Fleas are tiny, dark reddish-brown insects measuring between 1/16 and 1/8 of an inch long. Their flattened, oval-shaped bodies allow them to move easily through an animal’s fur. Fleas have powerful rear legs that enable them to jump surprisingly far for their size. They have tiny hairs on their legs that help them grip onto their host as they move quickly. If you spot a flea on your pet, it will appear as a tiny, hard-shelled speck that instantly vanishes into the fur, making it difficult to detect.
The most obvious sign of a flea infestation is their bites—small, itchy red bumps that often appear on your ankles, legs, or around your waist. Fleas are likely in your home if you or your pets are getting bitten. To catch an infestation early, watch your pets for excessive scratching and use a flea comb to check for fleas or flea dirt in their fur. Inspect pet bedding, carpets, and furniture for signs of flea activity before the problem worsens.
If you suspect flea activity in your home but have checked your pet’s bedding and didn’t find fleas, you might wonder where they’re hiding. Here are a few common spots and why fleas tend to gather there:
When fleas hatch, they are not jumping insects. Their larvae are worm-like. These tiny worms hide from view until they become adult (jumping) insects.
Most flea bites only result in red, itchy wounds, which are so common that it is easy to think that flea bites are only annoying. However, there is a disease concern because fleas can spread diseases that impact human health. A few examples are cat scratch disease (Bartonella henselae), murine typhus (Rickettsia typhi), and tapeworms. While these diseases are rare, we recommend learning about how they are transmitted and their symptoms.
If you have a dog or a cat, you likely already know the answer to this question—in part. Dogs and cats bring fleas in from the outdoors. But, when veterinarian-prescribed flea products are applied, and flea infestations persist, you may wonder, “Can fleas enter my home in some other way besides riding on my pets?” Here are a few facts to help you sort this out:
Getting rid of fleas isn’t as simple as spraying a store-bought product and calling it a day. Fleas have a complex life cycle; if you don’t eliminate eggs, larvae, and adults simultaneously, the infestation will return. DIY treatments often fail because they don’t reach fleas hiding deep in carpets, cracks, and pet bedding. Plus, over-the-counter sprays and foggers can be ineffective and even harmful if misused. The best way to eliminate fleas for good is with professional pest control. Contact Four Seasons Pest Control to find out how we can help!
In addition to professional pest control, here are the most effective ways to keep fleas out of your home:
Very nice and professional. Always happy with Four Seasons; their staff and technicians are always a pleasure. Thank you Josh and Four Seasons for your excellent service.
Christopher W.
Ringgold, VA
I have been a Four Seasons customer from the beginning. All of the service workers have been great over the years. Josh is friendly and answers my questions. I am pleased with his competence to rid my home of pests. Thank you, Josh!
Faye P.
Greensboro, NC
Four Seasons is an excellent company. They respond quickly to whatever your needs are and are willing to do anything necessary to handle your service requests. They have top notch people in the office and the field. I recommend Four Seasons highly.
John D.
Danville, VA
Helpful Tips & Info
