Fleas are maybe one of the smallest but most persistent pests you can come across in the pest world. They are also one of the most costly pests too, as millions is spent each year in the UK to keep fleas under control. Flea treatments and prevention is one of the largest expenses any pet owners can have.

Over the years, fleas have built up a tolerance to certain flea control products. By changing your products periodically, you can keep the fleas sensitive to a wide range of pesticides.

About 57% of fleas in your home will be in the larval stage. After a week or two, they will develop into a fully grown adult flea. If undisturbed, the eggs may not hatch. But once they feel a vibration or sense carbon dioxide, they will awake and emerge from their cocoon to feed.

The most effective form of pest control is prevention. If you put an action plan in place to prevent fleas from spreading in your home, you will be able to handle any infestation that may occur. To make things even harder, fleas are brilliant at hiding.

Common places to find fleas around your home

• Carpet;
• Bedding;
• Furniture;
• Cushions;
• Chairs;
• Beds;
• Along walls;
• Cracks and crevices;
• Between hardwood floors.

If you vacuum your home regularly, that will make sure that fleas will be kept to a minimum in your home. You can vacuum up almost 60% of flea eggs if you give your house a really thorough clean. Remember to empty your vacuum immediately after, into an outdoor bin to prevent the fleas from spreading back into your home. Pest control and prevention measures should be taken seriously because you can’t be too careful.

If the fleas are in the garden of your London home, they prefer moist, shady and cool hiding places. Shrubs, leaves and trees are their favourite spots because they don’t do well in sunny or open areas. Take the time to trim back your shrubs, and rake away any leaves that may have fallen. This limits the number of areas where a flea could happily live and helps prevent an infestation from building up outside as well as indoors.