Pet experts have warned that flea infestations are on the rise, both in homes and in pets within County Durham.

Flea bites can cause serious skin irritation to both pets and people, so it is important to try and eliminate any infestations before they take root in your pets’ fur, according to the vets - with advice being issued by councils, vets and UK experts. 

According to PDSA and the RSPCA, the increase in fleas has been noted - with many believing the issue to be a "summer problem" and not tackling the issue in winter months. 

However, pet experts have said this is "far from the truth.

Here is what experts have advised.

Pet and house flea increase in County Durham and North East:

According to Weardale Vets in County Durham: "Fleas are small parasites that commonly infest homes, feeding on both pets and humans. Despite their size, they have impressive survival and reproduction capabilities.

"Adult fleas lay their eggs on pets, knowing that the eggs will eventually fall off into warm, cozy environments like carpets, pet beds, and furniture. Indoor heating accelerates the development of these eggs, making centrally heated homes an ideal environment for flea reproduction."

The vets added: "Fleas are more than just a nuisance; their bites cause skin irritation and itching in pets. They can also transmit tapeworms to pets when swallowed during grooming. In some cases, pets may have an allergic reaction to flea bites, which can cause severe itching, even from a single bite. Controlling flea infestations requires treating both the pet and the environment. One of the recommended treatments is Frontline Combo Spot-On for cats and dogs, a liquid preparation applied to the back of the pet’s neck. Within 24 hours, the product spreads over the skin, killing adult fleas and preventing the development of eggs, larvae, and pupae."

What about ticks?

Weardale Vets added: "Ticks, another type of parasitic pest, attach themselves to pets and feed on their blood. As they feed, ticks grow in size before dropping off to continue their lifecycle. Pets often pick up ticks when walking through long grass. Ticks can cause anaemia in pets, and they also transmit diseases such as Lyme disease.

"When removing ticks, it is important to contact a veterinarian to ensure the tick is removed properly. If part of the tick is left behind, it can cause a skin reaction or abscess. Vets may use special tools or sprays to remove or kill ticks. Tick tweezers are available for purchase, but pet owners should seek proper guidance on their use to ensure safe and effective removal."

What have UK experts said about it? 

 Jamie Walker, an experienced vet and technical services manager at global veterinary pharmaceuticals company, Dechra, explained: “Many owners only see fleas as being ‘a summer thing’ and aren’t treating their pet for them this time of year.

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“Flea eggs can be brought into your home on your cat or dog’s coat, and then they can remain undetected for some time.

“Fleas can not only make your pet very irritated, but they can also invade your house and make family members feel itchy too.”

How can the council help?

Durham County Council has this advice on its website. 

Our ability to effectively treat some pests may require you to take some action. This may include:

  • moving or removing fixtures and fittings in your home or garden
  • clearing up any rubbish that is present
  • de-cluttering your living space
  • carrying out proofing works to prevent further pests accessing the property
  • getting pets treated by a vet.

It added: "We will advise you of any such requirements but you will need to do the work yourself or arrange for a tradesman to do it for you.

"If you don't follow our advice, we will still attempt to tackle your problem; however, we reserve the right to stop treatment if we feel your failure to act will prevent the treatment from being successful or will significantly increase the cost of completing the treatment."