Fleas in Ontario homes
How to tell if you have fleas, what to do for pets and floors, and when a professional treatment makes sense.
Fleas are small, fast and annoying, and the first sign is often itchy bites rather than the insect. Here is how to confirm fleas, what to do, and why they can be hard to get rid of.
What do fleas look like?
Adult fleas are tiny, dark brown insects with flat bodies. They are hard to catch because they jump. You are more likely to notice the signs they leave than the fleas themselves.
How do I know I have fleas?
Health Canada lists these signs:
- Bites. Small, red, itchy spots, often in clusters or lines, with a puncture point in the centre.
- Pet scratching. Constant scratching or biting, and hair loss in more serious cases.
- Dark specks on your pet. Black particles about the size of ground pepper, especially near the tail.
Check your pet’s neck and tail area, plus dog beds, kennels and sleeping spots.
Where do flea bites show up?
Bites appear in clusters or lines, and can itch or stay inflamed for up to several weeks, says Health Canada. If you are unsure whether bites come from fleas or something else, bed bugs are another possible cause, and it helps to check both.
Can fleas live without pets?
They can survive for a time. Flea pupae stay in cocoons, and the University of Georgia notes they may last weeks to months. So fleas can show up in a home that has been empty or has no pets, especially when people move in.
Why do fleas come back, and why more after vacuuming?
Eggs and larvae hide in carpets, bedding and cracks, and pupae wait protected in cocoons. The University of Kentucky says vacuuming stimulates fleas to emerge from their cocoons sooner. That is why you may see more fleas for a while after cleaning. Keep going rather than assuming it failed.
How serious are fleas?
Fleas are mostly a nuisance, but bites can be intensely itchy. In pets, Health Canada says severe cases can lead to anemia, so talk to your vet if your pet is scratching a lot or seems unwell.
What should I do now?
Following Health Canada’s advice:
- Comb your pet with a flea comb and drop the fleas in hot, soapy water.
- Ask your vet about pet products.
- Wash pet and family bedding in hot, soapy water every two to three weeks.
- Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture daily.
- Steam-clean carpets and clean cracks along baseboards.
- Treat areas your pet uses.
For any home product, look for a Pest Control Products (PCP) number on the label and follow it closely. Keep treatments away from children and pets.
Avoid: treating only the house or only the pet. Both need attention.
When should I call a professional?
If the problem persists after you have treated your pet and cleaned, Health Canada suggests contacting a licensed pest control operator. Heavy infestations and fleas that keep coming back are good reasons to call.
How does professional treatment work?
We follow four steps, explained in our integrated pest management guide:
- Inspect. Check where pets rest and where fleas are likely to hide.
- Identify. Confirm that fleas are the cause, and not another biting pest.
- Treat. Treat the affected areas of the home.
- Follow-up. Check whether new fleas are still appearing.
Our flea treatment page has more detail. We serve households in cities such as Brampton.
Get a free quote
Request a free quote and quote details reach you within 30 minutes. Or call using the number at the top of the page.
Common questions
Can fleas live on humans?
Fleas bite people, but they prefer animals with fur. You may get itchy bites on your lower legs without finding fleas on yourself. The source is usually a pet, carpet or bedding.
Do flea bombs work?
We don't recommend relying on them. Foggers may not reach cracks, under furniture or deep carpet where flea stages hide. Ask a vet about pet treatment and consider a licensed professional for the home.
Should my vet treat my pet?
Yes. Health Canada advises asking a veterinarian about pet products. Treating the home without treating the pet usually means fleas return.
Why are there more fleas after treatment?
Flea pupae stay in cocoons and can emerge weeks to months later, and the University of Kentucky says vacuuming stimulates them to emerge sooner. A few new fleas can appear after treatment and then fade.
Are fleas seasonal?
Health Canada says peak flea season in most of Canada runs from early August to early October. Heated homes can keep fleas going longer, especially with pets.
Can an empty home have fleas?
Yes. Flea pupae can wait in cocoons for weeks to months, so a home left empty can still have fleas ready to emerge when people or pets return.
Get a free quote
Tell us what you found and where. We send quote details in under 30 minutes.