Urban Myth: Pets Have to Go Outside to Get Fleas

If you have a cat or a dog, you’ve probably had to deal with fleas at one time or another. But do pets need to go outside to become a flea’s next tasty meal? No, they don’t. It’s true that going outside puts them more at risk, but the truth is, those sneaky parasites can still get into your home in plenty of other ways. 

Why you need to deal with fleas 

Fleas breed fast; one adult flea can lay as many as 50 eggs per day. So before you know it, you can end up with a serious infestation that affects you, your home, and your pets. 

How did my pet get fleas?

Say you’ve get an indoor cat, or an elderly pooch that can’t go out as often. How did they get fleas if they haven’t really been outside?

They got in via a neighbour’s house or apartment

Fleas breed quickly and once they do, it’s hard to keep an infestation contained. An infestation can easily spread between apartments or houses once it’s established. 

Another pet has brought them in 

Do you have another pet that goes outside? Maybe a puppy who ventures out more often than your older dog? What about your friend who brings their pet when they visit? Fleas can hitch a ride into your house on other animals. 

Fleas can get in on second-hand goods

Did you check that sofa you bought on Facebook market place? If it’s infested, you might have inadvertently brought fleas into your home. To be on the safe side, inspect anything your bring into your home and give it a good clean. 

They get in via wildlife in your garden

Those foxes you see roaming around your bins can carry fleas. Once eggs drop off them and into your garden, fleas can jump on you and find their way into your home on your clothes. 

How can I get rid of fleas in my home?

• Get your pet treated as soon as possible. After treatment, check their fur regularly for signs of fleas. In cats, fleas are often visible around the neck area and for dogs, they can usually be seen on their back. When you are combing them, you may see dirt that resembles black pepper, this is flea droppings. 
• As well as treating your pet, you have to treat your home. If flea eggs aren’t destroyed, the infestation will keep on growing. Vacuum thoroughly to remove fleas eggs from your floors and carpets, but be sure to empty the hoover bag in your outdoor bin. 

Got a flea problem? Don’t DIY, call Contego 

While there are DIY products out there to kill fleas, it can be hard to eradicate an infestation on your own. Fleas can be hard to see, and even if you kill those you do see, the eggs may still survive. If you’ve seen signs of a serious infestation, call in professional pest control. 

Contego’s highly-trained technicians know what they are looking for when it comes to flea infestations. We’ll survey your home, identify the source of the problem, and carry out a treatment that works, fast. 

Claim back your home and have happy pets once again.