How Do You Clear a Household Flea Infestation in March?

A pet that has been treated and a house that is still full of fleas is one of the most common situations we hear about, in March as much as anywhere. It is not a sign the vet's product failed. It is a sign that the adult fleas on the animal were only a small slice of the population.

What a Treated Pet Leaves Behind

Before the treatment, the animal has been shedding eggs wherever it went. Those eggs have hatched into larvae in the carpet, and the larvae have spun cocoons. The cocoons are protected and resist insecticide, so adult fleas keep emerging for weeks, and each one will bite you or the pet before it dies.

In older March terraces and the newer estates alike, that means the sofa, the bed the pet shares and the carpet by the back door.

The Order That Works

1. Pet. Continue the vet's treatment so new arrivals do not breed.
2. Washing. Hot wash all bedding, throws and soft toys.
3. Vacuum. Thorough, every room the pet uses, then empty it outside.
4. Rooms. Professional treatment of each affected room.
5. Patience. Two weeks without vacuuming or washing the carpets.

Terraces and Shared Walls

In a terrace, a neighbour's animals are sometimes part of the picture, particularly if a cat moves between gardens and gets in through a window or flap. We cannot treat next door, but we can tell you what to look for and whether the pattern points to an outside source.

What We Do and Cost

Our flea control in March is £220 for the first room and £60 for each further room, so two rooms cost £280. The price is fixed, there is no call-out fee and we confirm it before booking. The flea treatment cost guide explains what the price covers and what happens on the day.

After We Have Gone

• Walk through the rooms as usual
• Do not vacuum, wash or steam clean carpets for a minimum of two weeks
• Expect a few fleas in the first few days
• Keep up the pet's treatment

Footfall brings dormant fleas out onto the treated surface, so there is no point keeping people out of a room.

Can You Do It Yourself?

For a light, early problem, careful hot washing, thorough vacuuming and a vet's product can be enough. For an established infestation they often are not, because sprays from a shop struggle to reach pupae. If you are unsure, a pest inspection and survey at £120 will tell you what you have. Treatments are guaranteed, and a return within 14 days is re-treated free.

If you are renting in March and the fleas pre-date your tenancy, keep a note of when the bites started and what you have done, since it helps when speaking to a landlord. Call 01223 902388 or send a WhatsApp message for advice.