Can Fleas Live in a House with No Pets?

While people with pets are consistently worrying about fleas, people without pets should be on the lookout for these pests as well. Fleas are not just a pet-people problem. Even without animals living in your home, fleas can live in your carpet and other fabrics for a while. But, how long will fleas live in a house without pets?

Fleas are bad for your house and your health

Fleas can be horrible for your health, as a flea bite on a human or pet can become infected. Fleas also sometimes carry diseases such as flea-borne spotted fever, plague, typhus, and cat scratch fever. While this is more likely to become a problem if you do have pets, fleas in a house without pets can cause serious problems for your family. A flea infestation should be taken care of as soon as possible.

How do fleas get into homes without pets?

So, how long will fleas live in a house without pets and how do they get there? The most common way fleas get into the house is when a cat or dog gets them from being outside, but they can find their way into your home through other means. They can live on furniture or carpets that you bring in, or they can be left behind by previous owners who did have pets.

You can also get fleas from other people, believe it or not. If someone who has already been infested or around pets who have been infested comes into your home, they can leave behind some fleas.

Signs you have fleas in your home

The most obvious sign that there are fleas in your house is through the help of pets – when they have fleas, they experience more intense and prolonged itching, so it’s easier to spot. But without pets, there are still a few ways to tell if there are fleas in your home.

Ways to tell if there are fleas in your home

Do a white sock test
If you suspect fleas, you can test your carpet for them by putting on high-top white socks – the higher, the less likely you will get bit – and shuffle around on the carpet. This will stir up any fleas living there and they will try to jump on you. After walking around, inspect your socks for fleas.

Check for flea dirt
Flea dirt is reddish-brown, dust-like specks left behind by fleas. This is their feces, so it can become dangerous to have it in your home. If you notice something like this but aren’t sure if they are flea dirt, you can wipe them up with a paper towel and spray them while on the towel. If they leave behind red or brown spots on the towel, it is probably flea dirt.

Look for flea eggs in the carpets and furniture
This is a little tricky if you don’t really know what you’re looking for, but you can look for eggs in the carpet of your home to check for fleas. They are tiny and hard to spot, especially for an untrained eye. So if you’re really worried about it but don’t see any obvious signs of eggs, call in professionals to check. Finding eggs throughout your house means you have a fairly serious flea infestation, and it should be taken care of immediately.

How long will fleas live in a house without pets?

Without a host like a cat or a dog, fleas can live anywhere between a few days and two weeks, but they can lay eggs that make the infestation last longer. When female fleas get a source of blood to feed on, they lay eggs and can lay up to 27 eggs per day.

How to prevent fleas from getting into your house
The best thing you can do to keep fleas out of your house is to keep everything clean. Vacuum often, regularly clean furniture and fabrics with soap and water and use sanitizer where you can.

How to get rid of fleas
There are many things you can do for a pet to get rid of their fleas, like bathing and medications. But when you have a flea infestation in your home, the best thing to do is call a professional pest control company or exterminator. Getting rid of fleas for good when they are living in your home is difficult, so it’s best to bring in someone who is experienced in doing it. They can also offer long-term solutions to keep them out of your house for good.

Get rid of your flea problem with the best in West Michigan

If your flea problem has turned into an infestation, it’s time to call the best there is in West Michigan. Van Den Berge Pest Control has been voted the best of West Michigan Pest Control companies for eight consecutive years. We offer a 100% no-risk guarantee for pests of all kinds, whether it’s fleas, mice, rats, roaches, or other animals and bugs. Our solutions are sure to be effective and safe for your entire family. Get rid of fleas for good!