Pest guide

Fleas

Fleas are wingless, blood-feeding insects with powerful jumping legs. They typically arrive on pets or wildlife and quickly establish in carpets, pet bedding, and yard shade. Only about 5% of a flea infestation is adult fleas — the rest are eggs, larvae, and pupae hiding in fabric.

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01 — Identification

What fleas look like

Size

1/12"–1/6" (about 2 mm).

Color

Dark reddish-brown.

Shape

Laterally flattened (thin side-to-side), powerful hind legs.

How to tell them apart

Jump up to 13 inches vertically — far further than any similar-sized insect.
Flea 'dirt' (digested-blood feces) on pet bedding turns red when wetted.

02 — Life cycle

How they grow and reproduce

Egg to adult in 2–3 weeks under ideal conditions, or dormant pupae for months in cool conditions.

1
Egg
2–14 days
Laid on host; falls into bedding and carpets.
2
Larva
5–20 days
Worm-like; eats flea dirt and organic debris in carpet fibers.
3
Pupa
1 week to 1 year
Cocooned and dormant; resists insecticides.
4
Adult
2–3 months
Feeds within hours of emerging.

03 — Risks & behavior

What to watch for

Health risks

Itchy bites, typically around ankles and lower legs.
Flea allergy dermatitis is the most common skin condition in dogs and cats.
Vector for tapeworms; rare vector for plague and murine typhus.

Home & property risks

Carpet, upholstery, and pet bedding become reservoirs of eggs and larvae.
Yard infestations re-introduce fleas after indoor treatment.

Behavior at a glance

Diet

Blood — preferring dogs, cats, rodents, and wildlife. Will feed on humans if necessary.

When active

Adults are active year-round indoors; outdoor activity peaks in warm, humid weather.

Peak season

Spring through fall outdoors; year-round in heated homes.

Pupae can lie dormant in carpets for months and hatch when they sense vibration.
Treat pet, home, and yard at the same time to break the cycle.

04 — Treatment

How to get rid of fleas

Treat the pet, the home, and the yard simultaneously — and repeat 2–3 weeks later to catch newly hatched fleas.

1
Bathe pets with flea shampoo and start a vet-approved preventive.
2
Wash all pet bedding hot and dry on high.
3
Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and under furniture daily for two weeks; dispose of the bag.
4
Apply a flea spray to carpets and treat shaded yard areas with granules or spray.
5
Repeat indoor and yard treatment in 14–21 days.