Fleas are a problem all year round, and the best Pest Control solution is to try to prevent them in the first place. Pets carry fleas that they bring into the home, but your garden can also be the source brought by birds and rodents, says Anthony Esterman, CEO of Pest Works.

Fleas prefer temperatures above 20°C, which is why they tend to flourish in warm indoor environments, even more so in winter.

Fleas are most commonly found in your pet’s bedding, but can then spread to your own bedding, carpets and flooring. If you’re worried about a possible infestation, make sure you wash all your pets bedding at a temperature above 40°C. If this isn’t possible or you notice or suspect fleas around the house, you will need to call in an expert. Fleas are so tiny that an expert will better find them and their breeding areas.

Poultry and exotic pets, whether wild or domestic, are a growing health concern for households and pet owners alike. Fleas have caused many distressing cases of illness in both humans and pets, and their emergence can be brought about by differences in personal pets “living conditions” which can potentially account for emerging cases of Fleas in both humans and pets. Over time, certain raw material such as dust or dirt can encourage these airborne parasites or bacteria to grow within or underneath your chicken coop.

Fleas aren’t just an itchy nuisance for animals, they can spread diseases, and it is, therefore, important to check your pet regularly for fleas. Treating your pet regularly – and checking your home – will ensure that flees do not reappear.

Fleas can cause anaemia: In young animals, a severe flea infestation can cause anaemia. Regularly check your pet’s gums – if they’re pale pink or white, it could be time to see a vet, says the Bob Martins website. But this can also result in your family being at risk, indicating the need for advice from an expert.

Fleas can lay eggs anywhere in your home: An expert will treat your entire home for fleas, not only the obvious places. You’ll never truly get rid of a flea infestation unless you destroy every last egg. They particularly enjoy floorboard cracks, skirting boards and underneath furniture. This again calls for expert intervention. If the fleas are not completely eradicated they will quickly multiply, posing a continual risk.

Fleas can go unnoticed. When you’ve owned a pet for a while, you become less responsive to them scratching or to flea bites, which means you may not notice an infestation in your home. Remain aware and take action if you think you have a problem, call an expert.