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Clara Vellum
Clara Vellum

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Managing Flea Infestations: Why Your Vacuum Isn't Enough

With 2025 having been one of the warmest years on record in South Wales, the flea population in Cardiff has surged. As we move through 2026, many pet owners are finding that standard shop-bought collars and sprays are failing to keep their homes clear. If you are experiencing bites or seeing your pets scratch excessively, you need a coordinated approach to other insect control.

The Flea Life Cycle

The reason fleas are so difficult to eradicate is their lifecycle. Only about 5% of a flea infestation is actually on your pet (the adults). The other 95% exists as eggs, larvae, and pupae hidden in your carpets, rugs, and furniture. A single female can lay up to 50 eggs a day, which quickly fall off your pet and into the environment.

Because fleas thrive in warm, cluttered environments, an infestation can often be found alongside other textile pests. If you notice damage to your rugs, you might also be looking for carpet moths control to protect your home's interior.

Professional Eradication

Professional treatment involves using a residual insecticide combined with an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR). This not only kills the adults but prevents the eggs and larvae from maturing. After a treatment, we often suggest a loft clearance if your pet has had access to storage areas, ensuring no "reservoirs" of eggs remain.

FAQs

1. Do I need to treat my house if my pet doesn't have fleas? If your pet has had fleas in the past, or if you have recently moved into a new home in Cardiff where the previous owners had pets, the pupae can remain dormant in the carpet for months until they feel the vibration of a new host.

2. Can fleas live on humans? No, fleas cannot live on humans, but they will certainly bite us. Bites are usually found around the ankles and legs and can cause significant irritation and allergic reactions. For more on household pests, check our faqs page.

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