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 look at the whole property, work out where the fleas are breeding and treat it properly. Most of a flea problem is hidden in carpets and furniture, so that is where we put our effort.
Why fleas return when only the pet is treated
Adult fleas on a pet are only a small part of the picture. The rest are eggs, larvae and pupae lying deep in carpets, rugs, sofas and cracks between floorboards. Pupae can sit dormant for weeks, then hatch when they sense warmth or the vibration of footsteps. That is why people in Totnes often think a problem is solved, then find fresh bites a fortnight later.
Older buildings in a market town can make this harder. Gaps between boards, thick rugs and shared floors give fleas plenty of places to hide. We check these areas on every visit and treat them in a targeted way, so the next generation does not simply replace the one you have just dealt with.
What happens when we visit
We start by asking about the bites, the pets and how long it has been going on, then inspect the rooms where animals sleep and rest. Flea dirt looks like black specks and turns reddish when dampened on paper, which helps us confirm the problem. We then treat carpets, soft furnishings and skirting areas throughout the affected rooms in Totnes homes, not only the one where you noticed it.
Before we arrive, vacuum thoroughly and wash pet bedding and throws on a hot cycle. Empty the vacuum bag or bin outside afterwards. Your pets should also be treated with a product your vet recommends, because treating the animal and the home together is what works. We will explain exactly what to do and when, and arrange a follow-up for any fleas that hatch afterwards.
Flea control across Totnes and the TQ9 area
We work in homes, holiday lets and small businesses across Totnes, from the town centre to farmhouses and outbuildings nearby. If you let a property to guests, or run a shop where a pet lives behind the counter, we can treat quietly and with minimal disruption. We also cover Dartmouth and Longcombe. Call us, tell us what you are seeing, and we will talk you through the next step.
Frequently asked questions
Can fleas live in a Totnes cottage with no pets?
Yes. Fleas can arrive on visitors' clothes, second-hand furniture or from wildlife near the house, and dormant pupae can be left behind by previous occupants. If you have bites but no pets, we can inspect to confirm what the cause is before any treatment starts.
How long until the fleas stop after treatment?
You may still see some fleas for a couple of weeks as pupae hatch and come into contact with treated areas. That is normal. Keep vacuuming and avoid washing treated floors straight away. If activity carries on beyond that, tell us and we will look at the follow-up.
Do I need to leave the house while you treat it?
We will tell you before the visit how long to stay out of treated rooms, and it is usually a few hours. Pets, fish tanks and any small animals need to be moved out of the rooms first. We explain all the steps when you book.