Buy Online
GET STARTED

Fleas

Active Seasons

Illustration representing the spring season
Illustration representing the summer season
Illustration representing the winter season
Illustration representing the fall season

Appearance and Size Facts

  • Reddish-brown in color
  • Wingless, blood-sucking insects
  • Bodies are laterally compressed (flattened side to side) permitting easy movement
  • Long legs are well adapted for jumping
  • Body is hard, polished, and covered with many hairs and short spines directed backward
  • The mouthparts of an adult flea are adapted for sucking blood from a host
  • Size: Small, at only about 1/6 inch long

Behavior and Habitat of Fleas

Fleas are parasites that feed on the blood of their hosts, which are normally humans or pets. They have powerful legs that enable them to jump approximately 7 inches vertically and 14 inches horizontally. The female flea lays tiny, white eggs loosely on the hairs, in the feathers, or in the habitat of the host. The eggs readily fall off the host onto the ground, floors, bedding, or furniture. Some fleas can lay 500 eggs over a period of several months. The adult Cat flea, unlike many other fleas, remains on the host, and requires a fresh blood meal in order to successfully reproduce. The Cat flea is the most frequently found species, even on dogs and other mammals. The Dog flea, however, is rarely seen in the United States and is more common in Europe. Fleas may attack a wide variety of warm blooded animals including dogs, humans, chickens, rabbits, squirrels, rats, and mice. They are most often brought into the home on pets from outside.

Image of a magnifying glass

Signs of Infestation of Fleas

A common indication of flea activity would be pets that repeatedly scratch and groom themselves or bites on people that leave behind itchy bite marks. Another sign is flea dirt (the adult flea feces), which consisted of dried, digested blood from the host. The flea dirt looks similar to coarse ground black pepper and may be seen in areas where the animal host rests.

An illustration representing a warning sign for bug infestation

Tips for Prevention of Fleas

Ensure your home is clean: vacuum thoroughly, sweep and mop regularly, wash all bedding and linens on the hottest water temperature setting allowable, and clear the floor of debris. Additionally, make sure to take your pet to the veterinarian for a flea treatment.

A cropped image of a pencil

Fleas Gallery

Photograph of fleas
Photograph of fleas number 2
Photograph of fleas number 3

Latest Pest & Termite Control News

Subterranean Termite Control in West Palm Beach: Sentricon Colony Elimination

Subterranean Termite Control in West Palm Beach: Sentricon Colony Elimination

Here in Palm Beach County and our northern neighbors in the Treasure Coast, including subterranean termite prevention and control as a part of your general home maintenance plan is essential. This is especially true in West Palm Beach, which was named in the “Top 10 Worst Termite...

Read More ›
New Year Pest Control Resolutions for Your South Florida Home

New Year Pest Control Resolutions for Your South Florida Home

A new year means new pests are trying to call your South Florida house their home. This year, along with new year’s resolutions to improve your health, finances, attitude, and whatever other things you want to change in your life, make this year the year you keep your South Florida home...

Read More ›
Expert Advice on Protecting Your Home and Lawn from Pests this Winter

Expert Advice on Protecting Your Home and Lawn from Pests this Winter

Living in South Florida means rodents, ants, and other pests don't take the winters off! Meanwhile, your lawn needs less watering and mowing during the winter months and is susceptible to various diseases such as brown patch fungus. Your lawn in winter While we’re outdoors, let’s talk...

Read More ›