Advice
How to Get Rid of Fleas in the Home
Fleas spend most of their life cycle in carpets, bedding and furniture rather than on your pet, so clearing them means treating the pet and the home together.
Read the guide →If you are seeing bites, flea dirt or a pet that will not settle, a short call is the right place to start.
Holiday lets and dog-friendly stays
Dartmouth has a lot of holiday accommodation, and many guests bring dogs. Fleas can be left behind in a rug or sofa after a stay, and the pupae can wait for weeks before hatching when the next people arrive. A guest then finds bites and the owner sees a complaint, even though the cause may have been sitting there since the last visit.
If you manage a let, the sensible approach is to deal with it promptly and quietly. We can inspect the property, treat the soft furnishings and floors and tell you how long to leave the place empty. Regular vacuuming between guests and washing throws at a high temperature will also reduce the chance of a repeat.
Older cottages and steep streets
Many homes in Dartmouth are older cottages with timber floors, gaps at skirting level and thick rugs, and fleas make good use of all of it. Eggs fall through the gaps, so a surface clean does not reach them. We treat along floor edges and under furniture as well as across open carpet, which is where larvae gather away from light.
Living near the water, you may also notice more visiting cats and wildlife around gardens and yards. We do not blame the neighbours, but we do look for how fleas are getting in. Your own pets should be treated with a vet-recommended product, and we will plan a follow-up visit to catch fleas that hatch afterwards.
Flea control around Dartmouth and TQ6
We work throughout Dartmouth and the TQ6 area, including homes up the hill and businesses along the waterfront, such as cafes and shops with a pet on the premises. We also cover Brixham and Totnes. Tell us what you have noticed, whether it is a home or a let, and we will agree a plan that suits your timings.
Frequently asked questions
My Dartmouth holiday let has fleas after a guest's dog stayed. What now?
Treat it quickly, before the next guests arrive. We inspect the property, treat carpets, rugs and furniture, and give you advice on keeping it empty for a short time. Washing throws and vacuuming between stays helps prevent a repeat.
Will cleaning alone get rid of fleas in an old cottage?
Cleaning helps but rarely clears everything, because eggs and pupae sit in floor gaps and under furniture. A proper treatment of the whole room plus pet treatment and a follow-up gives a far better chance of success.
Can fleas live in a business where a dog sits behind the counter?
Yes. Fleas will settle wherever a warm animal rests, including beds, cushions and floor mats. We can treat the premises discreetly and advise on cleaning routines so the problem does not come back.