Attack of the fleas: Experts warn warm weather has caused an ‘explosion’ of parasites in UK homes – and you don’t even need a pet to be infested

With Britain in the midst of one of its warmest summers on record, many Brits have been enjoying BBQs, picnics, and outdoor dining. 

But experts have warned of a rather unpleasant side–effect of the warm weather – an ‘explosion’ of fleas. 

The parasites – which can cause red, itchy welts – are often associated with cats and dogs. 

However, they can actually infest homes without pets, surviving for weeks without a host. 

Now Google searches for ‘fleas in homes without pets’ have soared by 3,550 per cent in just 24 hours, according to Bubblegum Search. 

‘We’ve noticed an unprecedented surge in searches about fleas in pet–free homes,’ explained Matt Cayless, founder of the pet marketing agency. 

Thankfully, fleas are a problem that can easily be fixed. 

Here’s how to tackle the pests if they set up camp in your home this summer. 

With Britain in the midst of one of its warmest summers on record, many Brits have been enjoying BBQs, picnics, and outdoor dining. But experts have warned of a rather unpleasant side–effect of the warm weather – an ‘explosion’ of fleas

How do fleas get into our homes?

Fleas can make their way into your home in a range of ways, according to experts at Frontline. 

‘Have you had friends visiting with a pet? They could have unsuspectingly brought fleas with them,’ the company explains on its website. 

‘Or have you moved into a new place? Flea infestations can lay dormant for around nine months, depending on factors like heat and humidity. 

‘So, if the previous occupants were pet parents, their pets could have left an infestation behind.’

Flea eggs can also arrive in your home on your shoes or clothes – although this is unlikely to lead to an infestation. 

How can fleas survive without pets?

If a pet visits your house, it can scatter flea eggs around your house. 

The parasites – which can cause red, itchy welts – are often associated with cats and dogs. However, they can actually infest homes without pets, surviving for weeks without a host

And when these eggs hatch, the larvae can burrow deep into things like flooring, furniture, and even curtains. 

There, they spin cocoons and grow to adulthood. 

When the adult fleas detect a new host – through warmth, movement, and carbon dioxide – they will come out. 

‘Clever, really. But, unfortunately, in this case, they’re sensing you,’ Frontline explained. 

Thankfully, the fleas in your home are most likely to be cat or dog fleas. 

So, while they will bite humans, they won’t consider you a host to live on – and eventually they will die off.  

How can you get rid of fleas?

While you can just wait for fleas to die off naturally, household sprays will help you to get on top of infestations more quickly. 

‘Use it on carpets, cracks and crevices in flooring and soft–upholstered furniture to give fleas the boot and help prevent their return,’ Frontline said. 

‘Remember to spray places like under beds and sofas.’

It’s also worth washing your bedding at a minimum of 60°C, and vigorously vacuuming. 

‘Flea pupae cocoons are very sticky, so won’t necessarily be sucked up, but the vibrations from the vacuum will encourage the fleas to hatch out,’ Frontline added.