OK - embarrassing one. Fleas?

[sphil]

My son (4) keeps getting large red bites on his legs. This has happened over the last two weeks. I thought it had cleared up, but tonight in the bath I noticed about six more. The only thing I can think it might be is flea bites, as it's the wrong time of year for mosquitoes or midges surely? We don't have any pets, though next door's cat does come in occasionally. Is there anything else it could be? And if it is fleas,
what should I do to get rid of them?(apart from banning the cat)I'm really embarrassed about DS getting changed for PE at school too!

[sparklymieow]

You will need to buy ahousehold spray, the best one is one the vet provide, its about 20 quid a can though.

[Chandra]

Actually is far more expensive than 20 quid, I remember a bill for £63 to have the house treated (and guess where did the dog catch the fleas??? at the vet!!!)

I wouldn't spend such amount of money unless you are totally convinced you really have fleas at home.

[dolally]

we once had a terrible time with fleas in our house from the cat...they then set up home in the carpet. One way to check if you have them, ... walk or sit where the cat lies or sits...wearing white socks and trousers.... keep the cat away, if there is a flea infestation they will be hungry and jump on you (aaargh!) and you will see them easily. Once confirmed, the best way to get rid of them is the Frontline spray (or collar) on the cat and soft furnishings etc. I thought we might have to have the house fumigated but didn't in the end. Good luck!

[zebratwizzler]

Could be bedbugs, too, they are supposed to be very common.

Something is biting me lately, I know it's not fleas & think I have ruled out nits; I don't know what it could be.

I got bitten painfully by a spider under my son's bed the other night.

Did you know the average person swallows something like 6 insects every night in their sleep? Lots of creepies about, it seems...

[greyriver]

it could be the fleas that you get a school (and sometimes in offices????)....i think they are called paper fleas????

[BadHair]

If it's just your ds that's getting bitten it's unlikely to be an infestation in your house - unless the rest of you are particularly unpalatable for fleas!
We had carpet fleas at work and they took ages to get rid of, but luckily none of them came home with us. It could be that your ds is getting bitten at school not home.
Does he go anywhere else?

[hellsbellsdownunder]

we once rented a house that had fleas in the carpet. I was the only member of the family to get bitten. I bought loads of cans of spray (not expensive stuff) and kept spraying the carpet everyday for about a week and HEY PRESTO -end of problem. Good luck!