Can fleas live on bedding?

Where do fleas live?

Fleas are most commonly associated with pets, but they can find their way into many areas of your home. So, where exactly do fleas live? While they prefer the warmth and comfort of a furry animal like your dog or cat, fleas can and will make themselves at home in other places if the environment is right.

When fleas aren’t feeding, they often retreat to areas where they can remain hidden but still close to their food source.

Common flea habitats include:

• Your pet’s fur: This is flea HQ. Adult fleas spend most of their time on their host (i.e., your pet), feeding, mating, and laying eggs.

• Carpets and rugs: Flea eggs and larvae can fall off your pet and get embedded in your carpets. Fleas love soft surfaces where they can easily hide.

• Furniture: Sofas, armchairs, and beds can also become hotspots for fleas, especially if your pet likes to nap on them.

• Cracks and crevices: Fleas can hide in the cracks of floorboards or between the cushions of your furniture.

• Bedding: Yes, unfortunately, they can live in your bedding too! We’ll explore this in more detail next.

How to treat fleas

Treating a flea infestation requires a multi-pronged approach. You’ll need to treat your pet, your home, and of course, your bedding. Here’s how to tackle each aspect effectively:

1. Treat your pet

Start by addressing the primary source of the infestation: your pet

• Flea treatment products: There are numerous flea treatments available, including flea shampoos, spot-on treatments, and oral medications. Itch Flea treatment for dogs and cats kills all adult fleas on your pet within 24 hours, and halts all other flea life cycle stages.

• Flea combs: Regularly comb through your pet’s fur with a flea comb. This helps remove adult fleas and flea dirt (their faeces). Dip the comb in soapy water to kill any fleas you catch.

2. Treat your bedding

• Wash in hot water: Strip your bed and your pet's bedding immediately and wash everything in the hottest water possible - we recommend no less than 60 degrees! Fleas can’t survive high temperatures, so a thorough wash will help kill adult fleas, larvae, and eggs.

• Dry on high heat: After washing, put all bedding in the dryer on the highest setting. The heat will finish off any remaining fleas or eggs.

• Hoover: Fleas can hide in your mattress and carpets, so make sure to vacuum your bedroom thoroughly, paying close attention to corners and crevices. Don’t forget to do under the bed! Keep up with the hoovering for up to 2 weeks after you spot your first flea to eradicate the infestation for good.

3. Treat your home

Once your pet and bedding are flea-free, turn your attention to the rest of your home:

• Hoover regularly: Fleas love to hide in carpets and furniture, so be diligent with vacuuming. Focus on high-traffic areas where your pet spends time. Dispose of the vacuum bag or contents immediately after use to prevent fleas from escaping.

• Use flea sprays: Specifically designed sprays can help kill fleas in your home fast, like the Itch Flea Home Spray for Homes which kills all adult fleas for up to 2 months in one blast, and puts a halt to the development of flea eggs and larvae for up to 12 months.

• Flea traps: Consider setting up flea traps to monitor for any remaining fleas. These traps use light and heat to attract fleas and trap them on a sticky surface.

How to prevent fleas

Preventing fleas from re-invading your home is just as important as treating them. Here are some steps you can take to keep fleas at bay:

• Even if your pet doesn’t have fleas, it’s crucial to keep up with regular flea treatments, especially if they spend time outdoors. Many products are designed for monthly use, all year round and can prevent fleas from re-establishing themselves.

• Washing your bedding (and your pet’s bedding) on a regular basis is one of the best ways to prevent fleas from making a comeback. Fleas thrive in warm, soft environments, so a weekly wash in hot water can keep them at bay.

• Regular vacuuming is essential for keeping fleas out of your home. Vacuum carpets, rugs, furniture, and any areas where your pet likes to rest. Be extra thorough during flea season (spring and summer), when infestations are more common.

• If your pet spends time outside, fleas can easily hop on them while they’re roaming through tall grass or shady areas. Keeping your garden trimmed and tidy can help reduce the chances of fleas entering your home. Additionally, using flea-repellent sprays in outdoor areas can be beneficial.

• Even if you’ve rid your home of fleas, it’s wise to stay vigilant. Watch for signs of fleas on your pet (such as scratching or excessive grooming) and in your home (like flea droppings or tiny bites on your skin). If you notice any signs of fleas, act quickly to prevent another infestation.