Temps and termites are on the rise. Schedule your free inspection today.

800-837-5520 Call us for a free quote Contact us

Can you get fleas without pets?

Ehrlich Answers

"I have fleas in the house but no pets. What’s going on?"

It’s a common assumption that fleas only show up where dogs or cats live, but that isn’t always true. You can still get an infestation of fleas without pets.

How do fleas get into the house without pets?

There are several ways fleas can find their way inside, even if no pets live there:

  • From wildlife in or around the property (squirrels, raccoons, feral cats, etc.)
  • Rodents nesting in attics, crawl spaces, or basements
  • Fleas carried in on clothing, shoes, or bags after outdoor activity
  • Eggs or larvae left behind from a previous owner or tenant
  • Infestations introduced through secondhand furniture or rugs

Fleas don’t need your home to be dirty or cluttered to settle in. Once they find their way indoors, they can multiply quickly, making them difficult to control without targeted treatment.

DIY cleaning or vacuuming may help reduce flea numbers, but it won’t usually break the life cycle. Flea eggs often fall into carpets, upholstery, and cracks, where they develop into larvae and pupae hidden away from sight. Because the egg-to-adult cycle can last several weeks, untreated life stages often lead to repeat infestations. Professional flea treatments are designed to target every stage - from eggs and larvae to pupae and adults.

Schedule your free pest inspection today

Get peace of mind knowing your home or business is protected. Our technicians will assess your property and recommend customized solutions.

* Required field

Download this report

Reason for contacting *

Seeing signs of fleas?

Speak with your local pest control expert for fast advice and a free inspection.

Book a free inspection

Get more answers from Ehrlich