Vet's flea infestation warning as eggs hatch in winter with huge pet owner mistake

Many people assume fleas are only a problem during the warmer months, but in reality, colder weather can drive these pests into the cosy comfort of our homes. To help pet owners avoid an unwanted infestation, Itch Pet is offering a free flea treatment when customers sign up for its monthly subscription service.

While fleas do reproduce more quickly in summer, they don’t simply vanish in autumn and winter. In fact, Itch Pet reports that this time of year often sees a rise in flea activity, with experts even referring to it as "infestation season."

During summer, pets can easily pick up fleas outdoors and bring them inside, where the eggs are laid in carpets, bedding, and furniture. These eggs can then lie dormant for weeks or even months. When central heating or fires warm up homes in autumn, the heat and humidity mimic summer conditions—triggering the eggs to hatch and sparking a fresh wave of fleas, just when owners think the problem has gone, reports the Mirror.

Successfully getting rid of fleas means breaking their entire life cycle by tackling not just the adult insects, but also the eggs and larvae that can later reappear. A treatment containing both Fipronil and (S)-Methoprene, such as Itch Flea Treatment, can be key to doing this effectively..

Fipronil kills adult fleas, while (S)-Methoprene penetrates the eggshell to prevent larvae and pupae from developing. Itch’s vet-approved formula is scientifically proven to eliminate fleas at every stage of their life cycle, offering both immediate relief and lasting protection.

For maximum effectiveness, owners should apply the appropriate dose according to their pet's weight. Fortunately, Itch Pet's subscription is customised based on the dog's breed and weight, removing the guesswork from treatment and ensuring a safe and effective dose.

Without treatment, just five fleas on a pet can result in over a million eggs throughout a home. A single female flea can produce up to 50 eggs daily, and since approximately 95% of flea eggs and larvae live in the home rather than on your pet, infestations can spiral quickly once conditions are favourable.

Dr Zoe Costigan, head vet at Itch Pet, commented: "I have seen so many dogs and cats suffering because they weren't treated for fleas and worms in time. Not only that, it can be dangerous for families too. That's why I love the Itch personalised flea plan. It makes it so easy to protect your pet and never miss a treatment."

The retailer is now offering new members of their subscription service a free first month, with only the postage fee of £2.99 to be paid. If customers choose to continue with the subscription, prices start from £7.95 for cats and £8.50 for dogs, with delivery included at no extra cost.

Itch also provides the flexibility for customers to pause, shift or cancel their subscription at any time.

There are several other reputable flea treatment brands on the market that provide an alternative to Itch. Frontline is one of the most recognised brands, available on Amazon, and contains the same active ingredient as Itch.

However, some pets may not react well to this ingredient. In such cases, Advantage uses imidacloprid, which is also effective against fleas and is suitable for both cats and dogs. The downside is that it may require a bit of research to determine the best pack and dosage for your pet.

As most fleas reside in the home, it's equally crucial to treat the living space. Itch Flea Home Spray is designed to exterminate fleas, eggs, and larvae hiding in carpets, furniture, and pet bedding.

Regular vacuuming and washing your pet's bedding on a hot cycle (60°C or above) will also help to eradicate lingering eggs and larvae, ensuring the home is truly free of fleas.

Over 100,000 pets across the UK are currently protected by Itch flea treatment each month, with owners praising its convenience. One customer said: "I've been plagued with fleas but the Itch spot on was much better than the top spec flea collar I was using. Definitely recommend, Itch did the job at last she's flea free thanks to Itch."

Another added: "My wee one had a nasty flea infection as I think a lot of animals had this year. The fleas were just crazy. I started to see the treatment work quickly. After the second month there were no more on her or in the house. She didn't have a reaction to the spot on, normally she would have awful dermatitis from other ones, but not with Itch. The house spray didn't have the stink others do and definitely did its job.

"Our dog is an old cavalier and we used to use another brand and it stopped working a few months ago," one pet owner explained. "We struggled with flea removal for months and tried so many other brands until a friend recommended Itch Pet. We have never looked back. It is brilliant and would recommend this 100%."

One customer did note: "Really great customer service! Not always the quickest but I've been with them for years consecutively and I've always had any issues solved, even if it's been my fault!"

Another satisfied Itch Pet customer shared: "Tried this for my dog, you get a worming tablet and flea treatment. Worked fantastic, the flea treatment especially was good, previous flea treatments were very strong in odour and this one was great. We have it delivered every month which saves so much time. Would recommend itch to all dog owners."