The essentials in 30 seconds
Fleas usually come in on cats and dogs, and they can also turn up in homes without pets: from previous owners' animals, rodents or birds nesting nearby. The signs are itchy bites in groups below the knees, fleas jumping on carpets and tiny black specks in your pet's bedding. To get rid of them: treat every pet with a product recommended by your vet, vacuum daily for at least two weeks, wash pet bedding hot every week and, for heavy infestations, treat carpets and furniture once with a household flea spray that contains an insect growth regulator.
- Keep dog products away from cats: some dog flea treatments are toxic to them.
- Expect to see new fleas for about two weeks after treatment: they are hatching from cocoons.
- Vacuuming helps twice: it removes eggs and larvae and makes adults leave their cocoons.
How to tell if you have fleas
| Sign | Where |
|---|---|
| Itchy bites in groups | Ankles and lower legs, below the knees |
| Fleas jumping | Carpets, rugs; white socks make them easy to spot |
| Tiny black specks (flea dirt) | Pet bedding and fur; they turn reddish on damp kitchen paper |
| Pet scratching or grooming a lot | Neck, back, base of the tail |
| Tiny whitish larvae | Carpet fibres, cracks, dark corners where pets rest |
Why fleas are hard to clear
Adult fleas live on the animal, but most of the population lives in your home as eggs, larvae and cocoons. Eggs drop off the pet onto bedding and carpets and hatch in a few days. Larvae hide deep in carpet fibres and in the places where pets sleep, then spin a cocoon. Inside the cocoon, a flea can wait for months in cool conditions, and it comes out when it senses pressure and movement, such as footsteps or a vacuum cleaner. At room temperature the whole cycle takes around three weeks, which is why a single treatment rarely ends the problem.
How to get rid of fleas step by step
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01
Treat every pet
Use the treatment your vet recommends for each animal, including pets that do not seem to scratch. Repeat as the product says.
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02
Vacuum every day
Carpets, rugs, sofas, mattresses, skirting boards and under furniture, for at least two weeks. Empty the bag or canister outside straight away.
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03
Wash bedding hot
Pet bedding, throws, cushion covers and your own bedding if the pet sleeps on the bed, at least once a week.
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04
Treat the home if needed
For heavy infestations, spray carpets and upholstery once with a household flea spray containing an insect growth regulator (such as methoprene or pyriproxyfen), following the label.
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05
Keep going
Fleas keep emerging for about two weeks after a spray, because cocoons resist it. Keep vacuuming rather than spraying again straight away.
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06
Check the car and carrier
Vacuum the car, the pet carrier and any blankets used there.
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07
Call a professional
If you still see fleas after four to six weeks of steady treatment.
Fleas without pets
- The home had pets before you moved in, and cocoons hatched when people started walking around.
- Rodents in the loft or walls: the fleas come from them.
- Birds nesting on a balcony, under the eaves or in a chimney.
- It might not be fleas at all: bed bugs, for example, also bite at night. Our bed bugs guide explains how to tell.
Flea bites
Flea bites are small, very itchy red spots, usually in groups on the lower legs. Avoid scratching to reduce the risk of infection; a cold compress and an antihistamine from the pharmacy help with itching. Ask a pharmacist if the skin around a bite becomes hot, red, painful or starts to leak fluid.
How to stop fleas coming back
- Keep every pet on a regular flea treatment, as your vet advises.
- Vacuum often, especially where pets sleep, and wash their bedding weekly.
- Before moving into a home where animals lived, vacuum thoroughly and wash soft furnishings.
- Check the loft and eaves for rodents or nesting birds.
Fleas: frequently asked questions
How do I know if I have fleas at home?
Itchy bites on your ankles, fleas jumping on carpets and tiny black specks in your pet's bedding.
Can you have fleas without pets?
Yes: from previous owners' pets, rodents or birds nesting nearby.
How long does it take to get rid of fleas?
Several weeks. New fleas keep hatching for about two weeks after treatment, so keep vacuuming.
Do fleas live in beds?
They can, especially if your pet sleeps on the bed. Wash the bedding hot and vacuum the mattress.
How often should I vacuum?
Every day for the first two weeks, then regularly, above all where pets rest.
Do home remedies work?
Some help with cleaning, but they do not replace a vet-recommended pet treatment and an authorised home spray.
When should I call pest control?
If fleas are still appearing after four to six weeks of treatment.
Sources
Official health and university guidance, checked on 24 October 2026.
- University of California IPM · Fleas ↗Life cycle, cocoons triggered by pressure, daily vacuuming, weekly washing of pet bedding and insect growth regulators.
- NHS · Insect bites and stings ↗Flea bites in groups below the knees; when to see a pharmacist or GP.
- US EPA · Dos and don'ts of pest control ↗Safe use of insecticides at home.
Fleas still around?
Note when they started, which rooms and which treatments you used before asking for a quote.