Britain's unusually warm summer has coincided with a sharp rise in flea activity and a large increase in online searches about fleas in homes without pets. Fleas cause red, itchy welts and can infest residences even when no household animals are present. Flea eggs, larvae, and dormant cocoons can be introduced by visiting animals, footwear, or clothing and can remain hidden in carpets, flooring, furniture, and curtains for weeks or months. Adult fleas emerge when they sense warmth, movement, or carbon dioxide from a potential host. Infestations can be treated with targeted cleaning, vacuuming, and pest-control measures to eliminate eggs, larvae, and adults.
With Britain in the midst of one of its warmest summers on record, many Brits have been enjoying BBQs, picnics, and outdoor dining. But experts have warned of a rather unpleasant side-effect of the warm weather - an 'explosion' of fleas. The parasites - which can cause red, itchy welts - are often associated with cats and dogs. However, they can actually infest homes without pets, surviving for weeks without a host.
'Have you had friends visiting with a pet? They could have unsuspectingly brought fleas with them,' the company explains on its website. 'Or have you moved into a new place? Flea infestations can lay dormant for around nine months, depending on factors like heat and humidity. 'So, if the previous occupants were pet parents, their pets could have left an infestation behind.'
If a pet visits your house, it can scatter flea eggs around your house. And when these eggs hatch, the larvae can burrow deep into things like flooring, furniture, and even curtains. There, they spin cocoons and grow to adulthood. When the adult fleas detect a new host - through warmth, movement, and carbon dioxide - they will come out. 'Clever, really. But, unfortunately, in this case, they're sensing you,' Frontline explained.
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