- Size
- Adults 1–3 mm, dark brown
- Bites
- Ankles and lower legs, in clusters
- Active
- All the time, indoors
- Peak season
- Late summer and autumn
That's why fleas seem to come back after treatment. The pupae can wait for months and hatch in a rush when they sense vibration and warmth. It's also why people sometimes find fleas after moving into a home where the previous owners had pets.
Signs of fleas
- Pets scratching, biting at their fur or grooming more than usual
- Small, itchy red bites on ankles and lower legs, often in groups
- Tiny dark specks in pet fur or bedding that turn reddish on damp kitchen paper (flea dirt)
- Small jumping specks on carpets or socks, easiest to see in sunlight
How to be sure
Flea bites cluster on lower legs because that's how high fleas jump. Bed bug bites tend to be on the upper body and arms and appear overnight. If there's no pet in the house, also think about birds nesting nearby, which can bring bird mites.
What you can do yourself
- Treat every cat and dog in the house with a product recommended by your vet. Shop and supermarket treatments vary a lot in how well they work.
- Wash pet bedding, throws and cushion covers on a hot wash.
- Vacuum carpets, sofas, skirting edges and under furniture every day for at least two to three weeks. The vibration encourages pupae to hatch, so they meet the treatment. Empty the vacuum outside each time.
- Use a household flea spray that contains an insect growth regulator on carpets and soft furnishings, following the label. Keep pets and people out until it's dry.
- Keep treating pets every month, even after the bites stop.
- Expect to see some fleas for a couple of weeks after treating. That's new adults hatching, not failure.
Call a professional if
- You're still being bitten after three to four weeks of treating pets and the home
- You've moved into a property with fleas and no pets of your own
- The house is large or has a lot of carpet
- You're dealing with fleas in a rental between tenants
Safety: Never use a dog flea product on a cat. Many contain permethrin, which is highly toxic to cats and can be fatal. Check every label, and ask your vet if unsure.
Keeping them out
- Keep pets on year-round flea treatment from your vet
- Wash pet bedding regularly
- Vacuum regularly, including under furniture where pets lie
Kit that helps
- Vet-recommended pet flea treatment
- Household flea spray with an insect growth regulator
- Vacuum cleaner
- Flea comb
Product types only. We'll only ever point you to things we'd use ourselves.
Questions people ask
Can fleas live on humans?
Cat fleas bite people but don't live on us. They need a furry host to breed. Without pets, an infestation dies out eventually, though it can take months.
Why have the fleas got worse after I treated?
Pupae hatch in waves after treatment, especially when you vacuum. Keep vacuuming daily and the numbers will fall over two to three weeks.
I don't have pets. Why do I have fleas?
Previous occupants' pets, visiting animals, or wildlife such as hedgehogs, foxes or nesting birds near the house can all bring them in.
Do flea bombs or foggers work?
They often miss the places fleas live, such as deep in carpets and under furniture. A targeted spray plus vacuuming is usually more effective.