Does your cat or dog look uncomfortable, constantly scratching or biting their fur? If your pet's discomfort seems intense, it might not be a simple skin irritation; fleas could be the culprits. While fleas prefer pets, they can also bite humans. Here are some ways to help prevent fleas and check if you have fleas in your home or on your pets.
Identifying signs of fleas in the house early can help in controlling the infestation. Fleas go through several life stages, from egg to larva, then pupa, and finally adult, so knowing where and what to look for can help you detect their presence.
Even if you don't spot fleas directly, there may still be signs of their presence in common household areas. Check for small dark specks on soft surfaces—this might be flea dirt. You might also notice that pets avoid certain areas, or that you're getting itchy after sitting on upholstered furniture.
Vacuuming carpets and washing furniture covers regularly can help reduce flea numbers, but these steps may only offer short-term relief. If you're noticing ongoing signs of fleas in your bed or other living spaces, professional treatment is recommended to address the full infestation and help protect your home.
Flea eggs and larvae are often hidden in cozy spots throughout your home. Female fleas lay tiny, oval-shaped eggs (about 0.5mm long) on your pet’s body, but these eggs don’t stay there; they easily fall off and settle into the places your pets frequent, like bedding, carpets, and furniture crevices. Due to their white color, flea eggs blend into rough surfaces, making them almost impossible to see.
Flea larvae, small and whitish, also tend to burrow deep within carpets, blankets, and upholstery, avoiding light as they develop. Regularly checking these areas can help you identify the early stages of an infestation before adult fleas start causing more noticeable issues.
If you have spotted any eggs, larvae, or other signs of fleas in the house, call Ehrlich free at 800-837-5520 and book an inspection.
While fleas often prefer animals, they can bite humans as well, typically on the ankles and legs. Flea bites are small and red and may appear in clusters. Flea bites usually stay small and can cause intense itching and irritation. But without seeing the flea bite, it’s almost impossible to determine the cause of the bite. To help determine whether fleas are biting you, it can help to have a pest control technician inspect your home or business.
If you're waking up with bites or noticing signs of fleas in your bed, it's worth inspecting your sleeping area. Look closely at the seams of your mattress and in the folds of blankets for tiny dark specks or movement. Fleas or their droppings might be present, especially if your pet sleeps in your bed. Even without visible bugs, consistent itchy patches or irritation after sleeping could point to an issue.
Adult fleas are tiny, reddish-brown insects with oval-shaped bodies, often visible on your pet’s fur or around your home. Adult fleas may also be seen on carpets, pet bedding, or furniture. If you notice small, fast-moving bugs or see small, black specks (flea dirt or flea feces), there’s a good chance fleas have moved in. Flea dirt turns red when dampened with soapy water due to the blood it contains.
Sometimes, it’s easy to think you’ve got rid of fleas in your home when you haven’t. This is because flea eggs are very difficult to spot.
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When infested with fleas, your pets may show visible and behavioral signs, such as excessive scratching, biting, or irritation on their skin. Paying attention to these signs can help catch a flea problem early on, minimizing your pet’s discomfort. However, it is always best to consult your veterinarian if you are worried about fleas on your pet. Before attempting any DIY treatments, seek their professional advice to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the chosen solution.
If your pet is frequently scratching, biting, or licking their fur, this may be an indicator of fleas. Flea bites release flea saliva, which can cause an itchy allergic reaction in pets. Pets often exhibit this behavior in response to intense itchiness, especially around areas like the tail, back, and belly.
Flea dirt, which resembles tiny black specks, is one of the most common signs of a flea infestation. Check your pet’s fur by parting it and looking for flea dirt on their skin, especially around the neck and tail. You may notice small white flea eggs attached to their fur. Fleas can also lead to hair loss as your pet scratches and bites the affected areas, trying to find relief.
Flea bites can lead to skin irritation, including redness, inflammation, and sometimes sores. Some pets may suffer from flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), an allergic reaction caused by flea saliva. This condition can cause intense itching, red patches, and scabs on your pet’s skin. Anti-itch creams and over-the-counter treatments may offer some relief, but a veterinarian visit is recommended first.
Severe flea infestations can cause blood loss, leading to anemia in pets. One of the telltale signs of anemia is pale gums. Gently lift your pet’s lip to check their gums; healthy gums should be pink, whereas pale gums indicate a need for immediate veterinary care. Anemia can be especially dangerous for small pets or young animals, as flea infestations can quickly impact their health.
Worried that your pet has fleas? Read our article on flea control for cats and dogs.
Fleas are persistent parasites that can enter your home in several ways. Pets are the primary carriers, but fleas can also hitch a ride on humans. Once inside, fleas can multiply rapidly, as the female flea can lay up to 50 eggs daily. Fleas thrive year-round in warm environments, making homes a prime spot for an infestation.
Prevention is key to keeping fleas out of your home and away from your pets. Here are some tips to help prevent flea infestations:
A flea infestation can be difficult to get rid of. Hiring a professional pest control technician can help. Ehrlich’s flea treatment services provide comprehensive pest management that targets fleas at all life cycle stages, from eggs and larvae to adults. Our flea exterminators use specialized treatments that eliminate fleas while ensuring the safety of your pets and family.
While DIY methods may seem appealing as a first step, they often don’t address the root cause of an infestation. Worse still, if they’re ineffective, this can give the infestation more time to develop. We provide targeted treatment and prevention tips to help ensure fleas don’t return.
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Flea bites on humans typically appear as small, red, itchy bumps, often clustered around the ankles, legs, or waist. These bites can cause intense itching, and some people may develop an allergic reaction, resulting in more redness or swelling around the bite. In rare cases, scratching flea bites may lead to secondary infections. However, without seeing a flea bite, it’s almost impossible to attribute a bite to a flea.
Yes, fleas can bite humans in bed, especially if they’ve already infested your home or pets. Although fleas prefer pets, they’ll bite humans if they need a blood meal.
There are several signs of a flea infestation. Look for symptoms on pets, such as excessive scratching, biting, or flea dirt (tiny black specks) on their skin and fur. You may also see small, fast-moving adult fleas on your pet or around your home, particularly carpets, bedding, or furniture. Flea bites on yourself or family members, usually around the ankles or lower legs, also indicate an infestation.
Yes, fleas can be in your bed. Fleas and their eggs may fall off your pet and become trapped in bedding, especially if your pet sleeps with you. Flea eggs and larvae often embed themselves in mattresses, blankets, and pet bedding, making it essential to wash these items frequently in hot water to eliminate them.
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