Small itchy bites around the ankles, a pet scratching constantly, and tiny insects jumping from the carpet: these are common signs of fleas. In homes with dogs, ticks also turn up in cracks, corners and the pet's sleeping area.
This guide explains how to recognise fleas and ticks, how to get rid of them in the home and yard, and why treating the pet alone is not enough.
Source: usually a pet or a stray animal entering the place. Fleas stay in carpets and bedding, not only on the animal.
Common mistake: treating the place and not the pet, or the reverse. Both are needed together.
The cycle: most fleas in a home are eggs, larvae and pupae hidden in carpets and cracks, not the visible adults.
Rule: vacuum and wash, then treat cracks and corners, and ask a veterinarian about treating the pet.
How do you tell fleas from ticks?
- Fleas: small, dark brown, flattened from the sides, they jump long distances, and bite people mostly around the ankles and legs.
- Ticks: arachnids that attach to the animal's skin and swell with blood. They can live in wall cracks, under furniture and in dog sleeping areas.
- Difference from bed bugs: bed bugs bite at night, usually on the body and upper limbs. See Bed Bugs, Fleas or Dust Mites?.
Signs of infestation
- The animal scratches constantly or bites its fur.
- Small red bites clustered around the ankles.
- Tiny black specks like dust in the pet's bedding, which are flea droppings.
- Insects jumping on carpet or on white socks when you walk.
- Swollen ticks on the animal or in corners.
Why does it spread indoors?
- A pet or stray animal enters or sleeps in the place.
- Carpet, rugs and pet bedding where larvae collect.
- Cracks and dark warm areas that protect eggs and pupae.
- A yard or entrance where stray animals gather.
- Flea pupae can stay dormant for weeks and then emerge with vibration and warmth, so the infestation appears suddenly.
Plan to get rid of fleas and ticks
- The pet first: ask a veterinarian for a treatment suited to the animal's species, age and weight. Never spray household insecticides on the animal.
- Vacuum thoroughly: carpet, floors, furniture edges, corners and under beds, then throw the vacuum bag away outside the home.
- Wash fabrics: pet bedding, covers and nearby curtains in hot water, and dry them well.
- Treat cracks and corners: with a suitable residual spray on lower walls, corners, rug edges and the pet's sleeping area, away from beds and food.
- Keep pets and children out of the treated area until it is fully dry and the room is aired.
- Repeat the vacuuming: daily for several days, because pupae emerge gradually.
- Treat the yard: clean up animal shelter spots and shaded damp areas.
Common mistakes
- Spraying only the visible insects without vacuuming and washing.
- Treating the pet and ignoring the place, so the infestation returns from the carpet.
- Spraying insecticide on the animal or its bedding.
- Spraying beds and bedding with a household insecticide.
- Stopping after a week while pupae emerge later.
- Ignoring the stray animals that enter the yard.
How to stop them coming back
- Check the pet regularly and keep up with the veterinarian.
- Wash its bedding weekly and vacuum its areas regularly.
- Trim plants and clear fallen leaves from the yard.
- Keep stray animals out. See Stray Dogs and Cats: How to Keep Them Away.
- Seal cracks and repair floor and wall joints.
Products from the Orkida Store
We start with vacuuming and washing, then treat cracks and corners only. We advise following the label dose and the safety interval, and keeping children and pets out until the area is dry.
- Exit 100 EW Cypermethrin 10% Insecticide 1 L: from Arysta; an emulsion cypermethrin spray for surface treatment of cracks and corners against fleas, ants and cockroaches, used away from beds and food.
Frequently asked questions
Do fleas live on people?
They bite people but do not stay on them as they do on animals. Most of the infestation is in carpets and bedding.
Why did fleas appear when there is no pet?
There may be pupae left by previous occupants, or a stray animal entering the place, and they emerge with movement.
How long does it take to get rid of them?
Usually a few weeks with repeated vacuuming, because pupae emerge gradually.
Do ticks bite people?
Yes, they can attach to people. If one attaches, consult a doctor and do not crush it with your hand.
Should I spray the pet with household insecticide?
Never. Treatment of the animal is decided by a veterinarian.
Is vacuuming enough?
It cuts numbers a lot, but alone it is not enough for a large infestation, so it is followed by treating cracks.
If the infestation is large or keeps coming back, visit your nearest Orkida branch with a photo or a sample and we will point you to the right product.