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 →Tell us what you are seeing and we will arrange a visit, work out where the problem sits and explain the plan before any treatment starts. There is no pressure and no jargon, just a straightforward look at the problem and a clear explanation of what we recommend and why.
Why the pet is only part of the problem in Ottery St Mary
A flea on your dog is the visible tip. For every adult, there may be many more eggs, larvae and pupae in the house, hidden in carpet pile, sofa seams and cracks in the floor. They sit out of sight until warmth or vibration, like you walking in, tells the pupae it is time to hatch.
That is why people treat a pet, think it is sorted, and then find new bites a fortnight later. Understanding that cycle is half the job. We walk you through it so you know why we treat rooms as well as pets, and what you can do yourself to speed things along.
Newer estates and older streets
Modern homes in Ottery St Mary often have fitted carpets throughout, which hold flea eggs well and are warm all year round. Older properties near the centre tend to have gaps in boards and thick rugs. Either way, fleas find somewhere to settle, and we adjust the treatment to the flooring and furnishings you actually have.
Pets that roam around the River Otter and the farmland edges pick up fleas outdoors. Cats especially bring them in. If your animals go out, expect to treat them regularly and watch for flea dirt on their bedding, a useful early warning that numbers are creeping up.
Before, during and after our visit
Before we arrive in Ottery St Mary, vacuum thoroughly and wash bedding hot. After treatment, vacuum again and keep pets off treated areas for the time we advise. We also cover Sidford and Whimple nearby, and the EX11 postcode area. A follow-up visit deals with any that hatch late, and your vet can advise on the right pet treatment.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if it is fleas and not another biting insect?
Flea bites are small, itchy and often in groups around the ankles and legs. Black specks in pet bedding that turn reddish when wiped with a damp tissue are flea dirt. If you are unsure, we can take a look and tell you.
Do I need to throw away my carpets or sofa?
Almost never. Thorough vacuuming, hot washing of bedding and a proper treatment of carpets and upholstery usually deals with fleas. We will tell you honestly if anything is beyond saving, but that is rare.
How long should pets stay out of treated rooms?
We give you a clear time on the day, depending on the products used and the rooms involved. Pets and children should stay out until the surfaces have dried and the time we give has passed, and we advise on airing the rooms too.