DIY does a real and useful part of this job. What it cannot do is reach the pupae — and that is the part that decides the outcome.
Both, in a sense. The vet treatment and thorough vacuuming are yours and they matter. What DIY cannot provide is a residual treatment still active when the pupae hatch weeks later.
Caught very early, with one pet and one room, DIY sometimes works. An established infestation across a house does not clear that way. £180 first room, £60 each additional.
We are not going to pretend the answer is always to pay someone. Some of this is real.
Done properly and early, on a single-room problem with one treated pet, that can be enough. It is worth trying for a fortnight before spending anything.
The question is not whether a supermarket spray kills fleas. It is whether it is still working in three weeks when the pupae hatch. It is not.
See our full flea treatment service, published room prices and what has to happen with the pet.
View Flea Control Kenton →Their own heading, because they are actively counterproductive.
We would rather you did nothing than set off a fogger.
| DIY | Professional | |
|---|---|---|
| Pet treatment | Yours — essential | Not ours; use your vet |
| Vacuuming | Yours — and it helps | Yours too |
| Reaches the pile base | Partly | Yes |
| Under-furniture coverage | Poor | Yes |
| Still active in 3 weeks | No | Yes |
| Handles pupal emergence | No | Yes |
| Multi-room | Rarely | Yes |
| Cost | £20–60 of products | £180 + £60/room |
None of these are unusual. They are the ordinary consequences of a household product sold without much guidance.
If it is early and small, yes. Give it a fortnight, done properly.
Yes. If you describe an early single-room problem with a treated pet, we will say to try the vacuum route first.
Yes, always. That part is not optional.
One job we would never suggest doing yourself: a wasp nest. £90 fixed in Kenton, guaranteed.
Caught very early, with one treated pet and one room, it sometimes does. An established multi-room infestation does not clear that way.
Veterinary treatment of the pet, thorough repeated vacuuming, and washing pet bedding at 60°C. All three are real and necessary.
Reach the pupae, stay active for weeks, reach the base of the carpet pile, or cover under furniture properly.
No. Foggers deposit at surface level, do not reach under furniture, can drive fleas into adjoining rooms, and contaminate surfaces.
More than a few weeks in, more than one room, carpets throughout, multiple pets, or DIY that has not changed anything.
Yes, always. We do not treat animals and the property treatment fails without it.
Powders along skirtings with a crawling baby, dog products used on cats, foggers set off near uncovered fish tanks, and pet treatment stopped too early.
Yes. If it is an early single-room problem with a treated pet, we will say to try the vacuum route first.
If it is early and small, try a fortnight of vacuuming. If it is not, our room prices are published.
Prefer to talk? Call 0203 151 6640 or WhatsApp us.
