I have the heebie jeebies... How do i know if the fleas are gone when i couldn't even see them in the first place?

[FiveSugarsPlease]

Took my new kittens for a check up yesterday to be told - much to my surprise - they have fleas! My skin is still crawling.

The animal's have been kept inside since I got them three weeks ago, which must mean they contracted them from the breeder's house. So, I've had fleas in my house for three whole weeks and not even noticed!

The vet gave them each a little drop on their necks. And sold me something called Acclaim for the house. I went a bit mad (haven't actually been to bed yet). Every piece of fabric in the house has been washed and sprayed. I pulled every single piece of furniture out and hovered/mopped behind it and sprayed.

Ever since this revelation yesterday, I haven't stopped itching. There's no marks on either me or my daughter but I just feel all itchy now.

So how do I know the fleas have gone when I couldn't even see them in the first place? I'm actually scared to get into my bed (I've just went and bought new bedding!) in case one goes on me.

I've heard about leaving a bowl of water out under a light to trap them. Will this work to show me how many i'm dealing with?

The fleas will all jump on to your kittens at some point and die. I really wouldn't worry too much about it as they will always find the animals. Any eggs will hatch and jump straight onto your kittens then die, they can't breed without your kittens feeding them but as soon as they bite they'll die. Problem will solve itself

Thank you, Queen!

Well, I slept brilliantly last night, since I hadn't been to bed for almost 48hours.

I did the lamp trick, with the soapy water, and there were no fleas inside this morning in the living room. I still find it strange I haven't seen a single one, yet the vet insists my cat had 'flea dirt'.

I'm going to hoover the house everyday until my next appointment in 2 weeks, just to be sure. That's interesting to hear the problem will resolve itself.

And, I've just found the Acclaim spray for £10 online, yet my vet charged me £30 for it!

Vets charge the earth! Always shop around first.
Don't ever get those flea bombs, it's dangerous for your kittens.
You've not got an infestation so you've got an easy time ahead, just wash the beds and blankets in a hot wash and Hoover regular.
Kittens are prone to the odd flea until they get the first few treatments done. My cat came to me with fleas but they all died on him and after the 3rd monthly spot on he was free of them. I never saw them but the vet found dirt, he's now four and I've never seen a flea on him or found dirt. He has regular frontline.
Sleep soundly knowing you won't get attacked by the little buggas

Vacuum every day or every other day for a while.

Keep on top of the flea treatment.

Before a year is up, spray the whole house again.

Get flea comb and brush the kitten whilst standing it on a white kitchen towel/towel. Any black bits that turn red when damp indicate fleas.