6 Signs You May Have a Flea Infestation
Fleas are persistent pests that thrive in homes with pets. While they’re small, their impact can be huge, causing discomfort for your family and furry friends. Knowing how to recognize the signs of a flea infestation can help you address the problem early and prevent it from worsening.
Below, we’ll walk you through six telltale signs you may have fleas and what you can do to reclaim your home.
Key Takeaways
Excessive scratching, sores, and flea dirt on pets indicate that fleas may have invaded your home.
Black specks, adult fleas, eggs, or larvae found in carpets, furniture, or pet bedding confirm flea activity.
Clusters of itchy bites on the skin, especially near the ankles, suggest fleas are affecting humans as well.
A combination of pet treatments, thorough cleaning, and pest control services is essential to stop flea infestations.
1. Your Pet Is Constantly Scratching or Grooming
If your dog or cat can’t stop scratching, it’s a major red flag for pet owners.
Fleas bite to feed on their host’s blood meal, and the resulting irritation can make pets scratch excessively. Flea saliva can also cause an allergic reaction, leading to more severe itching or flea allergy dermatitis.
If you’ve noticed any of these signs, it’s worth checking for fleas:
Hair loss in areas like the neck or tail.
Scratches or sores on your pet’s skin.
Restlessness and frequent biting at fur.
A flea comb can help you confirm the presence of fleas or flea dirt in your pet’s fur.
2. The Presence of Flea Dirt
Flea dirt, or flea droppings, looks like tiny black or reddish-brown specks or black pepper. This "dirt" is actually dried blood that fleas excrete after feeding.
To confirm the dirt is flea feces, collect some specks on a wet paper towel—if it turns brownish-red, you probably have a flea problem at hand.
3. Unexplained Bites on Your Skin
Fleas don’t just target pets—they can bite humans, too.
These bites are usually clustered or appear in a straight line and are often mistaken for bed bugs. Found on ankles, feet, or areas close to the ground, they are worse in the morning after sleeping near flea-infested areas.
If flea bites persist, check your pet bedding and carpets for fleas or larvae.
4. Spotting Adult Fleas in Your Home
Adult fleas are small and oval-shaped, about 1/8 inch in size. They are reddish-brown and quick movers, making them easy to miss unless you’re actively looking for them.
You can spot them:
Hopping in your pet's fur.
Jumping near your legs as you walk through a room.
A flea collar can help deter fleas from staying on your pet, but you’ll also need to treat your home to eliminate all stages of the flea life cycle year-round.
5. Flea Eggs, Larvae, and Pupae
Fleas have a complex life cycle that includes eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults.
While adults are easier to spot, their offspring can be harder to find. Flea eggs are tiny and white, often falling off your pet and landing in places like pet bedding or carpeting.
Flea larvae look like small, pale worms and hide in dark areas. Inside a cocoon, flea pupae are sticky, clinging to carpets and cracks in the flooring.
A thorough cleaning with hot water and a powerful vacuum in areas where female fleas may lay eggs can help reduce the population.
6. Signs of Flea-Related Health Issues
In severe cases, fleas can cause serious health problems for your pets. Since they feed on blood, an infestation can lead to anemia, especially in young or small animals.
Here are symptoms to watch for:
Pale gums, which indicate blood loss.
Lethargy or low energy levels.
Unusual behavior, such as hiding or avoiding activity.
Additionally, fleas can carry tapeworms, which your pet might ingest while grooming. This adds another layer of risk for your furry companions.
How to Get Rid of Fleas
If you’ve noticed any of these signs, it’s time to take action. As pet parents, here’s a step-by-step plan to address the infestation:
Pet Treatments: Use veterinarian-recommended products like shampoos, topical treatments, or sprays to kill fleas on your pet.
Clean Thoroughly: Wash pet bedding and linens in hot water to kill eggs and larvae. Vacuum carpets, rugs, and furniture, and immediately dispose of the vacuum bag.
Treat Your Home: Apply flea control sprays or foggers to kill fleas hiding in cracks, upholstery, or carpeting.
Yard Care: Don’t forget your yard in your flea prevention. Treating grassy areas and potential hotspots can help prevent re-infestation.
Don’t Wait to Tackle Your Flea Problem
Fleas can multiply rapidly, turning a minor annoyance into a major infestation. By recognizing these six signs of fleas and taking immediate action, you can protect your family and pets from further discomfort.
At Kodiak Pest Control, we specialize in fast and effective flea treatment to help you reclaim your home. Don’t let fleas take over—contact us today to schedule your service or learn more about how we can help you live a flea-free life.
