A few fleas are a nuisance, but a settled population can make life miserable for pets and people. Here are the signs to watch and the risks worth knowing about.
You may see small dark insects jumping from carpets, or notice itchy bites around your ankles after walking through a room. Black specks in pet bedding that turn red on damp paper are flea dirt. Pets that scratch, groom constantly or lose patches of fur are often reacting to fleas. In homes that have been empty for a while, fleas may appear as soon as someone walks in, triggered by the vibration.
Look closely at your pet's coat. Part the fur at the base of the tail, on the neck and along the belly, where fleas gather. Redness, scabs, small black flecks and constant scratching all suggest an issue. Pets with sensitive skin can show these signs even when only a few fleas are present, so do not rely on seeing the insects themselves.
Flea bites typically show as small, itchy red spots, often in groups around the feet, ankles and lower legs. Scratching can break the skin and lead to infection. Some people develop larger swellings or blistering reactions. If bites are spreading, weeping or very painful, get advice from a pharmacist or doctor.
Fleas feed on blood, and heavy infestations in kittens, puppies and older animals can lead to anaemia. Many pets develop an allergy to flea saliva, which causes intense itching, sore skin and hair loss from a single bite. Fleas can also carry tapeworm larvae, which pets can pick up if they swallow a flea while grooming. Your vet can advise on treatment and worming.
A female flea can lay eggs every day once she has fed, and those eggs drop off wherever the pet moves. Within weeks, carpets, rugs, sofas and bedding may hold large numbers of larvae. The eggs and larvae are not visible to the casual observer, so the problem seems to appear suddenly when the adults emerge.
Fleas can come from mice, rats, birds and other animals nesting in lofts or under floors. When those animals are removed, the fleas left behind may look for a new host. If you have recently dealt with rodents, it is worth bearing this in mind.
Allergy sufferers and young children may also need extra care. Bites can be more troublesome for sensitive skin, and repeated scratching may leave marks. Keep nails short, wash bites with mild soap and water, and speak to a pharmacist about soothing creams. If you feel unwell with a fever or spreading redness, seek medical advice.
If you see these signs, call 0113 347 0014 or message on WhatsApp. We offer free surveys for homes and businesses, and can talk through what to do while you wait for an appointment.
They bite people but do not usually stay on them. Human hair and skin do not suit them as a long-term home, so they tend to jump back to carpets or pets after feeding. That is why bites are mostly on the lower legs.
For most people they are an itchy nuisance. The main risks are infection from scratching and strong reactions in sensitive people. Pets face greater risks, including allergy and, with heavy infestations in young animals, anaemia. Seek advice if symptoms are severe.
Fleas can carry tapeworm larvae. A pet that swallows an infected flea while grooming may develop tapeworm. Your vet can recommend worming and flea treatments suited to your animal, which is a good reason to deal with the fleas promptly.
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