A newly hatched flea bites first
A flea that has just left its cocoon is hungry and jumps at the first warm body that passes. That can mean a bite on the ankle before the flea has had time to be affected by anything. These fleas were sheltered inside cocoons during the visit and are emerging now, which is why the odd bite is expected for a while.
The pets are not covered
This is the most common reason a problem drags on. Check that every cat and dog in the home is on flea treatment your vet has recommended, that no dose has been missed, and that the product is suitable for that animal. A pet that stays outdoors most of the time, or one that visits regularly, still counts.
A room was left out
Fleas in a room that was not treated carry on breeding and walk or ride back into the treated rooms. Common gaps are a spare bedroom the cat sleeps in, a room that was locked on the day, a cupboard where the dog bed lives, and the car. The list of likely spots is in where fleas hide around the home.
The vacuum went back in the cupboard
Vacuuming often after treatment brings the waiting fleas out sooner. If the vacuuming stopped, or only the middle of each room was done, cocoons along the edges and under furniture can sit there and hatch later — sometimes after you had thought it was over. Rooms that are hardly used, such as a guest bedroom, can produce a late flush of fleas the first time someone stays in them.
Fleas are coming in from outside
A neighbour's cat that still comes in, a fox sheltering under decking by the back door, or birds nesting in the roof can keep bringing fleas back after the house itself is clear. See can you have fleas without having pets for the sources to look for.
Are the bites from fleas at all?
Once fleas are under control, other bites can get the blame. Itchy marks in a line on the arms, shoulders or neck after sleeping point towards bed bugs, which need a different approach — compare the two in bed bugs or fleas, and see bed bug control in Brent. If the paper test finds no flea dirt and no fleas land on a white sock, that is a clue. Carpet beetle larvae can also leave itchy, bite-like marks without biting at all.
Looking after the bites
Flea bites usually settle without treatment, though the itch can last several days. Try not to scratch. A pharmacist can recommend something to ease itching, and a GP is the person to see if you are worried about a bite. If anyone develops signs of a severe allergic reaction, call 999.
When to contact us
Get in touch if, after the pets have been treated and you have kept vacuuming, the number of fleas is not dropping or is going up. Tell us which rooms, how many bites and whether the pets' treatment is up to date, and we will talk it through. What normally happens in the period after a visit is described in how long flea treatment takes to work.
Adding a missed room
If a room that the pet uses was not included, it can be added. Flea treatment in Brent is £180 for the first room and £60 for each additional room. Shared houses in Kilburn often find the problem was in a housemate's room all along. Book flea treatment and list every room with carpet the animal can reach, including any room that was kept locked or used for storage on the day of the first visit.
