Pests To Watch Out For This Winter
The Importance Of A Professional With Fleas
How To Deal With Cats and Eliminate Fleas
My Cat Has Fleas: What Should I Do About Fleas in the House?
Finding fleas on your cat can quickly become more than just a problem for your pet. Adult fleas feed on animals, but much of the flea life cycle takes place away from the host, which means eggs, larvae and developing fleas may already be present around your home.
This is why treating your cat does not always make the problem disappear immediately. Fleas can continue to emerge from carpets, rugs, pet bedding, furniture and other areas where your cat spends time.
If you have discovered fleas, the important thing is to deal with both sides of the problem: make sure your pet receives appropriate veterinary treatment and take steps to reduce the flea population developing inside the property.
In this guide, we explain what to do when your cat has fleas, why they can persist in the home and when professional flea treatment may be needed.
Why Treating Your Cat Alone May Not Get Rid of Fleas
Treating your cat is an important first step, but it may not remove the flea problem from your home. Adult fleas spend much of their time on an animal, while eggs can fall into carpets, pet bedding, sofas and other areas where your cat rests.
Those eggs can develop into larvae and pupae away from the animal. This means new adult fleas may continue to emerge even after your cat has been treated successfully.
What Should You Do Around the House?
- Vacuum thoroughly and regularly. Concentrate on carpets, rugs, skirting boards, upholstered furniture and areas where your cat sleeps or spends time.
- Wash pet bedding. Follow the washing instructions and use an appropriate hot wash where the material allows.
- Vacuum beneath furniture. Flea larvae tend to develop in sheltered areas that are not regularly disturbed.
- Empty the vacuum afterwards. Dispose of the contents promptly outside the home.
- Continue the veterinary flea treatment recommended for your pet. Speak to your vet about the most appropriate product and treatment schedule for your cat.
It is also important to be patient. Fleas can continue to emerge for a period after treatment because some stages of their life cycle are more protected than others.
What About Flea Bombs and DIY Sprays?
DIY flea products are widely available, but treating only the visible areas of a room may not reach all of the places where fleas are developing. Foggers or “flea bombs” can also be difficult to use effectively because the insecticide may not penetrate beneath furniture, into carpet edges or other sheltered areas where flea larvae and pupae may be present.
If fleas continue to appear despite treating your pet and cleaning the property thoroughly, it may be time to consider professional treatment.
When Do You Need Professional Flea Treatment?
If fleas continue to appear after your cat has been treated and you have thoroughly vacuumed and cleaned the areas where your pet spends time, there may be an established flea population developing throughout the property.
Professional treatment may be appropriate when:
- Fleas continue to bite people or pets despite veterinary treatment
- You are finding fleas in several rooms
- The problem returns after cleaning and vacuuming
- A previous occupant or pet may have left an infestation behind
- DIY treatments have not brought the problem under control
Wallace Pest Control provides professional flea treatment in Lancashire for homes, landlords and businesses. Treatment is combined with practical preparation and aftercare advice to help deal with the flea life cycle throughout the property.
If your cat has fleas and they have spread into your home, call us on 07496 680879 for advice or to arrange treatment.