How do you get rid of fleas in your house?
Treat the pet and the house at the same time. Ask your vet for a flea treatment for every pet, then have the floors, carpets, pet bedding and outdoor resting spots treated with an insecticide plus an insect growth regulator. Vacuum daily for two weeks after treatment, as vibration brings pupae out to contact the treatment.
Signs you have fleas
- Pets scratching, licking or biting at their fur
- Small itchy bites on ankles and lower legs
- Tiny dark specks (flea dirt) on pet bedding that turn red when wet
- Fleas jumping onto white socks when you walk across the carpet
- Fleas appearing in a home that has been empty, such as a new rental
Why fleas come back after a pet treatment
Flea pupae in carpets and floor cracks are protected by a sticky cocoon and can wait for weeks until they sense vibration or warmth. That is why fleas often appear when people move into a home that has been empty. Treating the environment with a growth regulator breaks the cycle so new adults do not keep emerging.
How Pestor treats fleas
Inspect
We find where pets rest and where fleas are concentrated, inside and outside.
Treat inside
Carpets, rugs, floorboards, under furniture and pet areas are treated with an insecticide and growth regulator.
Treat outside
Shaded areas where pets lie, under decks and sub-floors are treated as needed.
Aftercare
You get vacuuming instructions and a treatment record. End-of-lease jobs get a receipt for your agent.
Before your flea treatment
- Have every pet treated by your vet on or just before treatment day
- Vacuum all floors, under furniture and couches, then empty the vacuum outside
- Wash pet bedding on hot
- Pick up items from the floor so carpets are clear
- Keep pets away until the treatment has dried
Prevention tips
- Keep all pets on a regular vet-recommended flea treatment
- Wash pet bedding weekly
- Vacuum regularly, especially where pets sleep
- Discourage stray cats and wildlife from sleeping under the house
Common species in Melbourne
| Name | Scientific name | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Cat flea | Ctenocephalides felis | The most common flea on both cats and dogs in Melbourne. |
| Dog flea | Ctenocephalides canis | Less common than the cat flea, found on dogs. |
FAQs about fleas
Do I need a flea treatment at the end of my lease?
Many Victorian rental agreements and agents ask for a flea treatment when a pet has lived at the property. Check your lease. We provide a receipt and treatment record for your agent.
How long after treatment will I see fleas?
You may see some fleas for up to two weeks as pupae hatch and contact the treatment. Keep vacuuming daily. That is normal and a sign the treatment is working.
Can I treat the house without treating my pet?
No. Pets carry adult fleas back into the house. Treat every pet through your vet at the same time.
How long do we need to stay out?
Usually until the treated floors are dry, typically a few hours. Your technician will confirm on the day.