Fleas do not typically live on humans; they prefer animal hosts. However, according to Bentley, they will resort to biting people when animals are unavailable and can then readily return to pets.

For those who continue discovering fleas but don't have any animal companions, Rogers explained that there may be a larger issue at play, such as a wild animal living inside or beneath your house.

All cat and dog owners in the UK have been warned flea infestations at this time of year “more common than many people realise”.