Can fleas survive the cold?

How to prevent fleas

Even in colder months, it’s best to stay vigilant against fleas. Here are some key steps to keep them out of your home and off your pets:

• Keep up with flea treatment

  Lots of pet parents pause flea treatments during winter, this is how fleas get the upper hand. Regular flea control is vital to making sure these pests never bother your pet, like a subscription to Itch Flea treatment for dogs or Itch Flea treatment for cats, which is delivered for free every month! Itch Flea treatment kills all adult fleas within 24 hours and halts the development of other flea life stages - easy fleasy!

• Regular cleaning and vacuuming

  Fleas are excellent at hiding in carpets, rugs, upholstery, and even in the crevices of wooden floors. Regularly vacuuming your floors, carpets, and pet bedding can help remove any flea eggs and larvae, reducing the likelihood of an infestation. The vibrations of the hoover, wake up any fleas nestled in your home and then you can kill them dead with flea control products. Just remember to empty your canister or bag straight after vacuuming, as fleas can survive inside the vacuum and may escape back into your home.

• Wash pet bedding and soft furnishings

  Wash your pet’s bedding at least once a week in hot water to kill any eggs, larvae, or adult fleas. Make sure to wash at no less than 60 degrees! It’s also a good idea to also wash blankets, cushion covers, and other soft furnishings where your pet likes to rest. Don’t forget your bedding too, as they can hop on and get snuggly with you.

• Use a flea spray in the home

  Flea treatment for your pet and a flea spray for your home, is the double action killing combo you need to eliminate fleas in your home. Flea sprays can target multiple flea life stages, killing fully grown fleas, as well as their eggs and larvae, like the Itch Flea House Spray which zaps fleas dead for up to 2 months after just one blast!

• Clean outside

  If you have an outdoor space, keeping it tidy can help reduce flea activity. Trimmed grass, regular raking, and limiting damp, shady spots can make your garden less attractive to fleas. Consider using natural flea-repellent plants, like rosemary and lavender, which can help discourage fleas from hanging around. Need some tips on keeping your garden pet-safe? Read our guide here.

• Inspect and groom your pet regularly

  Regular grooming is a great way to catch any fleas early before they get a chance to multiply. Use a flea comb, which is specially designed to capture fleas and their eggs. After each grooming session, rinse the comb in hot, soapy water to kill any fleas you’ve caught. Keeping an eye on your pet’s behaviour can also alert you to fleas—if your pet is scratching or biting at its fur more than usual, it’s worth investigating. Our top tip is to check your pet’s fur and skin, after long walks or if they have been out on an adventure!

• Check in with your vet

  Fleas can very quickly turn your world upside down, so make sure to know who you can contact and when, in case of an emergency. Your local vet is worth having on speed dial, but if you have a more general question, our qualified Vet Team are here to help! Drop us a DM, give us a email or write us an email - we’re a bunch of friendly flea fanatics, ready to chat.