Signs of fleas
- Small, itchy red bites, usually around ankles and lower legs
- Pets scratching, biting their fur or losing hair
- Tiny dark specks (flea dirt) in pet bedding or on your pet's skin, which turn red on damp kitchen paper
- Fleas jumping on carpets, rugs or pale socks
Why fleas keep coming back
Adult fleas on a pet are only a small part of the problem. Most of the flea population, eggs, larvae and pupae, lives in carpets, rugs, sofas, pet beds and gaps between floorboards. Pupae can stay dormant for weeks and hatch when they sense vibration, warmth and carbon dioxide, which is why fleas can suddenly appear when you return from holiday or move into a new home.
Fleas without pets?
Yes. Fleas can be left behind by previous occupants' pets, or brought in by foxes, cats or hedgehogs that sleep under decking or near air bricks. Empty flats are often the worst, because pupae hatch all at once when someone moves in.
Treating fleas properly
- Treat every pet with a vet-recommended product at the same time
- Wash pet bedding, throws and cushion covers on a hot wash
- Vacuum thoroughly, including under furniture, along skirting and sofa seams, and empty the vacuum outside
- Professional home treatment with a residual insecticide on floors and soft furnishings, which kills fleas as they hatch
- Keep vacuuming after treatment; vibration encourages pupae to hatch and contact the treatment
Bites
Flea bites are itchy but not usually serious. Wash them, use a cold compress and ask a pharmacist about creams or antihistamines. See a doctor if bites become infected.
Questions and answers
How long does it take to get rid of fleas?
Most homes are clear within two to four weeks after treatment, as remaining pupae hatch and contact the insecticide.
Why am I seeing more fleas after treatment?
Pupae hatch after treatment and the new fleas are killed as they contact treated surfaces. Keep vacuuming.
Do I need to leave the house?
Usually for a few hours until treated floors are dry. Pets should stay out too.
Related pages
This page is general information, last reviewed on 19 October 2026. It is not a substitute for an on-site inspection.