Quick Identification Guide: Do You Have Fleas?

1. Check for Physical Signs

• Bites on Skin: Flea bites typically appear as small, red bumps. They are often found in clusters, usually around the ankles, legs, or waist. Flea bites can be very itchy.
• Pets Scratching or Biting: If you have pets, they may scratch, bite, or groom themselves excessively due to flea bites. Check for signs of discomfort, especially around the neck, belly, and tail areas.

2. Look for Fleas or Flea Dirt

• Visual Inspection: Fleas are small, dark brown insects, about 1/8 inch long. They have flat bodies and long hind legs, making them excellent jumpers. Use a fine-toothed flea comb to inspect your pet’s fur, especially around the neck and base of the tail.
• Flea Dirt: Flea dirt is flea feces, which looks like tiny black specks. To confirm, place the specks on a wet paper towel. If they turn red, it's flea dirt, as it contains digested blood.

3. Check Your Environment

• Pet Bedding and Carpets: Inspect your pet’s bedding, carpets, and furniture for adult fleas, eggs, or larvae. Flea eggs are small, white, and often hard to see, while larvae look like tiny white worms.
• Floors and Upholstery: Fleas often hide in cracks in floors and upholstered furniture. You may notice them jumping when you disturb these areas.

4. Differentiate from Other Pests

• Bed Bugs: Unlike fleas, bed bugs are flat and reddish-brown. They often bite in a line or cluster and leave behind reddish stains on bedding. Bed bugs are usually found near beds and couches.
• Mites: Mites can also cause itching but are typically too small to see with the naked eye. They often cause more generalized itching and irritation.
• Lice: Lice are found primarily on humans, especially in hair, and are visible to the naked eye. They do not jump like fleas.
• Spring Tails: Many people will think that springtails are fleas because they are small and jump around. However, they do not bite are only found in humid areas like bathrooms.