Think You’re Safe from Fleas in the Winter? Think Again

With winter comes colder temperatures – sometimes well below freezing in the more mountainous parts of Scotland. Live in a remote part of Scotland and you probably think a flea infestation is the last thing you need to worry about when there’s snow on the ground and sub-zero temperatures outside.

You may think that, but you’d be wrong.

While it’s true that colder weather puts the fleas into a dormant state, we humans and our pets tend to prefer staying indoors at this time of year. And surprise, surprise, so do fleas. You may not spot them as easily as you would if you had an infestation during the summer, but just because you can’t see them it doesn’t mean they’re not there.

Fleas will hibernate if it gets too cold for them. They’re also attracted to heat, so if they get a chance to get into your home – or to stay there – they will leap on that chance with gusto.

So, what does this mean for you and your pet? Firstly, do make sure you treat your pet with an appropriate and proven flea control product all year round. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you only need to do so during the summer. Secondly, make sure you clean and vacuum regularly too. Focus on any areas you don’t do that often, to make sure you get rid of any eggs or dormant fleas if you can. The more you can vacuum up, the fewer will remain to cause problems once winter is over.

If you have a flea infestation you can see, and you’re having trouble getting rid of it, you may want to call in some specialist help. Treating and getting rid of any fleas and eggs on your pet is only part of the battle. You also need to do everything you can to get rid of the fleas and eggs throughout your home. They breed voraciously. Alarmingly, even if you only ever see a couple of fleas, there could be hundreds of eggs and fleas at various stages of development that you cannot see.

So don’t assume you are safe during the winter months. Make sure you are as diligent as you would be the rest of the year. If that means getting some outside help, make sure you do so. It will help keep your home – and your pet – flea-free.