How an empty flat fills with fleas
Larvae hatching from eggs a previous pet left in the carpet go on to form pupae in a tough cocoon, one that can remain dormant for weeks if nothing in the property disturbs it, whether that's near Hounslow, where the town centre and surrounding streets, or elsewhere in the borough. Body heat and movement are what trigger the next generation to emerge, which is why a flat empty between tenancies can start biting again within days of new furniture and people arriving, just as near Feltham, where housing and trade units close to the roads and rail lines running towards Heathrow.
Hounslow's rented flats
The turnover of rented flats across the borough, from the town centre to the waterside developments at Brentford, means this pattern shows up regularly: a tenancy ends, the flat stands empty for a few weeks, and the next occupant starts getting bitten around the ankles almost as soon as they've unpacked.
Is it really fleas?
A flea bite tends to appear low down around the ankle, and unlike other insects a flea jumps instead of crawling; its droppings turn reddish when dabbed on damp paper, as anyone near Hounslow will recognise, where the town centre and surrounding streets. Bites in a row higher up point somewhere else - the Hounslow bed bug guide covers that instead.
If you have just moved in
Keep track of when the bites started and where, and photograph any flea dirt you find in the carpet, as anyone near Osterley will recognise, where suburban streets close to Osterley Park. Get it in writing to the landlord, agent or seller as soon as you can, that way there's a record of the timing, whether that's near Isleworth, where older riverside streets by the Thames, or elsewhere in the borough.
Clearing the carpets
- Pull furniture away from the walls so every edge of each room can be reached
- Vacuum thoroughly and empty it straight into an outside bin, not an indoor one
- Wash any pet bedding on a hot cycle
- Keep using and vacuuming the rooms after treatment rather than shutting them up
Booking flea treatment in Hounslow
A flea job in Hounslow costs £180 for the first room and £60 for each additional room, and since around Isleworth, where older riverside streets by the Thames, telling us how many rooms are carpeted and whether pets are part of the household when you book flea treatment helps, with the full detail on the Hounslow flea treatment page.
