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 →The adult fleas you can see are the tip of it. Eggs, larvae and pupae in carpets and furnishings are what keep the problem going, so that is where treatment has to reach.
Family homes and pets in TQ3 and TQ4
Paignton has plenty of family homes spreading inland from the seafront, and many of them have dogs, cats or both. A pet that picks up fleas on a walk or in a neighbour's garden can bring dozens of eggs indoors, which drop off into the carpet, the sofa and the pet bed.
You may notice black specks on bedding, which is flea dirt, or small bites around ankles. We look in the places pets lie, along skirting boards and under furniture. Treating the pet only helps if the house is treated as well.
Holiday accommodation and seasonal pressure
With holiday accommodation along the seafront and in the streets behind it, Paignton sees guests with dogs through the season. When they leave, flea eggs and pupae can remain in carpets and soft furnishings, ready to hatch for the next arrivals.
If you run a let, we can treat the property, suggest cleaning between stays and tell you what to check for. The treatment is targeted, explained beforehand and followed up, so you can keep the property running with as little disruption as possible.
Preparing for your visit
Before we come to your Paignton home, vacuum carpets and sofas, empty the bag or bin outside, and wash pet bedding and bed linen hot. Tell us about any pets, children or anyone who is unwell. We agree a price first, treat the affected rooms and arrange a follow-up. We also cover Torquay, Brixham and Cockington if you are nearby.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know it's fleas and not something else in my Paignton home?
Look for itchy bites around ankles and lower legs, a pet scratching and black specks on bedding that turn red when wet. If you are unsure, we can inspect and identify the pest before recommending anything.
Do I need to leave the house when you treat it?
We will tell you before the visit. Usually you keep pets and children out of treated rooms for a short while afterwards and ventilate. We give clear instructions on the day so you know exactly what to do.
Will vacuuming alone clear fleas?
It removes many eggs and larvae and is a good first step, but pupae cling deep in carpet and are hard to lift. A targeted treatment and a follow-up usually finish the job.