Winter heating switch-on gets fleas hopping

12 November, 2009

Rentokil have seen a 30% rise in the number of enquiries about fleas. Sightings of the bloodsuckers are likely to have coincided with the start of colder winter nights, when most households switched on their central heating for the first time this year.

According to the experts at Rentokil, flea activity peaks when humans head inside and turn up the temperature during the colder months. Thanks to cosy conditions with pets and people staying indoors and offering a ready meal, fleas are given the perfect environment in which to thrive during winter.

So if you're reaching for the thermostat this month, be aware that you could be raising more than just the temperature in your home. Flea cocoons can lie dormant during the summer when there are no animals or humans in a house to supply them with food, and can spring to life once we come inside and start moving around the home more regularly.

Savvas Othon, Technical Director at Rentokil, explains what to look out for and how to deal with fleas, should you spot a problem:

"Fleas are a common problem in homes especially for those with cats and dogs. They are also frequently found when moving into a home that previously had pets,so it's always worth finding out who previously occupied your property.

The parasites can be easily identified; they are brownish-black wingless insects between 1 and 4mm long and have a characteristic jumping movement. Common places for them to appear include areas around animal bedding, on carpets, in bird nests and the primary concern is the distress that flea bites cause people and pets.

Fleas most often bite people around the legs and ankles, usually with 2 or 3 bites in a row. The bites are felt immediately and can be sore for as much as a week. Infants are at higher risk from being bitten by fleas particularly when playing on the floor. They also tend to be more sensitive than adults to flea bites. We would advise anyone who thinks they have been bitten by fleas to consult a pharmacist for advice and treatment of the bites.

With regards to removing the fleas from the home, simply vacuuming will not combat the problem, as the fleas jump to avoid the hoover. However, good housekeeping does have a role to play in preventing their presence as larvae feed on organic matter in carpets or bedding. Whilst DIY pest control products can be very effective in getting rid of fleas, more established flea infestations will require professional treatment."

For more information about Rentokil's call-out service to treat fleas call the national service team free on 0800 218 2210.