Top 5 flea hot spots in the UK

1. Hampshire

Topping the list is Hampshire, a beautiful county known for its mix of coastline, countryside and thriving towns. Sadly, it’s also a paradise for fleas.

Why Hampshire? Well, the county’s mild climate plays a big part. Fleas love warmth and humidity, and Hampshire has both in spades, particularly in the summer months. The county is also home to a high number of dog-friendly parks and rural walks, making it easy for fleas to hitchhike from one pet to another.

If you’re a Hampshire pet owner, it’s worth stepping up flea protection all year round, not just during the warmer months. Ongoing flea preventative treatment like Itch Flea Treatment for Dogs and Itch Flea Treatment for Cats will protect your pet from fleas throughout the year, wherever you are.

2. Norfolk & Suffolk

Coming in second are Norfolk and Suffolk. These two counties, with their sprawling farmlands and picturesque villages, provide ideal conditions for fleas.

The rural lifestyle here means more contact with wildlife. Foxes, hedgehogs, and rabbits are all common carriers of fleas. Once fleas make their way into your garden or fields, it’s only a short hop (literally!) before they end up on your pets or in your home.

Regular checks of your pets’ fur are essential if you live here, especially after countryside walks. Fleas are tiny, but if you part your pet’s fur and look closely, you might spot them scurrying about. Here’s how to check for fleas thoroughly.

3. Devon

Ah, lovely Devon. Cream teas, sandy beaches, rolling moors… and, unfortunately, fleas! Devon’s appeal for fleas is due to its mild climate and plenty of green space where pets and wildlife interact. Coastal towns also attract fleas because of a constant stream of holidaymakers and their pets, which helps fleas spread from one area to another.

Local vets in Devon have often stressed the importance of not skipping flea treatments, even in winter. Remember, fleas don’t just survive in summer. A centrally heated home is as cosy for them as it is for us.

4. Greater Manchester

Urban living doesn’t necessarily mean freedom from fleas, as Greater Manchester demonstrates. This metropolitan area proves fleas are just as comfortable in bustling cities as in countryside cottages.

The density of housing and pets here makes it easy for fleas to spread quickly. A single flea-infested pet in a block of flats or terraced housing can soon become a neighbourhood issue.

If you live in Greater Manchester, keeping on top of flea prevention is key. It’s not just about your own pets; community living means your neighbours’ infestations could become yours too if precautions aren’t in place.

5. Sussex

Finally, we have Sussex. From Brighton’s lively seafront to the peaceful South Downs, Sussex is another county where fleas seem to thrive.

Like other southern counties, its temperate weather makes for perfect breeding conditions. With lots of dog-friendly walking spots, particularly along the coast and countryside, Sussex pets are regularly exposed to fleas.

Owners in Sussex should keep an eye out for flea hotspots such as pet bedding, soft furnishings, and even cars after trips out. Fleas can hop off your dog during a seaside adventure and set up shop in your back seat before you know it.

While these are the top 5 flea hot spots in the UK, fleas can turn up anywhere. They’re opportunistic little creatures and thrive wherever pets and people are. The key to staying safe is consistency. Regular flea protection, good pet hygiene, and a bit of vigilance around the home can make all the difference. So, whether you’re enjoying a countryside ramble in Norfolk, a seaside walk in Brighton, or city life in Manchester, keep one step ahead of fleas!