Table of Contents
Where do fleas come from?
How do you know if your pet has fleas?
How to kill fleas fast!
How to prevent fleas from coming back
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How to kill fleas fast!
- By Ellie
-
- January 2, 2025
- 3 MIN READ
Fleas can catch any pet parent off guard, so knowing how to get rid of them and preventing them from coming back is extremely helpful! Whether you are tackling a flea infestation now or cluing yourself up for a potential future pest attack, this guide has the low down on all things fleas. Keep reading to get rid of fleas on your pet FAST!
Where do fleas come from?
Fleas are sneaky little creatures. They don’t just appear out of thin air (though it often feels that way). Fleas are parasites, meaning they thrive by feeding on the blood of warm-blooded animals—yes, including our beloved pets. Fleas reproduce at an alarming rate. A single flea can lay up to 50 eggs a day, meaning a few hitchhikers can quickly turn into a full-blown infestation.
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Other animals: A dog park or a neighbour’s cat could be a source.
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The great outdoors: Fleas live in grassy areas and jump onto pets as they pass.
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Your home: Believe it or not, if fleas were left untreated from a previous infestation, they can lie dormant in carpets or upholstery until the conditions are right to re-emerge.
How do you know if your pet has fleas?
Spotting fleas can sometimes be tricky, especially if your pet has thick fur. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to act fast before things escalate. Here's what to look out for:
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Excessive scratching or biting: If your dog or cat suddenly seems obsessed with chewing their skin, it could be fleas.
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Red or irritated skin: Flea bites leave behind tiny, itchy bumps that can make your pet uncomfortable.
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Flea dirt: This is essentially flea poo, which looks like small black specks. Comb through your pet’s fur, especially around the neck and tail, to spot it. If you’re unsure whether it’s dirt or flea droppings, sprinkle it with water. Flea dirt turns red (because it’s digested blood—lovely, right?).
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Live fleas: Sometimes, you’ll actually see them. Fleas are small, dark brown, and very quick.
How to kill fleas fast!
When it comes to ridding your home and pet of fleas, speed is of the essence. Here’s how you can deal with them efficiently:
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Treat your pet
Start with your furry friend—they’re the main target of these pests.
Flea combs: A good old-fashioned comb is a great first step. Comb through your pet’s fur, focusing on areas where fleas like to hide (around the ears, neck, and base of the tail). Dunk any caught fleas into soapy water to kill them.
Medicated treatments: Modern flea treatments are highly effective. Spot-on treatments, like Itch Flea Treatment for Cats and Dogs are applied directly to your pet’s skin and kill fleas within 24 hours and halt all other life stages.
Flea shampoos: These can provide immediate relief, though they don’t usually kill eggs or larvae.
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Treat your home
Getting rid of fleas isn’t just about your pet—it’s about your entire environment.
Vacuum thoroughly: Focus on carpets, rugs, upholstery, and any cracks or crevices. Empty the vacuum bag immediately into an outdoor bin to avoid re-infestation.
Wash everything: Bedding, pet blankets, and even your sofa covers should be washed in hot water to kill any eggs or larvae.
Use flea sprays or powders: These are specially formulated to kill fleas and their offspring, like the Itch Flea House Spray for homes, which kills all adult fleas for up to 2 months after just one blast!
Flea bombs (foggers): If the infestation is severe, flea bombs can work wonders. However, these require you to vacate the house for several hours, so plan accordingly.
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Treat your garden
If your pet spends time outdoors, your garden could be harbouring fleas.
Mow the lawn: Fleas love long grass, so keep it short.
Spray insecticides: Focus on shaded areas where fleas thrive.
How to prevent fleas from coming back
Once you’ve dealt with the infestation, prevention is key to ensuring you never have to deal with this headache again.
Regular flea treatments
Use preventive flea treatments year-round, even during colder months. Fleas don’t take holidays, and a consistent approach ensures they never get a foothold. Make sure to use treatment that kills the flea life cycle to stop them biting your pet once and for all.
Grooming and checking
Make grooming a regular habit. Brushing your pet’s fur not only keeps it shiny but also helps you spot fleas early.
Keep your home clean
Regularly vacuum and wash pet bedding, as well as treat carpets and furniture with flea-prevention sprays, like the Itch Flea House Spray for homes.
Outdoor maintenance
Keep your garden well-maintained and consider using nematodes, which are natural predators of flea larvae. They can be purchased online and applied to your garden for an eco-friendly solution.
Keep an eye on visitors
If other pets come to visit, ensure they’re flea-free before they arrive. Fleas spread easily between animals.
Dealing with fleas is never fun, but with a swift response and preventative measures, you can keep your pets happy and your home pest-free. A little vigilance goes a long way in keeping these pesky parasites at bay.
Our biggest tip is to break the flea life cycle! Once this bad boy is stopped, fleas will not bother you, your pet or your home again.
Get rid of fleas, ticks AND lice... and stop them coming back!
Fleas, ticks and lice can be a nightmare, but with the right approach, you can take control and rid your pets and home of these bothersome pests. Remember that parasites can be persistent, so patience and regular treatment will be your best friends! By addressing both your pet and their environment, you can ensure a flea-free and comfortable living space for both your furry companion and your family.
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