Expert Flea Control Services in the UK

Fleas are fast-moving, blood-feeding insects that thrive on pets and in soft furnishings. At Shire Pest Solutions, we deliver targeted flea control to break the life cycle in your home or business, using professional-grade treatments and best-practice methods to remove active adults and stop new fleas from emerging.

Understanding the Flea Lifecycle

• Eggs: After feeding, female fleas lay eggs on the host; each can produce around 1,000 eggs in her lifetime. Eggs fall into carpets, pet bedding, and cracks.
• Larvae: Within days, larvae hatch and feed on organic debris and adult flea faeces (flea “dirt”).
• Pupae (cocoons): Larvae spin silken cocoons and develop into adults. Fully formed adults can remain dormant until heat, vibrations, or CO₂ signal a nearby host.
• Adults: Newly emerged adults seek a host immediately and begin feeding. In warm, humid conditions the full cycle can complete in as little as one month.

Where Are Fleas Commonly Found?

• On pets and in areas where pets rest (baskets, sofas, rugs)
• Within carpets, soft furnishings, and pet bedding
• High-traffic, communal spaces with frequent pet activity

Why Do Fleas Infest Properties?

Fleas depend on warm-blooded hosts for blood meals. Adults feed on animals (and sometimes humans), while larvae consume skin flakes and the blood-rich faeces of adults. Even properties without pets can experience infestations via visiting animals (e.g., cats, foxes) or fleas hitchhiking on clothing.

Common Flea Hotspots

• Pet sleeping areas and favourite resting spots
• Edges of carpets, under furniture, and along skirting boards
• Upholstered furniture, rugs, and car interiors
• Outdoors: shaded areas where pets rest, long grass, and debris

How to Prevent and Control Flea Infestations

• Vacuum frequently to remove eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults—dispose of the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately.
• Wash pet bedding regularly at high temperatures.
• Treat pets with vet-approved flea preventatives on schedule.
• Maintain outdoor areas—mow lawns and clear debris to reduce harbourage.
• Consider professional pest control to break heavy or persistent infestations.

Our Professional Remedy

Before treatment, clear as much floor space as possible and vacuum thoroughly to lift eggs and debris. Our technicians apply long-lasting residual insecticides—often combined with insect growth regulators—targeting carpets, skirtings, pet zones, and other hotspots. After treatment, avoid vacuuming or washing floors for 1 to 2 weeks so the residual products remain effective as dormant adults emerge.

Do Fleas Carry Diseases?

While fleas in the UK do not commonly spread disease today, their bites cause significant discomfort and may trigger allergic reactions. Persistent scratching can occasionally lead to secondary skin infections. Historically, fleas have been associated with serious diseases; however, modern UK cases are rare.

Risks to People and Pets

• People: Itchy bites (often around ankles/legs) and possible allergic responses; excessive scratching may cause secondary infections.
• Pets: Intense irritation, flea allergy dermatitis (saliva sensitivity), and in heavy infestations, potential anaemia—prompt veterinary care is advised.

Types of Fleas in the UK

• Cat Flea (Ctenocephalides felis): Most common; bites cats, dogs, and sometimes humans.
• Dog Flea (Ctenocephalides canis): Prefers dogs but will feed on other mammals.
• Bird Flea (Ceratophyllus gallinae): Associated with birds; can build up in large numbers.
• Human Flea (Pulex irritans): Now rare in the UK.

How Fleas Spread

About 95% of the flea population (eggs, larvae, pupae) exists in the environment rather than on the animal. Fleas move between locations on pets, wildlife, or human clothing, and outbreaks often start where pets sleep or spend the most time.

Signs of a Flea Infestation

• Pets scratching, licking, or biting excessively
• “Flea dirt” in fur that turns red when dampened
• Small red bites on humans, typically around ankles and legs
• Adult fleas visible jumping on carpets or upholstery

Why Fleas Are More Common in Summer

Fleas thrive between 21–29°C with adequate humidity, so infestations are more frequent during UK summer months and in warm, centrally heated homes.