Fleas
How Fleas Reach a Childs Hill Flat
Dogs and cats pick up fleas outdoors from other animals and from places where animals rest. A dog walked on the Heath meets plenty of other dogs, foxes and wildlife, and a cat that goes out through a basement or lightwell door meets other cats. Back indoors, the adult fleas stay on the pet, but their eggs drop into the carpet, the dog bed and the sofa, where the next generation develops.
Without a pet
You can have fleas without owning a pet, most often after moving into a flat where the last occupant had one, or when a neighbour's cat has been sleeping on your doormat or in your lightwell. Can you have fleas without pets? explains how.
The shared stair carpet
In a block, the carpet on the common stairs and landings is walked by every resident's pet. Fleas are more likely to be found in carpets close to where animals rest, but if several flats have fleas at once, tell the managing agent so the common parts can be considered.
Signs in a Flat
- Itchy bites, often around the ankles and lower legs
- A pet scratching more than usual
- Tiny dark specks in the pet's bed that turn red on damp paper
- Fleas jumping from carpet or rugs, especially in rooms where the pet sleeps
- Bites starting soon after moving into a flat that was empty
Where fleas hide has more. If bites are in lines on the arms and shoulders, bed bugs are worth ruling out. For itchy bites, speak to a pharmacist or GP, and call 999 for signs of a severe allergic reaction.
Treating the Pet and the Flat
The pet needs treating too, and that is for your vet: speak to them about the right product for your animal. Do pet flea treatments clear the house? explains why the flat needs attention as well. We treat the property, not the animal.
Before the visit
- Vacuum carpets, rugs and sofas, including under furniture, and empty the vacuum outside
- Wash the pet's bedding hot
- Clear the floors so the carpet edges can be reached
- Speak to your vet about treating the pet before or around the same time
When you book flea control, say which rooms the pet uses, how many rooms have fleas, and whether you have a pet now. How to prepare for flea treatment has more. You will be told what to expect afterwards; how long it takes depends on the flat. If you are still being bitten after a while, get in touch.
Moving into a flat where a pet lived
An empty flat can hold flea pupae in its carpets for some time, and they tend to hatch once people start walking about again. Bites in the first week or two after moving in are the clue. If you rent, tell your landlord or letting agent straight away; if you have bought, ask the seller whether they had a cat or dog. How to know you have fleas helps you confirm it before you book. Rugs laid over old floorboards are worth vacuuming on both sides, since larvae shelter underneath.
Keeping Fleas Away
Keep the pet on vet-advised flea treatment, vacuum often, and wash its bedding regularly. After a walk on the Heath, check your dog's coat. Fleas after moving in helps if you have just moved, and Flea Control Barnet covers houses with gardens across the borough. Carpet damage rather than bites points to carpet moths.
