Fleas

 

Flea bites on skin example

Having problems with fleas?

Fleas are tiny, wingless insects that feed on blood and can quickly become a major nuisance in homes and businesses. They often arrive via pets, visiting animals, or wildlife, then spread through carpets, soft furnishings, floor cracks and pet bedding.

If you are noticing itchy bites, pets scratching, or fleas jumping on furniture, early action is key to breaking the life cycle and preventing the problem from escalating.

Expert Flea Control Services in the UK

Fleas reproduce quickly and most of the infestation is usually hidden in the environment rather than on the pet. Eggs drop into carpets and furniture, larvae develop in dark sheltered areas, and pupae can remain dormant for months before emerging when a host is detected. This is why flea problems often return if the full life cycle is not addressed.

Where Fleas Commonly Hide

  • Carpets and rugs, especially around edges and under furniture
  • Pet bedding, sofas, and favourite resting areas
  • Floor cracks, skirting gaps, and storage areas
  • Car interiors and soft furnishings if pets travel regularly

Practical Steps You Can Take

  • Vacuum thoroughly and dispose of contents immediately
  • Wash pet bedding on a hot cycle where safe to do so
  • Treat pets using vet-approved flea products
  • Reduce harbourage by decluttering and cleaning under furniture

When Professional Treatment Helps Most

If the infestation is severe, recurring, or spreading beyond one room, professional treatment is often the fastest and most reliable way to break the life cycle. Shire Pest Solutions uses targeted residual treatments and practical guidance to help prevent re-infestation.


Flea Control FAQ

Common signs include pets scratching excessively, tiny black specks (flea dirt) in their fur, red bite marks on your ankles or legs, and fleas jumping on carpets or furniture.
Yes. Fleas can be brought in by wildlife such as foxes, cats, or rodents, and can also hitch a ride on human clothing or shoes.
An adult flea can live for several weeks to months depending on conditions, while dormant pupae can survive for many months until a host is detected.
Fleas reproduce rapidly — a single female can lay hundreds of eggs within weeks, allowing infestations to develop quickly if not treated.
A combination of vacuuming, washing pet bedding, treating pets with vet-approved products, and professional pest control is the most effective approach.
Flea bites are usually harmless but can cause itching, allergic reactions, or secondary skin infections from scratching. In rare cases, fleas can transmit diseases.
While mild infestations can sometimes be managed with thorough cleaning and pet treatments, professional pest control is often needed for severe or recurring problems to fully break the life cycle.

More About Shire Pest Solutions

Shire Pest Solutions is a trusted and local pest control company proudly serving homes and businesses across Oxfordshire and beyond. We have built our reputation on professionalism, reliability, and fast response times, specialising in the safe and effective removal of pests including ants, wasps, rodents, bed bugs, and more.

Our expert technicians hold full qualifications and use the latest tools and treatments to resolve pest problems quickly and safely—without unnecessary disruption. Whether you face a minor domestic issue or a large-scale commercial infestation, we design our services to meet your needs with minimal fuss and maximum effectiveness.

Based locally, we regularly assist customers in Didcot, Wallingford, Abingdon, Wantage, Witney, Newbury, Thame, Thatcham, and Stokenchurch. Our knowledge of the local area enables us to provide rapid call-outs and treatments that are suited to the unique pest challenges of each location.

At Shire Pest Solutions, we don’t just eliminate pests—we stop them from returning. We offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees, and we dedicate ourselves to customer satisfaction, making us the go-to pest control provider for homeowners, landlords, and commercial clients alike.

Contact us today to arrange a call-out or find out more about our pest control services across Oxfordshire and surrounding areas.