Flea extermination on the North Shore
At a glance: In Quebec, the cat flea is the most common — including in dogs. They are small, flattened, wingless insects (2 to 9 mm) that reproduce very quickly: their eggs and larvae hide in carpets, bedding and cracks. To get rid of it, you must treat the animal (with your veterinarian) and the environment at the same time (daily vacuuming, washing with hot water). An established infestation often requires professional treatment.
Treating the animal is not enough
The majority of fleas (eggs, larvae) are found in the house, not on the animal. Without treating the environment, the infestation starts again.
Flea fact sheet at a glance
| Type | Wingless biting insect (2 to 9 mm) |
| Where it’s found | Carpets, bedding, cracks — and on animals |
| Distinguishing sign | Scratching animal, blackheads (red cloth test) |
| Main risk | Bites (ankles, legs) and itching |
| Recommended Solution | Treating the Animal (Veterinary) AND the Environment |
Recognizing a Flea Infestation
Some typical signs: your pet scratches or nibbles non-stop, you notice small, itchy bites (often on the ankles and legs), and you see tiny black dots on bedding or carpets. To confirm, moisten these dots on a white cloth: if they turn red, it’s digested blood — proof of the presence of fleas. Fleas can also be seen jumping.
Why Fleas Are So Hard To Get Rid Of
An adult flea is only a small part of the infestation: the majority consists of eggs, larvae and pupae hidden in the environment. Pupae are resistant to a lot of treatments and can hatch over several weeks, which is why an infestation can last from 3 to 8 weeks despite efforts.
How to Get Rid of Fleas
- Treat the animal : consult your veterinarian for a suitable product (tablets, pipettes). Essential and a priority.
- Vacuum everywhere, every day — carpets, baseboards, under and behind furniture, cracks — and then dispose of the bag in an airtight container.
- Wash bedding (yours and your pet’s) in very hot water, at least once a week for several weeks.
- Steam clean carpets if possible.
Why Professional Treatment
When the infestation persists, an exterminator certified for the use of registered pesticides knows the life cycle of the fleas and treats all stages of development, in all affected areas. According to Health Canada, combining animal and environmental treatment is the key to success.
Preventing fleas from returning
Maintain preventative treatment on your pets (according to your veterinarian), vacuum regularly, and inspect your pet after walks. For other pests, see our insect extermination page.
FAQ — Chips
Do fleas bite humans?
Where do fleas come from in the house?
How long to get rid of fleas?
Should we treat the animal AND the house?
Other pests we exterminate
Exterminateur Rive-Nord also deals with: bed bugs, wasps, spiders, flies, carpenter ants, cockroaches, as well as rodents and animal control.
A flea infestation to eliminate?
Complete environmental treatment, everywhere on the North Shore of Montreal — Laval, Terrebonne, Blainville, Repentigny, Mascouche and the surrounding areas.