Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Sources: RSPCA, PDSA, Cats Protection
The short answer
To get rid of fleas in your house, you need to treat your pets and your home at the same time. Vacuum often, wash bedding hot, use a household flea spray if your vet suggests one, and keep going for several weeks.
- Most fleas live in your home, not on your pet.
- Treat every pet in the house, using products made for each species.
- Vacuum floors, furniture and skirting boards, then throw away the bag straight away.
- Wash bedding at 60°C or hotter.
- Keep up prevention afterwards, because centrally heated homes can let fleas breed all year.
Why are there fleas in the house when my pet is treated?
Fleas are in your house because only a small part of any flea problem is on the animal. The RSPCA says 95 per cent of flea eggs, larvae and pupae live in the environment, not on your pet.
That means a single flea on your dog is rarely the whole story. The PDSA says 50 fleas living on your dog can mean 1,000 fleas, or eggs, in the home.
It isn't a sign that you're a bad owner or a messy one. Fleas can arrive on any animal that comes into your home. Our customers tell us the same thing: the most common problem they describe is constant scratching, biting and over-grooming, about 1 in 6 of the reviews we read.
How do you know if you have fleas in your home?
You can spot fleas in your home by checking your pet's coat for fleas or flea dirt, and by looking for small bites on your own ankles and legs. The RSPCA suggests combing your pet with a fine-toothed comb over a piece of white kitchen paper.
Fleas or tiny black specks may drop onto the paper. Add a few drops of water. If the specks turn reddish-brown, the RSPCA says your pet very likely has fleas.
The PDSA suggests checking particularly around the back end and above the base of the tail. If you think your dog has fleas, the PDSA says to call your vet practice for advice.
How long can fleas live in a house?
Fleas can live in a house for many months, and some life stages can last much longer than you'd expect. The RSPCA says a flea can live from 14 days to a year, and can survive without a host for many months.
Cats Protection explains that fleas can lie dormant for up to six months in carpets and soft furnishings. The PDSA says fleas or eggs in the home can survive for up to a year.
A female flea can lay up to 50 eggs in one day, the RSPCA says, which is 1,500 in a lifetime. That is why one missed corner can start the problem again.
Should you treat your pet or your home first?
You should treat your pet and your home at the same time, because treating only one lets fleas come back from the other. The PDSA advises treating all dogs, cats and rabbits in the house together, ideally with a product from your vet.
- Use only products labelled for the species you're treating.
- Ask your vet which product suits your pet. We can't give dosing advice.
- Fleas can pass on tapeworms, so the PDSA suggests regular worming, especially after fleas.
Cat owners: the RSPCA says permethrin, found in some dog treatments, is safe for dogs but highly toxic to cats. Cats Protection says never to use a dog flea treatment on your cat. Always use products labelled for cats and ask your vet first.
How do you clean your house to get rid of fleas?
You clean your house of fleas by vacuuming, washing and repeating, because that removes fleas at every stage of their life cycle. The RSPCA advises cleaning bedding regularly and vacuuming furniture, floors and skirting boards.
- Vacuum thoroughly. Cover floors, rugs, sofas, under beds and along skirting boards.
- Bin the bag. The RSPCA says to throw away the dust bag after each use. Cats Protection says to dispose of the bag safely or clean the canister.
- Wash bedding hot. The PDSA says to wash bedding at 60°C or hotter. Check the care label first.
- Replace badly infested items. Cats Protection says heavily infested pet bedding should be thrown away.
- Repeat. Cats Protection notes that vacuuming helps but won't remove every flea on its own.
Do you need a household flea spray?
A household flea spray can help in a real infestation, but you should choose one with your vet's advice and follow the label closely. Cats Protection says sprays go on carpets and furnishings to kill flea eggs and larvae, and your cat should stay out of the room.
The PDSA warns that household sprays often contain permethrin, which is extremely toxic to cats, fish and birds. Never spray it on a pet. If you have cats, birds or fish, check the label and ask your vet before you buy.
What should you do each week?
A simple weekly routine keeps the cleaning manageable, and the table below sums up the jobs. The advice comes from the three charities named in each row.
| Job | What to do | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Vacuum | Floors, furniture, skirting boards, under beds. Bin the bag each time. | RSPCA, Cats Protection |
| Wash | Bedding and blankets at 60°C or hotter. | PDSA |
| Spray | Household flea spray on carpets and furnishings, if your vet advises it. | Cats Protection, PDSA |
| Treat pets | Every pet, with a product for that species, ideally from your vet. | PDSA, RSPCA |
What do UK vet charities advise?
UK animal charities agree that you must treat the home and every pet together. Here is what each one says.
- RSPCA: treat your pet and your home, because 95 per cent of flea eggs, larvae and pupae live in the environment. You may need to treat all year round if your home is centrally heated.
- PDSA: wash bedding at 60°C or hotter, vacuum regularly and treat all pets at the same time. Call your vet practice if you think your dog has fleas.
- Cats Protection: always treat your home as well as your cat, and never use a dog flea treatment on a cat.
How do you stop fleas coming back?
You stop fleas coming back by keeping every pet protected without gaps, and by checking regularly. The RSPCA says flea treatment may be needed all year round in a centrally heated home.
Check your pet's coat once a week with a fine comb. Vacuum a little more often through autumn and winter, when the heating is on. Keep up your vet-advised treatment on schedule.
The weak point for many owners is the gap between treatments. When a monthly dose is a few days late, fleas get their chance. Long-term prevention without gaps makes the rest of the job much easier.
Got a dog too? Stop fleas coming in on walks: BIO-COLLAR™
Once your home is clear, the next job is keeping fleas out. The BIO-COLLAR™ is a plant-based collar made with essential oils, including lemon eucalyptus and citronella. It's designed to help keep fleas and ticks away for months, with no monthly spot-ons to remember.
- ✔ Plant-based essential oils, no synthetic pesticides
- ✔ Long-lasting: no monthly routine to forget
- ✔ Adjustable and water-resistant
- ✔ Covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee
To be honest, it works best as prevention. If fleas are already in your home, clean and treat the house, talk to your vet first and keep doing your checks. This collar is for dogs only; cat owners should ask their vet about products labelled for cats.
Myth vs fact
Most flea myths come from thinking the problem is only on the pet, so here are four common ones.
Myth: If I can't see fleas, they're gone.
Fact: The RSPCA says 95 per cent of flea eggs, larvae and pupae live in the environment, so most fleas are out of sight.
Myth: Vacuuming alone will fix it.
Fact: Cats Protection says vacuuming helps reduce numbers but won't get rid of fleas by itself.
Myth: Indoor pets can't get fleas.
Fact: The RSPCA says heated homes let fleas breed indoors, and the PDSA says fleas can jump straight from one species to another.
Myth: A dog flea treatment is fine for the cat too.
Fact: Cats Protection says never to use a dog flea treatment on a cat, because it often contains a chemical that is toxic to cats.
Your flea-free home checklist
- ✔ Treat every pet in the house with a product made for that species.
- ✔ Vacuum floors, furniture and skirting boards, and bin the bag each time.
- ✔ Wash bedding at 60°C or hotter.
- ✔ Check your pet weekly with a fine comb over white kitchen paper.
- ✔ Keep fleas out for good with long-lasting natural protection for your dog.
Frequently asked questions
Can fleas live in a bed or sofa?
Yes, fleas can live in beds and sofas. The RSPCA says flea eggs, larvae and pupae live in the environment, including soft furnishings. Vacuum sofas and mattresses thoroughly, wash bedding at 60°C or hotter where the label allows, and treat your pets at the same time.
Do fleas bite humans?
Fleas can bite people, usually on the ankles and lower legs, although pets are their preferred hosts. If you have bites and a pet, check your pet and your home for fleas. If you're worried about bites or a reaction, speak to a pharmacist or your GP.
How long does it take to get rid of a flea infestation?
A flea infestation can take several weeks to clear, because eggs and pupae keep hatching after the first clean. Cats Protection says fleas can lie dormant for up to six months. Keep vacuuming, washing and treating your pets until you stop seeing fleas, and ask your vet for advice.
Can I use a dog flea spray on my cat?
No, you should never use a dog flea product on a cat. Cats Protection says dog treatments often contain a chemical that is toxic to cats, and the PDSA warns that household sprays often contain permethrin. Use only products labelled for cats and ask your vet.
Do I need a professional pest controller?
You may not need a pest controller, because most flea problems can be handled with pet treatment, cleaning and patience. If fleas keep coming back after several weeks of consistent effort, ask your vet for advice first. Your vet can also recommend suitable household products.
Final thoughts
Getting rid of fleas in your house takes treating every pet, cleaning the home and sticking with it for a few weeks. It's a lot less stressful with a plan. When the house is clear, a dog owner can add BIO-COLLAR™, a plant-based collar designed to help keep fleas and ticks away, as part of long-lasting prevention.
Keep reading
- Why Do Fleas Keep Coming Back After Treatment?
- Do Fleas Die in Winter? (What UK Pet Owners Need to Know)
- Can Indoor Cats Get Fleas?
Sources: RSPCA, "How to get rid of fleas" (rspca.org.uk, read 9 October 2026); PDSA, "Fleas on dogs" (pdsa.org.uk, read 9 October 2026); Cats Protection, "Fleas" (cats.org.uk, read 9 October 2026). Customer review figures are from PetShielded's own reading of 180 customer reviews in September 2026. This article is general information, not veterinary advice. If you're worried about your pet's health, contact your vet.