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 →We cover family houses, second homes and the businesses along the waterfront, working around your timetable wherever we can.
Why empty properties can wake up with fleas
Flea pupae are patient. They can stay dormant in carpets and soft furnishings for weeks, then hatch as soon as they sense warmth, movement or vibration from someone walking in. That is why people opening up a second home after a quiet spell sometimes find themselves bitten within the hour, even though nobody has had a pet there for a while.
A previous guest's dog, a visiting cat or an animal getting into a porch can all start it. In a Salcombe holiday home, the answer is to treat the floors and soft furnishings thoroughly, not just spray where the bites happened. We also explain what to do before guests or family arrive.
Steep streets, waterfront businesses and family homes
A flea problem in a house on one of Salcombe's steep streets is treated much like any other, but access can matter. We plan the visit so we can bring in what we need and reach every room, including stairs and landings where fleas often gather along carpet edges. For businesses close to the estuary, we can treat discreetly outside busy periods.
Whatever the property, the routine is the same. Vacuum well first and wash bedding hot. Treat the pets with a vet-recommended product. We deal with carpets, rugs, sofas and the edges of floors, then come back for a follow-up to deal with any fleas that hatch later.
Flea control in Salcombe and the TQ8 area
We look after Salcombe and the TQ8 area, from permanent family homes to rental properties and second homes that need checking before the season begins. We also cover Dartmouth and Ivybridge. If you manage several properties, tell us when you call and we can talk through how to spot early signs, so a small problem does not become a bad week for a guest.
Frequently asked questions
Why am I bitten as soon as I open my Salcombe second home?
Dormant flea pupae hatch when they sense movement and warmth, so the first people in often get bitten. It usually points to fleas left in carpets or furniture. A thorough treatment of the soft furnishings and floors is the answer.
Should I treat a rental between guests if one reports fleas?
Yes, deal with it promptly. We inspect, treat the affected rooms and tell you how long to keep the property empty. Washing throws and vacuuming between stays also helps, and we can advise on a routine.
Do you work around holiday changeover days?
We try to fit around your changeover where we can, and we will explain how long treated rooms need to stay empty so you can plan. Tell us your dates when you call.