owner of The Pied Piper, says to look out for the following:
- Small, itchy bites on people or pets, especially around the ankles and lower legs
- Pets that are scratching, licking, or biting their skin more than usual
- Adult fleas or tiny dark specks known as "flea dirt" in pet bedding, carpets, furniture, or on the animal itself. If you place some of that debris on a damp white paper towel and it leaves a reddish-brown stain, that can be a strong indication of flea feces
Tony King is the owner and manager of The Pied Piper, a leading pest control service that has been in operation for more than 25 years.
How do you prevent fleas in the home?
Once you've tackled your flea infestation, you'll want to learn how to prevent it from happening again. Tony recommends ensuring all of your pets are consistently protected with a vet-approved flea treatment and keeping your home clean.
This includes "regular vacuuming, washing pet bedding, and addressing potential wildlife or stray-animal access around the property, since fleas can be brought indoors by animals as well as by people and pets."
You should clean second-hand furniture and clothes before bringing them inside, which will also help prevent bed bugs.
FAQs
Is it safe to be in a house with fleas?
While fleas are considered a pest, it is perfectly safe to be in a house with them, assures Darren Backhouse, partner at MJ Backhouse Pest Control.
However, Tony King notes that flea saliva can cause some people to experience intense itching or allergic skin reactions, but thankfully, fleas can't live on our skin or hair.
Darren is the partner of a family-run pest control company based in Yorkshire, which has been operating since 1988. He has vast experience working on both domestic and commercial property and has seen just about every pest control issue there is over the years.
How long does it take for fleas to infest a house?
"Fleas can infest a home surprisingly quickly," says Daniel Steward. "Once a female flea has fed, she can begin laying eggs within a couple of days, with a single female capable of laying up to 50 eggs a day."
The flea life cycle from egg to adult can be as short as two weeks under the right conditions.
While the following steps will be effective in most situations, you may need to call in a pest control team if your infestation is particularly large.
For more expert-backed pest advice, read our guide on how to create a pet-friendly home and how to get rid of carpet moths.
