Local Affordable Flea Control Services Across Herefordshire and Worcestershire

Fleas can enter a home or business through several ways, such as on pets, through open windows or doors, or on second-hand furniture or clothing.

The signs of fleas in a building include bites on the skin, spotting fleas or flea dirt (black specs of digested blood) on pets or surfaces, and excessive scratching or licking by pets.

Fleas can be controlled and prevented by regularly vacuuming and washing pet bedding, treating pets with flea medication, sealing cracks and gaps in the building, and regularly inspecting and treating second-hand furniture before bringing it inside.

Getting rid of fleas completely can be difficult, but with proper treatment and preventive measures, it is possible to significantly reduce their numbers, get a professional pest control company for a quote.

The length of time for flea treatment varies depending on the severity of the infestation and the effectiveness of the treatment used. However, it typically takes several weeks to several months to completely eliminate fleas.

Flea infestations can pose a risk to the health of pets and humans, as fleas can transmit diseases and cause skin irritation and infection.

To prevent flea infestations from recurring, it is important to maintain a clean and hygienic environment, regularly treat pets with flea medication, and regularly inspect and treat second-hand furniture before bringing it inside.

Fleas are tiny, wingless insects measuring about 1.5 to 3 mm in length. They have flat, narrow bodies that allow them to move easily through fur, and their color ranges from reddish-brown to dark brown. Equipped with six legs, their hind pair is particularly strong, allowing them to jump impressive distances. Fleas have a hard exoskeleton and are covered in backward-facing hairs that help them cling to their host. Their mouthparts are designed for piercing skin and feeding on blood.

Pets with fleas often scratch, bite, or lick themselves more than usual — especially around the neck, tail base, and belly. You might notice small red bumps or scabs on their skin, or patches of hair loss. Flea dirt (tiny black specks that turn reddish when wet) may be visible in their fur or bedding. Using a flea comb can help you spot adult fleas or flea dirt more easily. If you’re unsure, place your pet on a white towel and brush their coat — any fleas or flea dirt will be easier to see against the light background.

Fleas don’t need pets to survive — they can enter your home by hitching a ride on clothing, second-hand furniture, or even through wildlife like rodents or stray animals. If the previous occupants had pets, flea eggs and larvae may still be lurking in carpets, upholstery, or floorboards. Fleas are resilient and can survive for weeks without a host, hiding in warm, dark places until they detect movement, heat, or carbon dioxide from a potential host — including humans. That’s why even pet-free homes can experience infestations.

Fleas are most active in the UK during the warmer months, typically from June to September, when heat and humidity create ideal conditions for reproduction. However, thanks to central heating, fleas can remain active indoors year-round, especially in autumn and winter when they seek warmth inside homes.
Even without pets, homes can still host fleas — they may arrive via wildlife, second-hand furniture, or lingering eggs from previous infestations. That’s why consistent flea prevention is recommended throughout the year, not just in summer.