KEIGHLEY householders are being urged to ‘jump to it’ if they suspect fleas may have invaded their home.

The British Pest Control Association says that while pets are the most likely culprits to introduce fleas, the pests can settle in any house.

Natalie Bungay, the association’s technical officer, said: “If you’ve spotted something jumping on your carpet, it’s vital to act quickly.

“Discovering there are fleas in your home is distressing and, due to their lifecycle, it can be an uphill battle to control them.

“People sometimes feel ashamed to find out they have a flea infestation, as fleas are often associated with dirty environments.

“But this is a common misconception – fleas are not picky.

“Although a home or business that isn’t vacuumed or cleaned is more likely to provide a better environment for fleas to thrive, they will also infest clean places in their search for a warm-blooded host.”

The association says there are four stages in the existence of a flea – egg, larva, pupa and imago, or adult – and depending on conditions, the stages can take between a fortnight and eight months to complete.

It adds that the best way to avoid a flea infestation is early detection.

Advice includes: Brush pets often and check for fleas

* Frequently vacuum the spots pets are around. Particularly target carpeted areas in and around any furniture that is used by pets

* Regularly wash pet bedding, blankets and other washable items in the hottest water possible

For more details and advice, including a Fretting about Fleas guide, visit bpca.org.uk/fleas.