Fleas after moving house: why it happens and how to fix it
Last updated: 12 October 2026 · Reviewed by: M. Hanifi, RSPH Level 2 qualified technician
Fleas often appear after moving house because pupae left by the previous occupants' pets can lie dormant in carpets for months and hatch when they sense vibration and warmth. You can get fleas even without pets. A professional treatment plus daily vacuuming for 2–3 weeks clears them.
Why do fleas hatch when you move in?
Flea pupae wait inside cocoons until they detect vibration, warmth and carbon dioxide, which signal a host has arrived.
How to get rid of fleas in a new home
Vacuum thoroughly, book a professional treatment, and keep vacuuming daily for 2–3 weeks.
- Vacuum all floors and furniture
- Book a residual treatment
- Treat any pets you bring with you
- Keep vacuuming daily
Related pages
Frequently asked questions
Should my landlord pay for fleas left by the last tenant?
Often yes, if the infestation was present at the start of the tenancy.
