FLEA INFORMATION & FACTS

Fleas (Order Siphonaptera) are small, wingless pests that are commonly found in Ontario on pets and hairy animals. They are a huge concern for pet owners.

In order to effectively eliminate a flea problem, a stepwise program needs to be implemented. The three steps to effective flea management and elimination are treatment of infested pets, vacuuming and cleaning of infested premises and a treatment by a professional pest control company.

Flea control can be very frustrating and at times somewhat discouraging. Learn more about fleas, signs of a flea infestation, and how to get rid of fleas.

Dealing with a flea infestation can be incredibly frustrating. Fleas reproduce rapidly and can spread throughout your home in just a matter of days. While they lay their eggs on hosts such as pets — and sometimes even people — the eggs aren’t sticky. This means they quickly fall off and scatter throughout carpets, furniture, bedding, and other areas of the home, making the infestation harder to control.

Our team receives lots of calls from people concerned they have fleas in their home, and aside from them all wanting to get rid of fleas fast, they commonly ask these same questions.

How do I get rid of fleas fast in my house?

To get rid of fleas fast (within 2-3 weeks), you must treat both your pets and your home at the same time. Upon discovering you have fleas, take these immediate steps:

• Daily vacuuming of carpets, rugs, couches, cushions, furniture, and baseboards. Empty vacuum contents outside after each use.
• Wash all bedding (people and pets), and couch blankets in hot water.
• Use veterinarian-approved flea treatment on pets. Over-the-counter flea treatments for pets are not as effective as what a veterinarian can provide.
• Get a professional flea treatment for your home from a licensed pest control expert. These treatments target fleas at every life stage. There are 2 treatments in total, often 2 weeks apart.

Do I need to treat my pets and my home?

Yes, you need to treat your pets and your home. Treating only one will not solve the problem. 

Fleas do not live on their hosts – they only feed on them. Fleas and their eggs actually live in/on:

• Carpets
• Upholstery
• Pet bedding
• Human bedding
• Cracks in flooring
• Behind baseboards

Since humans are also a food source for fleas, if you only treat your pets and skip your home, a flea infestation will linger and worsen over time since flea populations rapidly increase. Treating your home will target these locations, as will daily vacuuming and frequent laundering of bedding. 

Why am I still seeing fleas after treatment?

Seeing fleas after treatment is common and does not always mean your efforts have failed. Fleas are one of the hardest pest issues to resolve.

Reasons what you are seeing fleas after treatment include:

• Pets are not fully protected with a veterinary grade flea control product.
• Eggs continue hatching for 2–4 weeks.
• 2 professional home flea treatments have not been completed yet.
• Insufficient vacuuming. There is no such thing as too much vacuuming when it comes to getting rid of fleas.
• Flea pupae are resistant to many insecticides.

How long does it take to completely eliminate fleas?

It commonly takes 2-4 weeks to completely eliminate fleas if these 4 steps are taken simultaneously during this period- vacuuming, laundering, treating your pet, and professionally treating your home. Complete elimination takes persistence, effort, and time.

When should I hire a professional flea exterminator?

You should always hire a professional flea exterminator when you notice you have fleas. 

Fleas have a complex life cycle, and they live in your home, not on your pets (or on other hosts). DIY methods or over-the-counter flea treatments for your home fall short. Rather than helping, they prolong the issue and can lead to a larger infestation.

How do I prevent fleas from coming back?

You can help prevent fleas from coming back with these prevention tips:

• Keep pets on veterinarian grade flea treatment year-round. Speak with your vet about what is right for your pet.
• Inspect your pets for fleas year-round and pay extra attention from spring to fall.
• Vacuum weekly - carpets, rugs, couches, cushions, furniture, and baseboards.
• Wash pet bedding every 1-2 weeks.

Prevention is easier than getting rid of fleas.