You have treated the cat or dog, yet the bites continue. The reason is usually what is waiting in the carpets and floor gaps, not what is on the animal.
Adult fleas on an animal are only a small part of the picture. Eggs fall off into bedding, carpets, sofas and floor gaps. They hatch into larvae, which hide away from light, then spin cocoons and become pupae. Pupae can stay dormant for weeks or longer, and they emerge when they sense warmth, vibration or carbon dioxide, such as when someone walks in after a holiday.
This is why people often say fleas appear suddenly in an empty property. They have not just arrived. They were waiting.
Lenton lies near the University of Nottingham and has Victorian terraces with a large student rental population. Lets change hands at the end of the academic year, and houses can stand empty over the summer. A previous tenant's pet may have left eggs and pupae in the carpets, and the new tenants then arrive, warm the house and trigger the whole lot at once.
Floorboard gaps and old carpets in terraces give flea larvae plenty of cover. Landlords and agents should be told quickly, because the property itself needs treating, not just a pet.
Vacuuming is useful partly because the vibration encourages pupae to emerge, which exposes them to treatment. It is not a cure on its own, but it helps.
A technician will treat carpets, floor edges, soft furnishings and the places where pets rest. Because pupae can survive the first treatment, some fleas may still emerge for a couple of weeks afterwards. That is expected and does not mean treatment failed, but you should tell us if it continues. How many visits are needed depends on the size of the infestation.
We include a free pest prevention survey and free advice with the treatment, covering vacuuming, laundry and how to prepare rooms.
Prevention matters once the problem is cleared. Keep to a regular flea treatment for any pet, wash their bedding weekly in warm weather, and vacuum under furniture and along skirting boards. If you are moving into a rented house with a history of pets, vacuuming thoroughly before you unpack is a sensible first job.
If you are bitten, wash the area with soap and water and avoid scratching. Flea bites often appear around the ankles and lower legs in clusters.
Call 0115 937 5117 and we will arrange a visit, including same day where we can.
Flea pupae can lie dormant for weeks. Footsteps and warmth trigger them to emerge, so a new tenant can be bitten even though no animal has lived there recently.
For a short time, yes. Pupae protected in their cocoons can emerge after a first treatment. If fleas continue for more than a couple of weeks, tell us so we can arrange a follow-up.
Tell us what you have seen and where, and we will come back to you. Prices are fixed and there is no call-out charge.
