At any given moment, only 5% of the fleas in a home are visible adults on the pet. The remaining 95% (eggs, larvae, pupae) are in the carpets, skirting boards and the cat's bed. That's why treating only the pet never solves an established infestation.
Confirming it's actually fleas
Flea bites concentrate on the ankles and lower legs, often grouped in 2s or 3s in a line, with a central red dot and immediate itching. Bed bugs, by contrast, bite areas exposed during sleep (arms, shoulders, back): telling them apart matters, since the treatments are completely different.
In Belgium, the dominant species is the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis), which also bites dogs and humans. On the animal: intense scratching, small black specks in the coat (flea droppings). Put these specks on a damp paper towel: if they turn reddish-brown, that's digested blood — confirmation.
The white sock test: walk slowly through suspect rooms wearing tall white socks. Adult fleas jump toward movement and warmth, and show up immediately against the light fabric.
An infestation with no pet at home is possible: fleas brought by a previous pet (a recently moved-into home), by rodents, or by a stray hedgehog or cat visiting a cellar or terrace.
Understanding the cycle: the key to the whole treatment
A female lays up to 50 eggs a day, which fall off the animal wherever it goes. Larvae avoid light and burrow into carpets, floorboard grooves and upholstery, then spin a cocoon (pupa).
The pupa is the armoured stage: unaffected by insecticides, it can stay dormant for months. It only hatches when stimulated (vibration, heat, CO2 from a passing host). That's what explains empty homes that 'erupt' with fleas on move-in day.
Practical consequence: no treatment, even professional, kills pupae already formed. The strategy is to eliminate adults and larvae, then force pupae to hatch (footsteps, vacuuming, heating) so emerging adults meet the residual insecticide.
The full protocol, in order
1. Treat the pet the same day, with a veterinary parasiticide (spot-on, tablet or active collar). Supermarket shampoos and powders have short-lived effectiveness and leave the animal reinfested within the hour. All pets in the household are treated at the same time.
2. Vacuum every day for 2 weeks: carpets, skirting boards, floor grooves, sofas, under furniture, the pet's bed. Vibration hatches the pupae, the vacuum captures eggs, larvae and adults. Throw the sealed bag away outside after each pass (or empty and wash the canister).
3. Wash at 60°C anything that goes in the machine: the pet's bed, throws, cushions, washable rugs, bedding if the animal sleeps on the bed. Below 60°C, eggs survive.
4. Treat the environment: for a light, recent infestation, a household insecticide applied to the pet's resting areas may be enough. For an established infestation (daily bites, fleas visible in the sock test), professional treatment covers every development zone in one or two applications.
Why it "comes back" 2 weeks after treatment
Bites resuming 10 to 15 days after treatment are almost never a failure: it's the untreatable pupae hatching. Emerging adults die on contact with the residual insecticide within hours, as long as treated floors aren't washed too soon.
After professional treatment: don't mop treated floors during the period the technician specifies, keep vacuuming daily, and keep up the pet's parasiticide. The normal curve: a sharp drop in the first week, a small rebound mid-treatment, then extinction.
If bites persist beyond 3 to 4 weeks despite the full protocol, there's an untreated source left: contact with a neighbour's pet, rodents (rat fleas exist), or a crawl space or cellar visited by stray animals. That's what the on-site assessment looks for.
When to call a professional
Calling a professional is recommended if: daily bites persist despite 2 weeks of the protocol, the home has carpet or large rugs (larva reservoirs), you've moved into a home infested by the previous occupant, or rodents are present at the same time (the source needs treating too).
The technician uses professional-use products covered by FPS Public Health approval and targets development zones that supermarket sprays don't reach.
Antinox includes a written guarantee: if the infestation returns after the full protocol, the repeat intervention is free. Price announced before treatment, reachable 24/7.
Frequently asked questions
Can fleas live on humans?
No. The cat flea bites humans but doesn't settle in hair or on skin: it feeds then returns to the environment (carpets, skirting boards, textiles). That's why treatment targets the home and the pet, never people.
How long does it take to get rid of fleas?
With the full protocol (pet + vacuuming + washing + environment treatment): around 3 weeks, the time it takes for all pupae to hatch and meet the insecticide. A rebound in bites mid-treatment is normal and doesn't mean the treatment has failed.
Does diatomaceous earth work against fleas?
Partially: it dehydrates adults and larvae that cross it, but has no effect on eggs and pupae, and loses effectiveness as soon as it picks up moisture. Useful as a supplement in grooves and under skirting boards, never as the main treatment for an established infestation.
Can you have fleas with no pet at home?
Yes: a home previously occupied by a pet (dormant pupae hatch when you move in), flea-carrying rodents, or stray animals visiting a cellar, garage or terrace. The on-site assessment identifies the source — without it, treatment doesn't hold.