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Flea Control Edinburgh

Fleas are a common household pest in Edinburgh & The Lothians, particularly for homes with pets. They thrive indoors year-round due to central heating, though activity increases during the warmer months from late spring to early autumn. The most common type of flea in the UK is the cat flea, which can live and feed on both cats and dogs. 

How to get rid of fleas

General hygiene

  • Vacuum thoroughly and regularly: Concentrate on carpets, cracks in floorboards, pet bedding, and furniture. Flea pupae can lie dormant for long periods and are triggered by vibrations, so vacuuming is a key step.

  • Empty your vacuum cleaner carefully: The fleas you have collected will still be alive. Dispose of the contents in an outdoor bin immediately after vacuuming.

  • Wash pet bedding at high temperatures: Wash all pet bedding at 50°C or higher every week to kill fleas and their eggs.

  • Limit clutter: Reducing clutter and avoiding heavy carpets can help reduce places where fleas hide.

  • Inspect second-hand items: Check for fleas before bringing second-hand furniture or carpets into your home. 

Pet treatment

  • Use vet-approved treatments: Consult your vet for advice on appropriate flea prevention products for your pets, such as spot-ons, tablets, or collars.

  • Treat all pets: Even if only one pet shows symptoms, it is best to treat all animals in the household.

  • Check for flea dirt: Look for small black or brown specks in your pet's fur, especially around the tail and neck. When moistened on a paper towel, these specks will turn red. 

Close-up of a brown flea attached to the skin of an animal, surrounded by light-colored fur.

Pest Control Methods

  • Residual Insecticide Spraying: This is the most common method. Technicians apply a professional-grade, long-lasting liquid insecticide to all floor surfaces (carpets, floorboards), soft furnishings, and key hiding spots. The residue continues to kill fleas that come into contact with it for several weeks after the initial treatment.

  • Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs): IGRs are often used in combination with adulticides. They do not kill adult fleas but disrupt the flea's development, preventing eggs from hatching and larvae from maturing into reproducing adults, thus breaking the breeding cycle.

  • Fumigation/Fogging: For severe or hard-to-reach infestations, a fumigant or a fine mist of insecticide might be released to penetrate deep into carpets, cracks, and crevices where fleas hide.

  • Heat Treatment: Some companies offer a chemical-free "premium" option that involves heating the affected area to over 50°C (122°F) for a prolonged period. This method kills all life stages of fleas, including the resistant pupae, on the same day, though it has no residual effect.

  • Follow-Up Visits: Due to the flea life cycle, a single treatment may not be enough to eliminate all emerging fleas from pupae that were dormant during the initial treatment. Many professional services include a second or third visit to ensure complete eradication. 

What is Required from You

For the treatment to be successful, you must perform essential preparation and aftercare: 

  • Treat your pets with a veterinary-approved product at the same time as your house treatment.

  • Thoroughly clean and declutter all floors and soft furnishings.

  • Wash all pet bedding on a high-temperature wash (60°C or above).

  • Vacuum the entire property before the technician arrives, and immediately dispose of the vacuum bag in an outdoor bin.

  • Vacate the property with all pets and people during the treatment and for a minimum of 8 hours afterward until the treated surfaces are dry.

  • Do not vacuum or clean the treated surfaces for at least 10-14 days after the treatment to allow the residual insecticide to work effectively. 

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