Pet owners warned of flea ‘explosion’ in their homes as the weather gets colder – The Sun

WITH the winter chill beginning to kick in, Brits are keen to crank up their central heating to make their homes nice and toasty.

But there's no pleasure without pain – as your cosy homes could attract some unwanted visitors.

Experts are now warning that warm homes create the "perfect breeding ground" for fleas.

It comes as new research reveals that 62 per cent of Brit pet owners with a cat or dog are unaware that turning the heating on in autumn can increase the likelihood of flea outbreaks in the home.

Zoe Costigan, from pet wellbeing firm Itchpet.com, said: "Fleas are often considered a summer problem for our pets, but the reality is that they are very much a year-round problem in our homes, with eggs hatching once the central heating is turned on.

"Better quality central heating and insulation around the home, has improved the conditions for fleas to thrive.

"Fleas can complete their life cycle in less than three weeks at 29°C, so as long as the temperature doesn't top 30°C, the warmer the house is the faster they will reproduce up to that point."

Perfect breeding ground

A study of 2000 British pet owners with cats and dogs revealed 57 percent heat their homes between 21 – 26°C over the winter months.

According to Zoe, this temperature is the “perfect breeding ground for fleas”.

The research also uncovered that 26 per cent of dog owners in contrast to just 18 per cent of cat owners have noticed fleas on their pets during the winter months.

This could be attributed to 36 per cent of canine owners admitting they are more relaxed about treating their four-legged friends in winter than 22 per cent of cat owners.

Found in bedding

The majority of fleas can be found in pets bedding, carpets, bedding and soft furnishings.

The results also found a significant disparity between male and female pet owners when it comes to being clued up about parasites.

More than double the amount of male pet owners (24 per cent) were unaware their pet had fleas until a vet showed them in contrast to just 7 per cent of women.

One in five (21 per cent) men also admitted that they would not immediately recognise a flea, compared to only 5 per cent of women.

Worryingly, the study also revealed 32 per cent of pet owners would consider just treating their pets for parasites when they have fleas.

How to spot a flea outbreak

According to vet Zoe Costigan these are the main ways to spot a flea outbreak:

1. Excessive Scratching

Have you noticed your cat or dog scratching more than usual? This is typically a strong sign that your pet is hosting some unwanted parasites. Also look out for constant licking and biting too.

2. Fleas are normally reddy-brown and about 2mm long

In cats, fleas most commonly live around the head and neck. Check here as well as on its back and belly. Fleas on dogs on the other hand tend to target their lower back, chest, belly and legs.

3. Look out for black specs on your pet’s skin

These fine droppings are ‘flea dirt’ or flea faeces.

4. Fleas prefer to live on your pet, but they can also take up residence on you

If the population grows, fleas can branch out and begin living in carpets, rugs, bedding and upholstered furniture.

5. If you suspect an infestation, try walking on your carpet wearing white socks

Look at your soles afterwards. If you see tiny black bugs, those are likely fleas.

Fleabites on people are pretty distinctive. Most commonly found around the legs or ankle, they look like small red bumps in clusters of three or four. You may also notice a red “halo” around the bite centre

Charlotte Harper, co-founder of pet wellbeing firm, Itchpet.com said: "With forecasters predicting one of the coldest winters on record, the heat is definitely on to contain pesky parasites.

"Already, we've spotted notable week on week sales increases for flea treatments in London, Norwich and Newcastle.

"Our study revealed that people in these regions prefer their homes slightly warmer than other parts of the UK, which could be a factor.

"Fleas are a nightmare for our pets. They’re not only a discomfort, but can cause inflammation and severe pain as well as acting as a carrier for other parasites such as tapeworm.

"It is so much easier to prevent an infestation than treat one."

It comes after a weather expert warned we could be set for the coldest winter for 30 years.

But Britain will only be plunged into the freezer after what's predicted to be the wettest Autumn for nearly two decades.

The UK was drenched by 122mm of rain on average in September – making it the wettest first month of autumn for 19 years.

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