Table of Contents
What are fleas?
Flea lifecycle
Ways to kill fleas
Kill fleas with Itch
How to prevent fleas
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How to kill fleas for good
- By Katie
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- March 12, 2025
- 3 MIN READ
The persistent presence of fleas can have a knack for making our pets' lives itchy and uncomfortable. But don't panic! We are experts in pests that bother your pet. Keep reading for our vet-recommended tips and treatment options to get rid of fleas for good....
What are fleas?
Fleas are small, wingless insects that thrive on the blood of their hosts. These hosts are often our pets, leading to discomfort, itching, and a general sense of unease. Understanding the enemy is the first step to victory!
Flea lifecycle
To effectively combat fleas, we must comprehend their lifecycle. The flea lifecycle consists of four stages, egg, larvae, pupae and adult.
It starts with flea eggs being laid on your pet but quickly fall off into the environment. Then flea larvae hatch from eggs in the environment, such as carpets, bedding, or soil. The larvae spins cocoons and enters the pupal stage, where they remain protected. After time, the adult fleas emerge from pupae and seek a blood meal, starting the cycle all over again.
Understanding these stages is crucial because each one requires a different approach for effective elimination.
Ways to kill fleas
We recommend these strategies to eliminate fleas from your pet and your home.
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Spot-on treatments: Spot-on treatments, applied to the back of your pet's neck, are super effective in killing adult fleas. These products often provide a month-long shield against infestations. Itch Flea Treatment for dogs and Itch Flea Treatment for cats are spot-on treatments delivered to your door each month, so you never forget and your pets are protected 24/7!
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Flea shampoo: Bathing your pet with a flea-killing shampoo can provide immediate relief. However, they may not provide ongoing protection - Find out more here - Do flea shampoos actually work?
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Flea sprays: Flea sprays can be used in your home to keep your living space flea free as 95% of fleas live in the environment and not on your pet! Itch Flea Home Spray kills all adult fleas and halts fleas at other life stages in their tracks!
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Oral medications: Oral medications, in the form of tablets or chews, can disrupt the flea lifecycle, preventing the development of eggs and larvae.
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Flea collars: Flea collars emit chemicals that repel and kill fleas. Choose a collar that fits comfortably but not too tight.
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Natural remedies: Some pet owners explore natural options, such as diatomaceous earth or herbal sprays. However, it is important to note the lack of scientific evidence that supports these methods in killing fleas. So do natural flea treatment actually work? Find out now!
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Get the big guns out: If you are fighting a full blown flea infestation, Get Rid Of Fleas with our Itch Flea Eradication Kit - Our proven method for removing all fleas from your pet and home.
Kill fleas with Itch
What is Itch? We offer monthly flea treatment for cats and dogs, delivered to your door, exactly when you need it, so you never forget!
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Tailored flea treatments: At Itch, we offer personalised pet wellness plans based on your pet's specific needs.
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Vet strength protection: We provide vet-approved products, giving you peace of mind that you're using treatments recommended by professionals!
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FREE delivery: Itch delivers your pet's flea treatments directly to your door each month. No more last-minute dashes to the pet store! Your pet is protected with their Itch Flea Treatment for dogs or Itch Flea Treatment for cats 24/7!
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We are experts: We’ve got a whole team of qualified experts, fully trained on flea, tick and worm treatments as well as veterinary medicine advice - Get in touch with our team here!
How to prevent fleas
Now that we've waged war against existing fleas, let's talk about preventing future infestations:
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Year-round prevention
Year-round prevention: Fleas aren't just a summer problem! Implement year-round preventive treatment like Itch Flea Treatment for dogs and Itch Flea Treatment for cats to ensure your pet is protected regardless of the season.
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Regular grooming
Regular grooming: Keep your pet's coat well-groomed. Regular brushing and combing help remove potential flea hitchhikers and allow for early detection and keeps your pet’s in tip top shape!
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Frequent vacuuming
Frequent vacuuming: Get that hoover out regularly, paying special attention to carpets, upholstery, and areas where your pet spends lots of time. Dispose of the hoover bag promptly.
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Wash bedding and linens
Wash bedding and linens: Wash all your pet's bedding and your own frequently. High temperatures (60°C or more) kill fleas at all stages of their life cycle.
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Treat your home
Treat your home: 95% of fleas live in the environment and not on your pet, so using flea control products designed for your living space is super important. Itch Flea Home Spray kills all adult fleas and halts all other life stages of fleas in their tracks!
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Limit outdoor exposure
Limit outdoor exposure: Be mindful of areas where fleas thrive, such as tall grass and wooded spots. If possible, limit your pet's exposure to these environments.
With the right treatment and on-going routine, you can kill fleas for good and never have to deal with them again. Here's to happy, healthy and flea-free pets!
Get rid of fleas and stop them coming back!
Flea infestations 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 fleas 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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Flea
Identification
What do fleas look like?
Fleas, those pesky little creatures that can cause so much trouble for our beloved pets, are often hard to spot with the naked eye due to their tiny size. However, understanding what fleas look like is essential for effective prevention and treatment. Here, we explore the appearance of fleas, including pictures of fleas, their size, and the distinct features that differentiate dog fleas from cat fleas. We will also take a closer look at flea eggs and highlight other bugs that may resemble fleas, helping you to identify and deal with these nuisances.
Flea
Treatment Issues
What to do if you can't get rid of fleas after treatment?
Dealing with a flea infestation can be a frustrating and exasperating experience, especially when you've tried everything but the fleas just won't seem to go away. It's a common scenario: you've diligently applied flea treatments, cleaned your home, and taken all necessary precautions, yet those persistent pests continue to bother your pets and invade your living space. If you find yourself in this situation, don't lose hope. Here we'll delve into the reasons behind failed flea treatments, how to identify signs of treatment resistance, and explore effective solutions to finally bid those relentless fleas farewell.
Flea
Prevention
How to prevent fleas in dogs and cats
Fleas, those tiny, relentless creatures, can turn into a major annoyance for our beloved pets. Not only can they cause discomfort with their itchy bites, but they can also lead to more serious health issues if left unchecked. The key to keeping your furry friends flea-free is prevention. In this post we'll focus on why your dog or cat might keep getting fleas, what to do when your pet itches but you can't see fleas, and most importantly, effective strategies for preventing fleas in the first place. Let's get started by creating a comfortable and flea-free environment for your furry companions.