BRITS are being warned to prepare for an early Halloween horror as the worst plague of fleas in years sweeps the nation.

       Hot summer days, plenty of rain, and a mild autumn has created the perfect breeding conditions for the vampire-like pests, experts say.

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       A plague of 'super fleas' could be infesting your home this winter Credit: Getty

       Chris Socratous, pet care expert at Bob Martin, said they are itching to get under our skin.

       He said: "We've seen some really unusual weather patterns across the UK in recent months.

       "When you combine this with thousands of potentially first-time or inexperienced owners who welcomed a pet into their home during the various lockdowns, we could be facing one of the worst flea and tick seasons for years."

       Experts have also warned that some invaders will be "super fleas", breeding like rabbits.

       These pesky parasites are also immune to poisons and resistant to shop-bought powders.

       Chris said the best way to deal with them is to stop them getting into our houses in the first place.

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       He said: "It's really important that all pet owners keep on top of prevention and treatments, and ensure they're aware of the risks associated with flea, tick and worm infestations.

       "It can be a nuisance at best, or at worst, life-threatening for you and your pet.

       "On rare occasions, tick bites can cause Lyme Disease in humans, a potentially life-threatening infection, and, as well as being itchy and painful, flea bites can also transmit other harmful diseases."

       Pharmacists at Chemist Direct have reported a jump in sales of Anthisan flea bite cream.

       But pet owners are being blamed for not applying anti-louse treatments properly.

       A spokesman for pest controllers Basis Prompt warned one reason for the flea surge is people leaving the central heating on longer and longer each year which creates the perfect breeding ground.

       "If you do have fleas in your home, you may even see them jumping on your carpet or furniture" they added.

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       Mild autumn weather has created the perfect breeding ground for fleas

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